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 July 19 - 25, 2009 |
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Saturday July 25, 2009 |
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Disney's test of centralized FastPass distribution at Animal
Kingdom Florida-resident deal coming for La Nouba performances Viacom, Time-Warner and Disney to report this week; ad sales still down |
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Disney's test of centralized FastPass distribution at Animal
Kingdom
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Florida-resident deal coming for La Nouba performances Theme Park Rangers - Cirque du Soleil will be offering a Florida resident discount for performances to "La Nouba" at Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney. For each "Category 2" ticket sold, Floridians can buy another one for $25. (Category 2 seats normally sell for $83). The deal runs for performances from
August 18 through October 3. (Note: there are no performances
September 20-28). Cirque Some additional particulars: + Tickets must be purchased in pairs for the same performance. + Proof of Florida residency required. + Not valid for previously purchased tickets, gift certificates or other discounts. + Performances are 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. + Tickets are available at the La Nouba box office or by calling 407-939-7328. |
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Viacom, Time-Warner and Disney to report this week; ad sales
still down MarketWatch - Analysts are expecting to see lackluster June-quarter results when media giants Viacom Inc., Time Warner Inc. andWalt Disney Co. issue earnings reports this coming week. But Wall Street will be even more interested in what the third and fourth quarters seem likely to yield. While media stocks have advanced in recent months on hopes of an advertising recovery in the second half of the year, some experts are doubtful that this round of earnings reports will lend credence to that optimism. Viacom (VIA .B 24.10, -0.12, -0.50%) (VIA 25.46, -0.11, -0.43%) will issue second-quarter results before the market opens on Tuesday. Analysts are anticipating a profit of 54 cents a share on revenue of $3.5 billion, according to a survey taken by Thomson Reuters. In the same quarter last year, Viacom earned 65 cents a share on sales of $3.86 billion. Observers will watch for the company's comments on advertising trends at its cable networks, which include MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, TV Land, BET and Nickelodeon. Chief Executive Philippe Dauman said in April that the ad market appeared to be stabilizing. Time Warner (TWX 27.58, -0.30, -1.08%) , the world's largest media company, reports earnings before Wednesday's opening bell. Respondents to Thomson Reuters' survey expect the company to post a profit of 37 cents a share on revenue of $6.97 billion. A year earlier, prior to a spinoff of Time Warner Cable (TWC 33.42, +0.15, +0.45%) and a 3-for-1 reverse stock split, the company reported earnings per share of 22 cents, excluding charges, on revenue of $11.98 billion. Time Warner in May announced the long-awaited spinoff of AOL, ending a tumultuous association that began when AOL acquired the company eight years ago. Now, many investors will be watching to see what's in store for Time Inc., the magazine unit that includes Time, Sports Illustrated and People, as it seems to be the next major Time Warner asset with limited upside potential. Ad sales trends at the cable networks and the latest on DVD sales will surely be among other earnings call topics that will be listened to carefully. Walt Disney Co. (DIS 26.58, -0.22, -0.82%) will issue quarterly results on Thursday after the market closes. Analysts expect a profit of 51 cents a share on sales of $8.82 billion. In the third fiscal quarter of 2008, Disney earned 62 cents a share, excluding a gain, on sales of $9.24 billion. In addition to trends at ABC, ESPN and the company's other television outlets, investors will be anxious to hear about the latest booking trends at Disney's theme parks, which appeared in May to be more resilient to the economic crisis than some had anticipated. |
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Friday July 24, 2009 |
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How long will Disney prop up attendance with deep discounts? Disney ABC TV to showcase slate of shows at Comic Con 'G-Force' Is a Special Effects Bonanza That Utterly Flunks Storytelling 101 Disney Plans Alice in Wonderland Game for IPhone Disney's Bay Lake Tower Set to Open August 4th NY Post blames ESPN for outing nude reporter video Disney magic brightens cancer wing Disneyland Hometown to Build Eco-Friendly Rail Station |
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How long will Disney prop up attendance with deep discounts? Orlando Sentinel - The Walt Disney Co. has managed to keep its theme parks filled so far this year with a series of deep discounts that have helped lure travelers despite the global recession. The question now, company watchers say, is how long will Disney have to continue using promotions to prop up attendance? The booking window for Disney's current marquee offer — free dining for guests who book five-night Walt Disney World vacations for travel from late August until Oct. 3 — is set to expire this weekend. But Disney recently began contacting some customers with offers of free dining for travel as late as mid-December, prompting speculation that the resort is about to formally extend the promotion or replace it with a new offer. With the battered economy showing few signs of an imminent rebound, some analysts say Disney has little choice but to continue discounting if it wants to keep its theme-park turnstiles clicking. "Without an economic recovery in sight, we believe Disney cannot afford to let demand fall in the December quarter," Richard Greenfield, a stock analyst who covers Disney for Pali Capital, wrote earlier this month on the firm's research blog. By continuing widespread discounts, however, Disney would be wielding a doubled-edged sword. Further promotions would likely help Disney World and Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., continue the resilience they have shown during the recession. Attendance at the parks has remained relatively flat with last year's levels, while rival operators such as NBC Universal have suffered double-digit percentage declines. Disney executives have made sustaining attendance at their theme parks a top priority during the downturn, noting that the parks both depend on strong word of mouth from satisfied tourists to fuel future visits and serve as important brand builders for properties ranging from Toy Story to Tinker Bell. But analysts say the longer the Disney parks use discounts to drive traffic, the greater the risk that the parks are simply cannibalizing future business. Promotions can wind up persuading vacationers who were planning to take trips later to travel immediately instead, leaving a hole in future demand. That is one reason why everyone from company investors to tourism promoters will be listening closely for clues about future booking patterns when Disney reports its third-quarter earnings next week. "Forward-booking insight will help investors determine whether demand has been 'pulled forward' or if Disney has balanced pricing and demand," Michael Morris, a media analyst for UBS Securities, wrote in a July 17 research note. Morris thinks that attendance at Disney World — where many current tourists are still benefiting from the seven-nights-for-the-price-of-four hotel package Disney offered earlier this year — actually inched up 1 percent during the March-through-June period, which is the third quarter of Disney's fiscal year. But he predicts attendance will fall by 5percent from July through September, Disney's fiscal fourth quarter. Another risk of lingering discounts is that tourists could come to expect a certain level of bargain in the future. Greenfield, of Pali Capital, said he thinks fear is partly why Disney is more likely to extend the free-dining promotion rather than bring back the seven-for-four hotel deal, even though Greenfield said he thinks the hotel offer "stimulated far more demand" than the free-dining packages. "We suspect Disney is fearful of maintaining a promo for too long, as it will be hard to remove the discounting in the future if consumers come to expect a certain promotion," Greenfield wrote. Disney executives say they have been mindful of the long-term effect of promotions. At a conference last month, Disney Co. Chief Financial Officer Tom Staggs said the management of Disney's Parks and Resorts division "is being very thoughtful and deliberate about the type of offer they put in the marketplace." He pointed out that Disney has offered both the seven-for-four and free-dining packages in the past, though not necessarily for as long as they have this year. "I think that our ability to price it appropriately from where the marketplace is will continue," Staggs said. "And by that I mean, as we see recovery, I think that we will have the opportunity to be less aggressive on promotions, when that point comes." |
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Disney ABC TV to showcase slate of shows at Comic Con AP - The Disney/ABC Television Group (DATG) is looking to make its mark at the 2009 Comic-Con convention with a slate of series, including repeat favorites, new shows, an animated series, an upcoming new holiday animated special, an author's roundtable, futuristic action-adventure/sci-fi series and a cast reunion. The event takes place in San Diego, California from 23-25 July. Lost executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse will participate in their final convention appearance for the series. ABC's new drama series FlashForward will present its first-ever panel, featuring executive producers David S Goyer, Marc Guggenheim and Brannon Braga, as well as cast members Joseph Fiennes, John Cho, Courtney B. Vance, Christine Woods and Peyton List. Patricia Heaton, star of the upcoming ABC comedy series The Middle, makes her Comic-Con debut hosting a sneak peek screening of the series for her fans. ABC Studios' syndicated action-adventure series Legend of the Seeker will unveil a sneak peek of their upcoming second season; ABC Family's The Middleman will bring Comic-Con fans the first cast reunion since the series' completion, as well as a table read of the lost 13th episode, The Doomsday Armageddon Apocalypse, which was never produced but has been turned into a graphic novel. After last year's standing room only panel, television's number one animated series for kids, Disney's Phineas and Ferb, returns to Comic-Con. This year creators and executive producers Dan Povenmire and Jeff 'Swampy' Marsh, as well as cast members Vincent Martella, Olivia Olson and Tyler Mann, will participate in a Q&A session, preview a sneak peek of new episodes and offer the chance to win Phineas and Ferb prizes. The holiday special Prep and Landing, ABC's first-ever collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios, will receive a special preview at an animation panel headlined by Academy Award winner and executive producer John Lasseter. New York Times best-selling author Eoin Colfer previews his book, And Another Thing, the sixth installment in the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, as part of the panel The Care and Feeding of a Series. He will be joined by panelists Brian Herbert, Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie, D.J. MacHale, Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi. And Another Thing will be published by Hyperion Books, the Disney/ABC Television Group's in-house imprint, in October. DATG joins an increased Disney presence from past years that includes Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures' first-ever 3D panel with veteran directors Robert Zemeckis and Tim Burton and animation legends Hayao Miyazaki and John Lasseter. D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans and the Walt Disney Archives, will premiere a few never-before-exhibited artifacts from their collection of sci-fi, fantasy and adventure film costumes and props from Tron, The Rocketeer and The Black Hole. The display will be open throughout the event. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment will also be in attendance, screening their new digital motion comic series Time Jumper from Stan Lee. |
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'G-Force' Is a Special Effects Bonanza That Utterly Flunks
Storytelling 101 Washington Post - A dispiriting primer on the low regard Hollywood has for the intelligence and curiosity of children -- and the time and money of their parents -- "G-Force" is an aggressively stupid entry in the family-adventure genre from Jerry Bruckheimer, the mega-producer behind "Bad Boys," "The Rock," "Pearl Harbor" and other movies featuring explosions and quips.
An espionage thriller threateningly billed as "the first
Jerry Bruckheimer movie in 3-D," "G-Force" is a visual feast
and an intellectual famine. It's rare that there's such a
gulf between the care lavished on a film's lustrous look and
the carelessness exhibited in its perfunctory screenplay. At
least "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" had some
strained pseudo-philosophy.
The spies in "G-Force" are specially trained guinea pigs, Darwin (voiced by Sam Rockwell), Juarez (Penélope Cruz) and Blaster (Tracy Morgan). With the assistance of a buzzing, microcamera-laden fly and a tech-savvy mole (Nicolas Cage), the furry spooks of "G-Force" try to bring down arms dealer Leonard Saber (Bill Nighy) and save their tiny fraction of the FBI's research budget. Their handler is played by bearded comedian Zach Galifianakis, who, fresh off his inspired turn in "The Hangover," is somehow made boring here. (That a scene late in "G-Force" between veteran scene-stealers Galifianakis, Nighy and Will Arnett passes by without incident might be the movie's most inexplicable failing.) When the G-Force is disbanded and its principals are trapped in a pet shop with flatulent cage-mate Hurley (voiced by Jon Favreau), the spies must break out to foil Saber's nefarious plan for world domination. So far, so good. "G-Force" has a cute premise, and director Hoyt Yeatman, a longtime visual-effects supervisor, makes good use of 3-D, zipping viewers through tunnels, up walls and even, at one point, into Nighy's nose. I was especially fond of the lovely way that 3-D technology makes splashing water or flying sparks appear to splatter outside the picture's frame. From homicidal robotic coffeemakers to a dazzling fireworks display, "G-Force" is relentlessly visually inventive, which makes it a real shame that it's also unbearably dumb. After all, we don't love the Bruckheimer oeuvre only for the explosions, splendid though they may be -- we love Bruckheimer movies for the quips. And the quips of "G-Force" are sorely lacking. Instead of saying anything funny or surprising, the guinea pigs of "G-Force" utter banalities and stock phrases, as if the producers bought dialogue at some kind of bulk joke outlet. Morgan's guinea pig suffers particularly from this problem, spouting generic dated hip-hop catchphrases: "Let's take it to the house!" "That's off the hizzy!" "Pimp my ride!" Boilerplate like this is a poor substitute for legitimate Tracy Morgan craziness, a little of which might have gone a long way toward livening up "G-Force," which gets most of what little comic energy it has from a series of fart jokes. Not that I have anything against fart jokes. I just wish the fart jokes were better. Like all non-Pixar children's movies these days, "G-Force" also tosses in a few sops for the grown-ups, gags meant to make the parents in the audience nod knowingly and chuckle at the filmmakers' shrugging acknowledgment that a movie like this could never interest them. In "G-Force," these gags mostly entail barely masked cursing ("Holy foxes!" Darwin exclaims, upon seeing some foxes) or wan pop-culture references ("Yippee kay yay, coffee maker," Darwin says, while fighting a coffee maker). By the time Darwin, flattening a pursuing car's tires with a rotating saw blade, shouts: "This is my little friend! Say hello to it!" you realize that these references don't even rise to the level of satire. They're basically re-tweets from sources far more entertaining than this. The one exception is a brilliant 15-second parody of Magneto's concentration-camp origin story from "X-Men" -- "Son," a doomed father says, "if you ever have the chance to bring humans to their knees, do it" -- that made me laugh out loud. Sadly, that was the only time I did. Mostly, I thought about what children watching this movie would learn about storytelling: that it doesn't matter, that originality comes second to familiarity, that jokes need not be funny to "work." The sheer lack of wit in "G-Force" is baffling; it's easy to imagine a version of this high-concept adventure that features smarter characters, better lines and a more coherent plot. But Bruckheimer, super-producer, knows he's assured of boffo box office whether his movie is good or bad, thanks to a big marketing campaign and the Disney imprimatur, so he's evidently uninterested in whether it's well or poorly written. It's quite possible he doesn't even know the difference. Bruckheimer paid at least five screenwriters to work on this script, but unlike special effects, screenplays rarely get better when you throw money at them. G-Force (88 minutes, at area theaters) is rated PG for some mild action and rude humor. |
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Disney Plans Alice in Wonderland Game for IPhone
Macworld - Disney Interactive Studios has announced plans to release a video games based on "Alice in Wonderland," the live action movie directed by Tim Burton that will be coming to theaters early next year. The iPhone and iPod touch are on the list of supported platforms, though the Mac is noticeably absent. Burton, whose previous credits include The Nightmare Before Christmas, Batman, and Sweeney Todd, is directing the movie, which stars Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter and relative newcomer Mia Wasikowska as Alice. The story takes place years after the events in Lewis Carroll's classics "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass," when an older Alice finds herself once again in the surreal world of Wonderland -- or Underland, as it's known in the new film. The video game picks up the story, where Alice, accompanied by friends like the Mad Hatter, March Hare, Cheshire Cat and White Rabbit, has to defeat the Red Queen and Jabberwocky. Each of the characters helps Alice to evade traps and solve puzzles. The game is currently in development for the Wii, Windows and Nintendo DS, according to Disney, which plans to release those in February 2010 -- no Mac version was announced. Also in development is Alice in Wonderland: The Mobile Game for iPhone and iPod touch, which will be released in 2010. |
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Disney's
Bay Lake Tower Set to Open August 4th Real Estate Channel - Nearly 38 years after Disney's Contemporary Resort opened its doors, its modern Disney Vacation Club addition, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is scheduled to welcome guests on Aug. 4. This will be the seventh Disney Vacation Club (DVC) property at Walt Disney World Resort. All 15 stories of the ultra-sleek design continue the original building's iconic style, which opened with the Magic Kingdom theme park Oct. 1, 1971. Bay Lake Tower complements and pays homage to Disney's Contemporary Resort while also offering a variety of new amenities and conveniences - kitchenettes or full kitchens complete with granite countertops and modern appliances, and other homelike amenities. In addition, most of the 295 two-bedroom equivalent villas in the crescent-shaped tower offer spectacular views of Bay Lake or Magic Kingdom. Bay Lake Tower, like all DVC resorts, blends Disney magic with elegant design and premier accommodations. DVC members - and, based on availability, overnight Walt Disney World guests staying at Bay Lake Tower - can choose from a number of recreation activities and facilities, including a children's interactive water play area, Bay Cove Pool, a barbeque pavilion, a Community Hall and two nearby tennis courts. For easy access to Disney's Contemporary Resort's restaurants, merchandise shops and the monorail, the Sky Way Bridge takes members and guests from the fifth floor of Bay Lake Tower directly to the fourth floor Grand Canyon Concourse of Disney's Contemporary Resort. The opening of Bay Lake Tower is an exciting chapter in the history of Disney's Contemporary Resort. "Our resort motto is 'Where Tradition Touches Today,' and the marriage of our iconic resort with this elegant new Disney Vacation Club offering is a perfect example," said Thea Sargent, general manager of Disney's Contemporary Resort. "Plus, with all of the enhancements we have made to the resort over the last few years - from costumes and landscaping to restaurants and merchandise locations - we offer our overnight guests and DVC members an unparalleled 'contemporary' resort experience. I think this kind of evolution is exactly what Walt Disney envisioned for our resort." Bay Lake Tower is the third Disney Vacation Club offering to open at Walt Disney World Resort this year, following the first phase of Kidani Village at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. "What excites me most about this tremendous growth is that we're not only creating new accommodations but new experiences for our Disney Vacation Club members as well as our resort guests," said DVC President Jim Lewis. "Each of the projects we've undertaken at Disney Vacation Club is unlike anything previously available in our resort portfolio, and Bay Lake Tower proudly builds on that tradition." |
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NY
Post blames ESPN for outing nude reporter video AP - The New York Post says ESPN is to blame for identifying reporter Erin Andrews as the subject of a secretly filmed Internet video that shows a woman naked in a hotel room. Disney-owned ESPN is banning Post reporters from appearing on the company's programs because the newspaper published three photos from the video. A newspaper spokeswoman declined to comment on the ban Thursday. She referred The Associated Press to a Post story that takes the Bristol, Conn.-based network to task for allegedly publicizing the videos and outing Andrews. ESPN last week sent a letter to a Web site demanding that the video be removed. The person who posted the video didn't identify the nude woman, but her attorney's letter confirmed the video was of the 31-year-old reporter. An ESPN spokesman declined further comment Thursday. |
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Disney magic brightens cancer wing London Free Press - When Alicia Steinacker couldn't go to Disneyland, her friends and family brought Disneyland to her. Sitting on her London hospital bed decked out as Belle, the main character in Beauty and the Beast, the three-year-old shyly smiled as about a dozen people dressed as Disney characters piled into her Children's Hospital room. "It's very surprising. I didn't think there would be this many people," said her mom, Lisa Peck, as Alicia clutched her, a little unsure about Shrek standing nearby. Alicia's family wanted to take her to Disneyland after she was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma at the end of March. Ewing's sarcoma is a type of cancer that forms in the bones or soft tissue and is mostly found in children or teenagers. But the little girl was too sick to make the trip. Undeterred, her aunt, who works at Stratford's Children Services, and her co-workers ordered Disney costumes from the company. Yesterday, they got dressed up, hair and makeup done and visited Alicia, along with the other children in the oncology floor of the hospital. "We thought if we came today and made everybody smile that was a big thing for us," said Brenda Mason, the clinical director at Stratford's Children Services, who helped organize the day. "It's just been an overwhelming and humbling feeling for all of our people. It's been pretty awesome." A fan of princesses, Alicia said she liked Jasmine the best. The two visited quietly later and Alicia showed off her yellow princess dress -- which Disney sent her -- and her crown and gloves. "It brightened her day," said Peck, adding her daughter didn't know the visitors were coming. "She just knew that she got to put her princess dress on." The group decided to also hold a fundraiser for the Community Care Access Centre, which will help Alicia's family when she's well enough to go home. Princesses in the Park, will be held Aug. 23 at Upper Queens Park in Stratford. Kids can dress up as their favourite Disney character, have their hair done and later have brunch with all the characters. The fundraiser will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $30 for a family of three, $40 for a family of four and $50 for a family of five or more. For information, or to reserve tickets, go to www.princessinthepark.com. |
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Disneyland Hometown to Build Eco-Friendly Rail Station
Electric.co - Anaheim, CA is set to become the home to an all new eco-friendly high-speed rail station which will ultimately link with Disneyland theme parks. The project, named ARTIC, (Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center), will become a symbol for the city's increased efforts to provide eco friendly transportation and alternative energy options. ARTIC will cost a total of $180 million and is scheduled to be completed in 2013. Construction on the railway system will begin sometime early next year, although the start date is dependent upon funding from the federal government. "We're getting the critical infrastructure in place where you can actually envision a day in the future where you can reliably get around without a car," said Todd Osborne, vice-president at HOK. "I don't think we're talking about replacing the automobile, but maybe it's not every trip." The station, which will be the central hub for all connecting lines, including Disney's monorail, will be built with expandable EFTE membrane. The membrane will expand and contract to control natural lighting, saving on energy. Additionally the building will be outfitted with photovoltaics and hot water heating cells. The building was designed by HOK, an architectural company known for its energy saving designs. Special thanks to www.jamblemag.com for the above quote, for more information visit their website. |
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Thursday July 23, 2009 |
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Disney CEO:
Hulu could charge for content Disney does Alice in Wonderland game 'G-Force' likely to put guinea pigs atop pet list ESPN bans NY Post reporters over Andrews video Disney.com Announces 'U Rock 2' Finalists Disney Japan to sell movies in tiny memory cards Depp's next role unclear as green lights delayed Disney Unveils Fall '09 Tween Fashions with Virtual Runway Show on YouTube Splash Mountain Celebrates 20 Years of Waterbourne Plunges and 'Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah' Fun Hanes and Disney 'Design' the Celebration Vacation of a Lifetime Disneyland's Club 33 Waiting List Even Longer Than You Thought Disney CEO bullish on direct Web marketing to consumers The Men (and Boy) behind the Guinea Pigs Innovative Entertainment Technology Drives 'World of Color' – the Next Milestone in Expansion of Disney's California Adventure Disney warehouse sale is back Disney Cast Members Bring Backstage Magic to the Boys & Girls Club |
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Disney CEO:
Hulu could charge for content AP - Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Bob Iger says the Hulu online video streaming site could one day charge for its content. Iger made the comments at a technology conference put on by Fortune magazine on Wednesday. Disney took an equity stake in the joint venture in April, joining its founders, NBC Universal and News Corp., and agreed to provide TV shows and movies to the site. Iger said the company believes consumers are willing to pay for content online. He added that the company was working on a Disney-branded site that would make available movies, TV shows and games to consumers who pay for a subscription. |
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Disney does Alice
in Wonderland game CVG Online - Disney's to release games based on the upcoming Tim Burton film adaptation of Alice in Wonderland for Wii, PC and DS. Developed by Etranges Libellules in France, The Wii and PC versions follow the film's storyline as well as introducing new fiction and locations. An "upgradeable combat system" is included, as well as a level setup where players collect "impossible ideas" to replay levels and unlock Underland's secrets. The Nintendo DS version will have players creating their own paths through Underland and DSi owners will even be able to unlock content via camera. "These games fully capture the magnificent and whimsical world of Underland while experiencing key moments from the film," said Disney marketing man, Craig Relyea in his best PR voice. "More than just a retelling of the movie, Alice in Wonderland introduces fans to an entirely new style of innovative gameplay designed to challenge the puzzle solving skills of older players while making the adventures accessible and enjoyable for the younger crowd. Innovative gameplay and distinct artistic styles on each platform gives players a range of unique and engaging experiences." It's out for Wii, Nintendo DS, PC and iPhone the same week as the film in early 2010. |
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'G-Force' likely to put guinea pigs atop pet list AP - The Disney movie "G-Force" shows a squad of specially trained, computer-generated guinea pig spies coming to the world's rescue. After the movie comes out, though, animal activists say it will be real life guinea pigs who need rescuing. Some guinea pig rescue groups have already posted pleas to those who might rush out to buy the furry little rodents. "I can tell you, every single rescue in the United States and abroad took a look at that movie trailer and said, 'Oh God, here we go,'" said Whitney Potsus, vice president of The Critter Connection, Inc., in Durham, Conn. The Orange County Cavy (aka guinea pig) Haven in Costa Mesa has already posted urgent Internet pleas to parents asking them to say no when their children beg for guinea pigs, because the animals are too fragile for young children. It's happened before. Some call it "101 Dalmations syndrome," after the live-action Disney movie that sent thousands rushing to buy the black-and-white spotted pups. When the dogs failed to act like those in the movie, families gave them up, breeders said. The popularity of Chihuahuas soared after the movies "Legally Blonde" and "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and when Taco Bell featured a talking one in an ad campaign. Ferrets were the animal of choice after "Along Came Polly" and guinea pigs were in demand after "Bedtime Stories." In "G-Force," which opens Friday, Agents Juarez, Darwin and Blaster drive cars, parachute, use blowtorches, swim, talk, walk on two legs, live in tanks with mice and rats and use hamster balls, Lyn Zantow, a volunteer for the Orange County group, warns on her Web site. In real life, guinea pigs are noisy, eat and poop all the time, require big and clean cages, don't swim and can be expensive to care for if they get sick, she said, adding that they should be kept out of the hands of young children. "We can only hope ... parents will all do their research before bringing any critters home. Otherwise, when the novelty wears off, rescues everywhere are going to have their hands full with surrenders," Potsus said. A guinea pig can scare or startle easily and if a child doesn't have a good hold, it will run off. "Guinea pigs can't jump," said Fenella Fpeece, president of Wee Companions Small Animal Adoption Inc. in San Diego. A fall, even from a sofa, will paralyze them, break their backs and then "they are probably as good as dead." She is worried about the big plastic balls used in the movie and sold in pet stores. They are made for hamsters and mice, she said. "Guinea pigs don't have flexible backs and they don't go in wheels." They also have delicate digestive systems. "Kids get distracted. If you forget to feed it, it's done. Its little life is over," Fpeece said. She has already been asked if she has a guinea pig that looks like one of the agents. And ads on Craigslist are offering "'G-Force' type guinea pigs. I am really worried," she said. Activists say there are several waves of worry ahead: when the movie debuts in theaters, when it comes out on DVD and when the novelty wears off. About 795,000 homes have guinea pigs as pets, according to the American Pet Products Association, based in Greenwich, Conn. Volunteers from most guinea pig rescue groups will beef up opening weekend public education programs in an effort to prevent impulse buys, said Susan Lee, director and CEO of the Costa Mesa group. Jan Davidson, founder of Deerbrook Guinea Pig and Rabbit Haven in Oakhurst, said other rescue workers have been asking her what to do. One said she was afraid to post new adoption notices because "it is hard enough to find good homes for them as it is." Disney is aware of the power of the movies and works to promote a strong pet responsibility message, a studio spokeswoman said. For "Beverly Hills Chihuahua," Disney made sure most of the animals in the movie came from shelters and each was adopted when the movie was over. For "G-Force," a statement will be posted on the movie's Web site and on other promotional materials, advising viewers to be responsible and research any pet "to make sure that it is suitable for your particular situation" and consider adopting from a shelter. Potsus, who has four guinea pigs, hopes parents will fudge a little to protect the animals. "We hope parents will use money or time as an excuse," she said. "We like to think the bad economy would cut down on some impulsive decisions." Instead of delicate animals who can't talk, shoot or travel through space, Davidson suggested an alternative for children who want to re-enact stunts with the movie's stars: guinea pigs of the stuffed or plastic variety. |
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ESPN
bans NY Post reporters over Andrews video AP - ESPN banned staffers from the New York Post from appearing on any of its programming on Wednesday after the newspaper published photos this week taken from a video showing sideline reporter Erin Andrews nude in a hotel room. The Post published three images from the blurry video Tuesday. "While we understand the Post's decision to cover this as a news story, their running photos obtained in such a fashion went well beyond the boundaries of common decency in the interest of sensationalism," ESPN senior vice president of communications Chris LaPlaca said in a statement Wednesday night. Newspaper reporters are regular guests on ESPN shows. Post spokesman Howard Rubenstein did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press. The News Corp.-owned Post was one of several TV networks and newspapers that aired or published images from the video, which Andrews' attorney says was shot without her knowledge. Andrews plans to seek criminal charges and file civil lawsuits against the person who shot the video and anyone who publishes the material, attorney Marshall Grossman said. Kelly McBride, a journalism ethics expert with the Florida-based Poynter Institute, said it was unethical for news organizations to show images from the Andrews video. "There is some illegally obtained material, leaked documents or video of a CIA person torturing a soldier, or stuff taken out of Gitmo, that I think has great public importance," McBride said. "But this doesn't do that at all. "I actually do believe in giving the audience what they want to certain restraints, and I think this clearly crosses that line," she said. "I don't think with a straight face you could justify this on journalistic grounds." The blurry, five-minute video shows Andrews standing in front of a hotel room mirror, fixing her hair in the nude. It's unknown when or where it was shot. Andrews, 31, has covered hockey, college football, college basketball and Major League Baseball for the Disney-owned network since 2004, often as a sideline reporter during games. A former dance team member at the University of Florida, she was something of an Internet sensation even before the video's circulation. She has been referred to as "Erin Pageviews" because of the traffic that video clips and photos of her generate, and Playboy magazine named her "sexiest sportscaster" in both 2008 and 2009. It was not clear when the video first appeared on the Internet. Most of the links to it had been removed by Tuesday. Every state but Iowa now has some law on the books dealing with video voyeurism, according to the National Center for Victims of Crime. "With people disseminating these images over the Internet, there is a potential for people to abuse the victim again and again," said Ilse Knecht, the center's deputy director for public policy. "States have begun to recognize that it's not just some guy taking a picture and looking at it in a dark room." Many of the state laws are based on a 2004 federal statute that prohibits recording anyone's "private areas" without consent under circumstances where the victim has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Penalties vary in each state, ranging from fines to several years in prison. Connecticut's law can result in up to five years in prison. Knecht said several states, including New York, have laws prohibiting people from disseminating these images. Knecht said it's not clear whether that applies to the media. "If they knew at the time that the conduct was unlawful, then it's kind of sketchy," she said. |
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Disney.com
Announces 'U Rock 2' Finalists BUSINESS WIRE - Thousands of future rock stars uploaded videos to Disney.com for the chance to win the ultimate rocker experience but only one rocker in each category will win. Finalists for U Rock 2 have been selected and are currently up for voting on Disney.com (www.Disney.com/URock) allowing fans to decide the winning rock stars. Launched in June, U Rock 2 gave music lovers the opportunity to create their own videos set to songs from popular Disney artists and post their original videos on the U Rock site. Finalists voting will continue through 9AM PT on August 3rd, 2009 on Disney.com and via mobile phone by texting UROCK to DISNEY (347639).* The winners will receive a trip to Los Angeles, an in-studio “Take Over” at Radio Disney, a visit to the set of a Disney Channel show, and more. U Rock 2 on Disney.com is presented in partnership with Hollywood Records, Walt Disney Records, Radio Disney, Walt Disney Pictures and Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. *Standard carrier fees apply. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. About Disney Online Disney Online (www.Disney.com or text MOBILE to DISNEY), a unit of Disney Interactive Media Group, produces the No. 1 ranked community-family and parenting destination on the World Wide Web. Launched in 1996, Disney.com is the online and now mobile web gateway to all of the company's Disney-branded entertainment initiatives, providing comprehensive access to, and information about Disney movies, travel, television, games, music, shopping and live events. In addition, Disney Online develops and publishes a range of online products and services including Pirates of the Caribbean Online, Disney's Toontown Online, Disney Fairies Pixie Hollow and Disney Club Penguin. Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG) is an affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS). |
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Disney Japan to sell movies in tiny memory cards
Reuters - Walt Disney Co's Japan unit said it would sell movies on flash memory cards as small as a fingernail so that people can watch them on mobile phones and other portable devices. The movie studio plans to package pre-recorded microSD cards together with DVDs holding the same movie content, allowing customers to watch at home as well as on the go. These cards will be available in November. Users can watch movies stored on microSD cards on mobile phones capable of showing terrestrial digital broadcasting, and other portable gear such as car navigation systems. For new movies, the package of a DVD and microSD card is expected to retail for 4,935 yen ($53), about 1,000 yen higher than the DVD alone, a spokesman at the Japan unit said. It is difficult to make a sales forecast since this would be the first time for Disney to put its movies in microSD cards, he said. Initial titles in the microSD format include "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "National Treasure" series. Panasonic Corp is set to provide Disney with microSD cards, the spokesman said. |
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Depp's next role unclear as green lights delayed
Reuters - Johnny Depp is coming off an acclaimed role in "Public Enemies" and stars in one of the most anticipated movies of this weekend's Comic-Con, "Alice in Wonderland." But the Mad Hatter is facing an unusual situation: Like the character he plays in "Alice," he soon could be killing time. Depp is attached to a number of high-profile development properties but is facing a landscape devoid of "go" pictures -- those ready for production. Instead, there are a dizzying number of possibilities and schedule permutations, none of which seems likely to result in a produced movie for him anytime soon. Producers have been interested in Depp for the title role in Warner Bros.' "The Incredible Mr. Limpet." Kevin Lima's remake of the 1964 fantasy comedy that would continue a whimsical, if slightly less drama-intensive, streak for the actor. He has not signed on, however, and in any event the pic would not go into production until next year. Meanwhile, the fourth installment of "Pirates of the Caribbean" remains a priority for Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. At an earlier point, it was going to be the next picture for Depp, who toplines as Jack Sparrow. But with Gore Verbinski no longer directing the franchise, the ship has slowed. Disney is seeking a new director, a process that could take time. Although the studio is believed to want an established helmer of franchise and action fare, it has put the word out to agents that it would be open to younger directors and new ideas, potentially prolonging the process. That could mean as much as a four- or five-year hiatus since the 2007 release of the previous picture, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." (Disney also would like to scale back the size and budget of the next movie compared with previous installments; for that reason, it likely won't bring back relatively pricey Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley.) 'RANGER' NOT YET RIDING Because of the "Pirates" lag, a Depp project that was supposed to go into production after the Sparrow-fest, "The Lone Ranger," could end up getting pushed back further, though there's also a possibility it could shoot ahead of the nautical tale. For the moment, though, "Ranger" also remains locked in the stable. "Pirates" writers Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio have written a script for the Disney/Bruckheimer update, but the studio could wind up commissioning a polish or another draft. There's also no director, and Depp is attached to play Tonto, with the title role still to be cast. Finally, Warners' feature update of the ghoulish TV series "Dark Shadows" -- a Depp/Tim Burton collaboration that might have shot later this year or early next year -- also might be back-burnered. Burton still has work to do on "Alice," which opens in March, and tends to spend a lot of time on prep work. What the possibilities boil down to, besides head spinning, is that there are projects with momentum that Depp has not signed for, and projects he has signed for that don't have a lot of momentum. In other words, it's a very 2009 phenomenon brought on by a star's choosiness on the one hand and studios' increasing caution on the other. (In what might be an emerging mini-trend, Will Smith and Leonardo DiCaprio happen to find themselves in similar situations.) The result is that Depp could face a year or longer without appearing on the big screen. That might not sound like a major departure, but for moviegoers, it will seem like a shift. Depp has been in one of the most fertile periods of his career: The actor also stars in the Hunter S. Thompson adaptation "The Rum Diary" and had a supporting role in Terry Gilliam's "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," which hasn't yet been released in the U.S. In the past nine years, Depp has not had more than two movies come out in any 18-month period; if "Imaginarium" gets a release by the end of 2010, he'll have had four. Then again, the absence of a new role might mean a respite from his breakneck schedule. Even a pirate needs some time off. |
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Disney Unveils Fall '09 Tween Fashions with Virtual Runway Show
on YouTube BUSINESS WIRE - Disney today unveiled all new tween fashion lines inspired by Disney Channel smash hits JONAS and the Emmy-nominated Wizards of Waverly Place with the launch of a virtual fashion show video on the official Disney Consumer Products YouTube channel, Disney Living. With fashion, accessories, footwear, and more hitting the runway for an audience of ecstatic tweens, this unique video is the first to take Disney-inspired fashions directly to the online tween community. Tween models wearing the latest back-to-school looks rocked the runway as they showed off the hottest styles hitting retailers in July including JC Penney, Kmart, Sears, Walmart, Target and DisneyStore.com. The red carpet event in Los Angeles was attended by "JONAS'" Nicole Anderson; "Wizards of Waverly Place's" Maria Canals-Barrera; "Sonny With A Chance's" Tiffany Thornton, Brandon Mychal Smith, Doug Brochu, Allisyn Ashley Arm; "Princess Protection Program's" Samantha Droke; "Zeke and Luther's" Daniel Curtis Lee and Ryan Newman; "Camp Rock's" Anna Maria Perez de Tagle; "The Game Plan's" Madison Pettis and hosts Jennifer Stone ("Wizards of Waverly Place") and Chelsea Staub ("JONAS"). In addition to never-before-seen footage of the runway show, the video also features red carpet interviews and an exclusive interview with Selena Gomez ("Wizards of Waverly Place") sharing some of her personal fashion ideas. Showcasing new fashion lines inspired by the latest trends, the "JONAS" collection has an academic angle for a preppy collegiate look that is reminiscent of this superstar cast’s singular style. Skinny pants combined with button down shirts and tailored vests create “Luxe Prep” outfits that take East Coast sophistication and throws in a rocker twist. Tailored plaids and tweeds styled in walking shorts mixed with polo tops in “Ivy League” hues and fun accessories create an overall tween superstar look. The collection also features an updated take on heraldic crests and badges that are incorporated into several pieces, as well as fun accessories like colorful beaded wrap bracelets and faux ties for an added touch of personality. The "Wizards of Waverly Place" collection takes Alex Russo’s bohemian style and adds a twist for a “Boho Chic” look that is comfortable, casual and has just the right amount of magic. Key looks are tunic length border print tops, updated peasant blouses, distressed miniskirts, fitted skimmers and skinny denim. Prints and graphics contrast with a gorgeous peacock feather motif playing a starring role in the collection. Contemporary paisley’s with hints of gold and intricate mosaic patterns with beading, crochet appliqués and a touch of sparkle add just the right detailing. The accessories collection mixes whimsical necklaces, and bracelets to complete the relaxed ‘boho’ look. The Disney Consumer Products channel on YouTube, www.youtube.com/disneyliving is the official channel giving Disney fans an inside scoop on the coolest and newest Disney products for all ages. Through original programming, DCP showcases the latest information on new products, takes viewers behind the scenes, offers tips and sneak peeks on new fashions, home décor, toys, food and much more all inspired by the fun and magic of Disney. About Disney Consumer Products Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS - News) that extends the Disney brand to merchandise ranging from apparel, toys, home décor and books and magazines to foods and beverages, stationery, electronics and fine art. This is accomplished through DCP's various lines of business which include: Disney Toys, Disney Fashion & Home, Disney Food, Health & Beauty, and Disney Stationery. Other businesses involved in Disney's consumer products sales are Disney Publishing Worldwide, the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines, and DisneyStore.com, the company's official shopping portal. The Disney Stores retail chain, which debuted in 1987, is owned and operated by Disney in North America and Europe. The Disney Stores chain in Japan is operated under a license agreement with Disney. For more information, please visit www.disneyconsumerproducts.com. |
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Splash Mountain Celebrates 20 Years of Waterbourne Plunges and
'Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah' Fun Disney News - The thrill of plummeting down a water chute, screaming and making a giant splash are just as exciting today as they were on July 17, 1989, when Splash Mountain opened in Critter Country at Disneyland park. Guests continue to celebrate the journey through a magical world in a hollowed-out log, singing along with characters on classic songs such as "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" and enjoying this very special "laughing place." Splash Mountain opened its gates as a groundbreaking attraction, becoming one in a line of treasured "mountains" at the Disneyland Resort. With innovative technology and Disney creativity, the lavish production gives guests an escape from reality and immerses them into a fantasy world. Guests board one of the logs and begin their journey, twisting and turning through sparkling waters and climbing to the top of the 87-foot tall mountain. Along the way, guests are greeted by more than 100 characters who are playing and singing time-honored classic songs from Walt Disney's 1946 animated film, "Song of the South." While ascending to the top, playful vultures taunt riders about their fast-approaching and imminent decline. Once at the peak, riders take a thrilling five-story, 52-foot drop down a steep descent, making a huge "splash" into the awaiting pond below. Once safely at the bottom, and with "plenty of sunshine" headed their way, guests are treated to what is commonly known as the Disney "national anthem", "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah." Here, riders are encouraged to sing along, come again and have some more fun with the mischievous, yet comical characters. When it opened, Splash Mountain starred one of the largest casts of animated characters of the time. Today, Splash Mountain continues to be a favorite attraction, partly because it reaches the fastest speed of all rides at Disneyland Park, at approximately 40 miles an hour. With its rich heritage, cast of characters, catchy songs, and white-knuckle adventure, "Splash Mountain" continues to be a thrilling journey. "Splash Mountain" gives Disneyland guests yet another way to answer, "What Will You Celebrate?" In 2009, guests are celebrating all sorts of milestones in their lives, including birthdays, graduations, marriages, family reunions and very special milestone anniversaries. |
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Hanes and Disney 'Design' the Celebration Vacation of a Lifetime
Hanesbrands Inc. - Hanes today announced the launch of the Hanes Celebrate in Comfort Sweepstakes, which offers the chance to win one of 17 Celebration Vacations to Walt Disney World Resort, including round-trip air, accommodation, and park entry. For 16 weeks between June 1 and Sept. 30, 2009, a weekly prize winner will be selected for a five-day/four-night award vacation to Walt Disney World Resort for four people and one lucky grand prize winner will take home the celebration vacation of a lifetime: a five-day/four-night reunion trip to Walt Disney World Resort for 20 people. Sweepstakes entry is accomplished by designing a virtual celebratory T-shirt on the Hanes Celebrate in Comfort promotion Web site, www.celebrateincomfort.com. Hanes is the Official Apparel of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland((R))( )Resort and partnered with Disney in January 2009, to open the Disney Design-A-Tee Store Presented by Hanes in Downtown Disney((R)) Marketplace in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., providing an interactive apparel design and printing store where park visitors can customize wearable vacation mementos. The Hanes Celebrate in Comfort promotion is a virtual adaptation of the new Disney Design-A-Tee Store and the promotion Web site is a unique interactive design-a-T-shirt experience. The experience complements Disney's current "What Will You Celebrate?" campaign, which invites guests to celebrate special moments in their lives with family and friends at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. Visitors who choose to design a virtual T-shirt will be asked to select a milestone that aligns with Disney's five celebration occasions (birthday, anniversary, personal triumph, reunion, and first visit). The visitor then designs a celebration T-shirt based on that occasion with tools and graphics provided on the site. At the end of the process, the users can virtually "try on" their designs by uploading an image, creating an avatar, choosing one of several Disney backgrounds, and saving or sending to a friend. "We've received great feedback from the Disney Design-A-Tee Store Presented by Hanes. Evolving the concept with a digital T-shirt designing experience via www.celebrateincomfort.com is the next natural step," said Sidney Falken, senior vice president of the Hanes brand. "The site visuals closely mirror the in-store experience and environment from the look and feel to the tools and assets. We're excited to incorporate this concept with a promotion that offers winners the chance to celebrate in comfort with Hanes and Disney." Sixteen weekly winners will be selected in a random drawing from among all eligible entries. Weekly winners may only win one weekly prize, but remain eligible for the grand prize drawing. Non-winning entries from each weekly period will be included in all subsequent weekly drawings and in the grand prize drawing. One grand prize winner will be selected in a random drawing held on or about Oct. 16, 2009, from among all eligible entries received during the promotional period. No purchase is necessary. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning. Sweepstakes began on June 1, 2009, at 12:00:01 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) and ends on Sept. 30, 2009, at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. For full official rules, go to http://www.celebrateincomfort.com/about/rules. |
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Disneyland's Club 33 Waiting List Even Longer Than You Thought
OC Weekly - The myyyysterious Club 33. Though most have heard of it--creepy obsessive Disney fanatic or not--not many have ever seen it. And at the rate the wait list is crawling along? You'll probably never see it. The latest D23 FANfare e-mail blast reports: "Ever since Club 33 opened on June 15, 1967, a waiting list for one of its 480 member slots has stretched from New Orleans Square to Tomorrowland and back again. Today you'll wait at least 18 years for the privilege of using your name and 'Club 33 Member' in the same sentence." Club 33 is the name of the private club located in New Orleans Square of the Disneyland resort, with an indiscreet entrance located just next to the Blue Bayou Restaurant (you know, that lantern-lit restaurant you float by at the beginning of the Pirate of the Caribbean ride?). In addition to an exclusive membership, it's the only place within the park permitted to serve alcoholic beverages--even if Disneyland does currently hold a park-wide liquor license. The best part? Club 33 membership isn't even close to being free. Or all that affordable. The three types of memberships, Corporate, Limited and Gold, require fees ranging anywhere from $10,450 to $27,500... in addition to $3,275-$6,100 in annual fees. Not that any of this matters anyway--membership has been closed since April 2007, when the average wait time stretched to 14 years. |
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Disney CEO bullish on direct Web marketing to consumers
Reuters - Walt Disney Co chief Robert Iger said on Wednesday advertising will rapidly grow more sophisticated as media firms begin tracking consumer preferences and selling the data on to advertisers. But Iger warned that privacy concerns may come to the fore with the growing ability of Web ads to monitor individual preferences and target surfers with custom ads. Iger has warned that fundamental changes now underway in the broadcast and cable industries may permanently cut TV advertising sales and prices, leaving traditional media companies looking for ways to make up that revenue when the economy recovers. The executive told the Fortune Brainstorm Tech conference that media companies can pump up online sales volumes by either selling consumer information or by marketing directly to consumers based on individual tastes. "If we know that you've gone online and looked at five different autos online, you are a great consumer for us to serve up a 30-second ad for a car," Iger said. "If we could sell your behavior to an advertiser -- I am actually pretty bullish about what technology is going to allow in terms of behavioral tracking. I think we are going to have information to sell to marketers." Iger conceded that consumer groups have raised privacy concerns about such practices, but argued that such complaints generally came from older consumers. "Kids don't care," Iger said, adding that when he talked to his adult children about their online privacy concerns "they can't figure out what I'm talking about." Disney's experience as an early proponent of putting primetime TV shows and movies online, on Apple Inc's (AAPL.O) iTunes and on its own broadband player gave it "ample evidence that people are willing to pay for quality, choice content," Iger said. "There is a significant amount of headroom in being able to charge for something on the Internet," he added. Disney estimates that people pay $5 per hour to see a movie in theater, 75 cents to read a book or magazine, 50 cents per hour for cable and 25 cents per hour for Internet content, he said. SUBSCRIPTION PROMISING Iger also predicted that media companies would use multiple methods to monetize content. He reiterated Disney was developing a subscription service to sell premium content like TV shows and movies but did not indicate when such a service would be launched. "Subscription has the most promise because people will pay to subscribe to something that is really good. Our brand offers us some rich opportunities for subscription," he said. Iger, the first chief of a major media company to sell content through iTunes and to make its prime time TV shows available online in an ad-supported player, joked that while Disney was was at the vanguard of user-generated content, he missed the boat by not foreseeing the development of video sharing phenomenon YouTube.com. "I kick myself for having put ("America's Funniest Home Videos" ) on TV 20 years ago, and when I became interested in what the Internet could do I didn't come up with YouTube," he said. "I could kick myself for that." |
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The Men (and
Boy) behind the Guinea Pigs Disney Insider - Covert government spies are rarely cute, funny, and fur-covered, but in Disney's latest family film, "G-Force," the heroes are just that - a team of highly trained guinea pigs out to save the world. Thanks to the extraordinary talents of visual effects whiz-turned-director Hoyt Yeatman, "G-Force" takes audiences on a stereoscopic 3D action-adventure like nothing they've ever seen. So how did such an unlikely story come about? "My five-year-old old son brought the class guinea pig, Cute Guy, home for the weekend. While eating breakfast, he told me about Cute Guy's secret life as a double agent, complete with high-tech gadgets, miniature army helmets, and top-secret government missions. I laughed, but something sparked my imagination. I thought it was a cool idea," Hoyt explains. As he began research to develop the concept further, Hoyt discovered that using critters in espionage was far from fantastical. "I was amazed at what I read regarding animal and insect spies throughout history. About two years ago, 12 squirrels equipped with audio/video surveillance cameras were captured inside the Iranian embassy. Our government openly talks about inserting nano-technology into insects' brains so they can be remote-controlled to literally bug areas. I uncovered a wealth of information while working on the story." Those findings helped shape the tale of an elite squad of guinea pigs called in to stop a diabolical appliance mogul from wreaking global havoc. Hoyt and his son's ideas became reality when Walt Disney Pictures and high-octane producer Jerry Bruckheimer agreed to make the film, Bruckheimer's first ever in 3D. With an Academy Award®-winning career in visual effects, Hoyt was the perfect pick to direct this no-holds-barred hybrid of live action and digital animation. Since guinea pigs aren't built for battle, Hoyt's team really had to think about creating credible main characters -- agents Darwin, Blaster, Juarez, and Hurley, computer whiz/star-nosed mole Speckles, reconnaissance expert/housefly Mooch, and Bucky the hamster. "It was challenging because the characters needed to talk, perform, and stand on their hind legs. Guinea pigs don't really do that so we used sophisticated, computer-animated models to keep them as real as possible. They pretty much ran on all fours, but when they stood up we changed things because the anatomy of their legs shifted. A lot happens underneath the skin," Hoyt continues. Of course, the animators couldn't work without real live mascots, and Hoyt learned there were plenty to choose from. "I never knew there are about 100 breeds of guinea pigs. One of the most interesting ones was the 'skinny pig,' which is hairless. They're becoming quite popular for animation because you can see what the little guy looks like under his fur. This allows animators to build the characters accurately and then 'grow' pelts on top of it ... there are approximately a million and a half hairs per character!" "We had a few mascots and one in particular, the female referenced for Darwin, was the most docile little animal we ever had. The dynamics changed tremendously when the actors actually had to handle a live guinea pig ... you got the performance of someone gingerly handling a living thing, as opposed to a stuffed animal. Then with visual effects magic, the real animals were switched out for our animated characters. The end result looks spectacular." Another technologically difficult feat was shooting the film from the characters' various perspectives - from one inch to 80 feet off the ground. Hoyt describes one of the techniques used. "When creating a virtual world, it's easy to render the other 'eye' because it's all virtual anyway. But this is unlike any other kind of animated movie - digital characters exist in a live-action world with live actors and real backgrounds. We added stereoscopic dimension by using a widescreen format (black bars above and below the screen, aka the mask). When characters or parts of scenes 'cross the mask,' it makes the object appear as if it's literally coming at you in the theater. Used sparingly, it works very well to enhance the dimensionality of the 3D effect." Not all of the challenges involved technology. Some of the actors had never worked on an animated film, making it hard for them to understand the process. "At the end of the day, you need to produce a holistic performance because everything's made up of pieces in animation – the filming, drawing, effects, voices, editing. Typically most actors don't work together, it's just an empty sound stage. Part of the trick is to get emotion from actors who are talking to nothing. We had scenes where Jon Favreau [Hurley] and Sam Rockwell [Darwin] recorded together, which worked well because they fed off each other. It was pure magic." Nicolas Cage, Penélope Cruz, Bill Nighy, Steve Buscemi, and Tracy Morgan round out a star-studded cast. Was transitioning from visual effects to director hard for Hoyt? "Though the film relies heavily on visual effects, the most important goal as a director is telling the story. I was fortunate to work with an amazing team, so it was easy for me to switch hats. It's a staggering amount of work, but so much fun seeing your vision come to life." Nonstop action, adventure, gizmos, gadgets, and adorable characters ... "G-Force" has something for the whole family. As Hoyt adds, "Especially dads. It's James Bond with guinea pigs!" Check out "G-Force" 'cause the fur's gonna fly when it hits theaters July 24! |
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Innovative Entertainment Technology Drives 'World of Color' –
the Next Milestone in Expansion of Disney's California Adventure Disney News - Elaborate preparation is underway for "World of Color," the spectacular nighttime water show that will astound guests with its magnitude and creativity when it debuts in spring 2010 as the next major milestone in the expansion of Disney's California Adventure park. Surpassing all Disney water productions, "World of Color" will bring Disney animation to life with powerful fountains that become stars of the show as they create the world's largest projected water screen. For months now, guests at Disney's California Adventure have been peering into the lagoon near Paradise Pier as Walt Disney Imagineering and Creative Entertainment have installed the massive infrastructure and innovative technology that will create the stage for this extraordinary combination of music, animation and stunning water effects. Teams of Disney workers have built nearly an acre of superstructure to support the complex "World of Color" production. "World of Color" will combine hundreds of magnificent fountains, dazzling colors and an all-new kaleidoscope of audio and visual effects to take water-infused entertainment to a new level of artistry. The production will flood the senses, taking audiences on an imaginative journey into the colorful worlds of animated Disney classics such as "Alice in Wonderland," "The Lion King" and "Pocahontas," along with Disney•Pixar films "Toy Story," "WALL-E" and many more. Disney's newest production features an unprecedented infrastructure of water effects, larger-than-life projections, lasers, fire, fog, surround sound and stunning images. This technical wizardry, combined with classic Disney film sequences, will create a breathtaking emotional experience for guests as jaw-dropping effects sweep across the lagoon, soar into the sky and rush toward the audience. A newly designed 9,000-capacity viewing area will provide Disney's California Adventure guests the best view in the park of this exciting nighttime extravaganza. The show lasts approximately 25 minutes. Some of the technical magic behind 'World of Color' includes:
For information on "World of Color" and other Disneyland Resort attractions, or to plan a celebration or vacation at Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com, call 866/60-DISNEY or contact local travel agents. To explore the expansion plans for Disney's California Adventure, visit www.DisneysCaliforniaAdventure.com. |
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Disney warehouse sale
is back
The Salt Lake Tribune - The Disney warehouse sale is back in town. Asset Management & Sales, a liquidator of Disney-oriented merchandise, has opened at 389 West 1830 South between Costco and PetSmart, in a sale that runs through Aug. 16. The temporary sale of overstock and discontinued Disney merchandise, primarily from Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., is one of several sales the company stages throughout the country each year. All the merchandise at the sales, which typically run for about a month, are new. "We don't sell seconds -- this is all first-quality stuff that was at the park at one point," said Matthew Stump, director of operations for Asset Management & Sales. Disney switches merchandise in its many stores in Disneyland fairly frequently, so Asset Management Sales has a lot of stuff to work with. The merchandise, which includes apparel, toys and collectibles, is sold at a discount of up to 85 percent. "On average, you're looking at 50 percent off" from the price it was sold at in the park, said Stump. Those discounts are what attract Disney fans such as Marci Vasic of Sandy to these sales. At the Salt Lake City sale, Vasic got two T-shirts at the sale for $6 and $10 each that originally sold for about $30 each. "They were good deals," she said. She didn't find a whole lot else she was interested in, but she said she'll drop by the sale again before it ends next month because she knows the company brings in new merchandise throughout the sale. Asset Management & Sales began selling surplus Disney merchandise in 1996 in California. The largest base of customers are mothers and grandmothers who buy stuff for their children or grandchildren as well as the fans of anything Disney. Stump said once the Salt Lake City sale wraps up, the company will return, but probably not until next summer or winter. The company once had a permanent year-round store in Midvale, but closed in May of last year due to declining sales. (Company officials say the bad economy has affected them as it has other retailers.) The company still has year-round stores in Las Vegas and in Fullerton and Pomona, Calif. The Fullerton store is 10-15 minute drive from Disneyland. People from around the country who come to Disneyland for a visit come to that store, which boasts the largest variety of Disney merchandise among all of the company's stores. |
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Disney Cast Members Bring Backstage Magic to the Boys & Girls
Club Disney News - With plenty of jazz shoes and ballet slippers in tow, Disney VoluntEAR Janet Wagner is gearing up to choreograph an introductory dance routine for a group of eager, young students at the Walt Disney World-sponsored Boys & Girls Club in Pine Hills. “I really love being able to show these kids a different type of recreation,” Wagner says with a smile. “It’s a whole other world to them. It’s very rewarding to let them know there is no limit to what they can do.” Disney VoluntEARS are taking center stage at the Club this summer to share their expertise in all aspects of the performing arts with hundreds of local children ages 6-18. Over the course of a special nine-week program, Cast Members are hoping to inspire youth by teaching them the basics of script writing, acting, dance, music production, costume design, stage and set design, lighting, sound, producing and directing. Each child will get a chance to showcase their newly developed talents in a grand finale stage production held at the Boys & Girls Club on August 14. Earning awe from Boys & Girls Club staffers for recently getting 82 children to all move in synchronized rhythm, Wagner enjoyed keeping the kids on their toes as she showed them how movement plays into drama. Being quick-minded is a skill that Disney VoluntEAR Amanda Nesi shared with the youngsters as she helped them build self-esteem through improv and acting exercises. “Seeing the kids light up and get out of their shells was very cool,” said Nesi. “I wanted them to know that it’s OK to be silly and have fun.” For many at the Boys & Girls Club, these summer activities are their first exposure to the arts. “The children have been very attentive and quick to ask questions,” says Bart McFadden, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida Service Director. “They think the Disney VoluntEARS are rock stars.” By having youngsters see a production through to an end, McFadden says the experience helps instill a sense of influence, belonging and confidence in Club Members and introduces them to new options in life. “Having someone with a wealth of expertise bearing the Disney name is invaluable to our kids,” explains McFadden. “It’s exposing them to career paths beyond what they know and inspiring them to positively use their imaginations. They see how successful they can be if they just apply themselves.” |
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Wednesday
July 22, 2009 |
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Tuesday July 21, 2009 |
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Union,
demonstrators march on Disneyland Deputies: Children alone 2 hours while parents swam at Disney pool Disney names new vice president over Animal Kingdom Walt Disney Pictures Releases Prince of Persia Teaser Poster Disney to Print Prince of Persia Graphic Novel Legendary Comic Book Creator Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment Together With Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Unveil an All New Original Digital Motion Comic Series Time Jumper 'G-Force' premieres in L.A. Redbox scores deal with Disney, Lions Gate and Sony Bell and Bowen Working on New Project for Disney Magic Shaq to star in TV sports reality series Tyler Perry treats Philly kids to Disney World Is Michael Vick's first stop on possible return to NFL in Central Florida? Tape of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews leads to computer virus |
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Union,
demonstrators march on Disneyland
MediaNews - About 800 Disney hotel workers, union organizers, outside demonstrators and members of the Episcopal clergy marched from the Convention Center, shutting down Harbor Boulevard to the Disneyland entrance Tuesday afternoon — another protest rally in the labor dispute between Disney and workers at the three Disneyland hotels that has simmered at a stalemate for a year-and-a-half. Since the old contract expired Feb. 1, 2008, negotiations have stalled over health care issues, and the Orange County branch of the Unite Here hotel union representing the workers has fortified itself for a strike by merging with the Los Angeles chapter -- that branch has a strike fund to pull money from if workers vote to stop work and picket the self-described "happiest place on Earth." Union spokeswoman Ada Briceño would say only that the union may hold a strike vote soon. The fight is over health care for workers. Disney wants to force the roughly 3,000 members of Unite Here 11 into the Disney Signature health care plan, a collection of seven different HMOs and PPOs which require monthly contributions. The union negotiating committee demands that Disney continue contributing to the union trust, which provides health care to all its members. "It is hard to fathom, particularly during these uncertain economic times, that union leaders would deny their membership the opportunity to vote on a fair and comprehensive offer, which includes yearly wage increases,vaffordable and secure health care for members and their families, and paid sick leave," said Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown. Disney has put pressure on the rank-and-file, Briceño said, offering the workers $1,000 bonuses if they signed on to Disney's last, best offer before the end of June. Briceño said that Disney pulled money back from contributions to the union health care trust, which she said forced Unite Here to dip into the money Disney administers for sick pay. Brown, however, said that Disney has contributed $9 million to the health care fund, even in the absence of a contract. Briceño said, "I don't know where they got that $9 million number." Disney has continued to operate under the terms of the expired contract, but was able to pull back the contribution because the contract is expired, she said. Juan Ruiz, 33, of Anaheim is a Unite Here 11 member and on the negotiating committee. He said that he makes $8 per hour, plus tips, as a server at the Grand Californian. He said he'd have to fall back on the public health system if the Disney Signature plan was phased in over the next five years, as Disney's offer calls for. "Talking to coworkers, they're saying 'When are we going to do a work stoppage? When are we going to do something bigger,'" Ruiz said. "Our union is doing this progressively and when we do a boycott or we do a strike, these are our rights and we're going to exercise them." Meanwhile, a branch of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles has thrown its support behind the hotel workers. The clergymen and women are in Anaheim this week for a convention at the Anaheim Convention center. Several Episcopal bishops and about 1,200 of the 6,000 conventioneers signed on in support of the union's demands -- even pledging a boycott if those demands are not met. |
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Deputies: Children alone 2 hours while parents swam at Disney
pool Orlando Sentinel - A Michigan couple left their foster children, ages 2 and 4, alone in their Walt Disney World hotel room for two hours Friday while they swam and tanned at the resort's pool, deputies said. Stephen Simmons, 49, and Kimberly Simmons, 41, were booked into the Orange County Jail on charges of child neglect. Each paid a $2,000 bond Saturday and was released from jail. Orange County sheriff's deputies said Kimberly Simmons, a counselor at a Michigan school, told them she has left the boy and girl unsupervised in the past. Deputies said neither foster parent seemed bothered by leaving the children alone. Officials at the Department of Children and Families, who have custody of the children, said leaving a child unsupervised is a serious safety risk. "In an environment like a home, a parent is expected to take a nap or shower, but they are still responsible for ensuring the child can't hurt themselves," DCF spokeswoman Carrie Hoeppner said. "In this situation and with a time delay of two hours, these children could have gotten out of the room or walked out of the hotel." Hoeppner said family services officials from Michigan arrived in Florida Monday with the intention of taking custody of both children. Sheriff's reports show the couple has been in custody of the children for at least 23 months. Reports show the housekeeping staff at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort entered the couple's room at 2:20 p.m. They found the 2-year-old girl wearing a diaper and the 4-year-old boy in his underwear. The cleaning staff waited in the room for about five minutes for the parents to return. Hotel security then contacted the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Deputies said Disney's security staff searched the resort for nearly two hours and called the telephone number listed on the couple's registration form. Their calls were not returned. Security staff located the couple at the pool at 4:15 p.m. The couple was asked to return to their room. When questioned by investigators, Kimberly Simmons told them she had taken her 6-year-old nephew swimming and was "aware the two children were alone in her hotel room," the arrest report states. Her husband "seemed OK with this arrangement." Kimberly Simmons told deputies she is an out-of-state counselor. Deputies asked her if "leaving two small children in a hotel room alone for hours was reasonable in Michigan," according to the report. She responded that she was aware of what she had done and knew how to "take care of children." Disney staff also issued the couple a letter alerting them that they were not welcome on the property and were asked to leave. |
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Disney names new vice president over Animal Kingdom Orlando Sentinel - Walt Disney World has named Kevin Lansberry the new vice president in charge of Disney's Animal Kingdom, a spokeswoman confirmed this afternoon. Lansberry, 45, who has been with Disney since 1986, was previously vice president of Downtown Disney, transportation, sports and golf operations. He replaces Val Bunting as the top executive at the Animal Kingdom. Bunting will become general manager of the Port Orleans resort. Lansberry's successor at Downtown Disney will be Keith Bradford, who had been vice president of operating participants. Bradford has been with Disney since 1995. In addition to taking the helm at the Animal Kingdom, Lansberry will continue overseeing transportation at Disney World. |
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 Walt
Disney Pictures Releases Prince of Persia Teaser PosterFlick Direct - Walt Disney Pictures has released the teaser poster for their summer 2010 tentpole film, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. The poster simply states the words "Defy The Future" and features actor Jake Gyllenhaal. The setting is sixth century Persia. A nefarious nobleman covets the Sands of Time, a legendary gift from the gods that allows its possessor to turn back time. Whoever owns the Sands of Time has the power to rule the world, and this villainous lord would use that power to enslave all of humanity. The only person capable of defeating this tyrant and saving the world is Dastan (Gyllenhaal), a youthful prince. Now, with plucky princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton) by his side, Dastan will attempt to prevent the Sands of Time from falling into the wrong hands. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is scheduled to be released May 28th, 2010 |
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Disney
to Print Prince of Persia Graphic Novel Newsarama - The sword-swinging, time-reversing, free-running mania of the Prince of Persia series has seemingly conquered every bit of terrrain the titular Prince has stepped across. Well, get ready for a whole new frontier — comics. Heidi at the Beat has confirmed that Disney will be producing an original graphic novel to go alongside their production of the Jake Gyllenhaal film The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, and will be discussing it at 11:30 on Friday at the Disney Comics panel at the San Diego Comic Con. According to Heidi, Prince of Persia game writer Jordan Mechner will be writing the 120-page book, Todd McFarlane will be doing the cover, while Niko Henrichon, Cameron Stewart, Tommy Lee Edwards, Bernard Chang, David Lopez, and Tom Fowler will be handling the interiors. Pretty sweet, eh? This particular portion of the Prince of Persia franchise was so popular it spawned two sequels, as this Prince has literally fractured the forces of time, which he can manipulate using a special dagger stolen from the desert. |
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Legendary Comic Book Creator Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment
Together With Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Unveil an
All New Original Digital Motion Comic Series Time Jumper PRNewswire - Legendary comic book creator Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment, together with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, today announced the release of an all new original digital motion comic series, Time Jumper, available exclusively on the iTunes store (www.iTunes.com), beginning July 24, 2009. From the same visionary co-creator of Spider-Man, X-Men, Iron Man, The Hulk and Fantastic Four, comes a thrillingly modern tale about a young man who jumps through time and engages viewers in a multi-dimensional, multi-platform universe. Freed from the constraints of the traditional print comic book format, consumers can finally look forward to enjoying this adventure through a variety of popular media formats rolling-out over the next two years including, but not limited to, online, mobile, DVD, publishing and more. Time Jumper will first release as a ten-part series of 5-to-8 minute digital episodes made available for retail on iTunes at www.iTunes.com/timejumper. On July 24, Time Jumper's first episode will premiere exclusively on iTunes for free, with additional episodes releasing through December 2009. Retailing for just $0.99 per episode on iTunes consumers will be able to easily download Time Jumper on their Mac, PC, iPod with video, iPhone and/or widescreen TV with Apple TV. Digitally produced using some of the latest motion graphic technology, Time Jumper combines the traditional print look and feel of a comic book with today's more cutting-edge multimedia elements, including edgy visuals, effects, music, voice-overs and fast-paced storyboards, making it perfect to watch on the widescreen of an iPod touch or iPhone. Time Jumper is an original series with illustrations and music created specifically for this all-new story. It remains true to the panel-by-panel comic book narrative, bringing a new dimension to the more familiar print storytelling. To view the official release schedule and learn more about Time Jumper, please visit www.TimeJumperComics.com. About Time Jumper: Twenty-year-old college student Terry Dixon has the most unique mobile device on Earth -- the Articulus, a time travel device developed by Terry's genius father, Arthur Dixon. To prevent the Articulus from falling into the wrong hands, Arthur coded it to work only with his DNA. After a laboratory experiment claims Arthur's life, Terry and his older brother Sam become the only people capable of using it. Recruited into the secret crime fighting organization H.U.N.T. (Heroes United, Noble and True) after the mysterious disappearance of golden boy Sam, Terry becomes a reluctant hero living in his brother's shadow. As he struggles to fill his new role, unnatural shifts in the course of history send Terry hurtling through time to capture Charity Vyle, the diabolical leader of criminal cartel C.U.L.T. (Council of Unstoppable, Lethal Terrorists). But something more than just Terry's molecules are being reconfigured as he leaps across time, and it threatens to corrupt everything he understands about who he is, and whether the world is actually worth saving after all. Two Special Guest Voice Talents: Fans can look forward to two special voice talent cameos as part of this new, original digital motion comic series. One is Stan Lee himself, playing the voice of Lee Excelsior, CEO of H.U.N.T. Headquarters, and the other is actress Natasha Henstridge (Species, Eli Stone, The Whole Nine Yards) who plays the voice of Charity Vyle, the evil, smart and seductive female villain. Comic-Con 2009 Comic book fans eager to get a look at Time Jumper can do so on Thursday, July 23rd at this year's Fortieth Anniversary Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. Stan Lee will be hosting a special "sneak peek" screening of Time Jumper's all new trailer and Episode 1 followed by a Q&A panel session alongside actress Natasha Henstridge, the writer and artist of Time Jumper. It's an exciting opportunity for fans to experience a brand new Stan Lee superhero and get a unique look at the future of the comic book industry! About Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc(TM) and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios. POW! (Purveyors of Wonder) Entertainment (PK: POWN) An advanced media and entertainment company with a first-look deal with Disney, was founded by world-famous comic book and motion picture icon Stan Lee, together with award-winning producer Gill Champion and intellectual property specialist Arthur Lieberman, Esq. POW!'s principals have extensive backgrounds in the entertainment industry encompassing the creation, production and licensing of original intellectual properties, including some of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time. POW!, capitalizing on this combined expertise, specializes in franchises for the entertainment industry, including animation and live-action feature films, plus television, DVDs, video games, merchandising and related ancillary markets, all of which contribute to global expansion. POW! partners with other individuals and entities of entertainment's top echelon, including studios and networks, in the creation, licensing and distribution of new POW! Character franchises. www.powentertainment.com. |
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'G-Force'
premieres in L.A. Variety - At Disney's "G-Force" premiere Sunday at the El Capitan, thesps discussed taking on the unusual task of playing a guinea pig. Zach Galifianakis noted the leap he made from "The Hangover" to lending voice in the animated 3-D pic. "It's kind of funny to be in a really raunchy R-rated movie where my character is not allowed around children and then I'm in a kid's movie for Disney," he said. "It's really been weird." Bill Nighy saw working with guinea pigs as the obvious next step in his career. "I've worked recently with lizards, I've been a rabbit, I've been a snake, and I've been a squid, so guinea pigs, it's kind of ... logical," he said. Jon Favreau, who voiced Hurleyin the film, had a more personal reason for taking on the role. "I go to see these movies all the time. I have three kids," he said. "These movies are important to me because I am forced to watch them. This film is not a parent-punisher." |
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Redbox scores deal with Disney, Lions Gate and Sony Engadget HD - At the same time as Universal is waiting to hear how the Redbox lawsuit turns out, Disney, Lions Gate and Sony have signed deals that help Redbox to get a better deal on movies. The studios have faced that fact that $1 kiosk rentals are here to stay and figure they might as well get something out of the deal. Unlike the deals with the likes of Blockbuster that share rental revenues with the studios, Redbox seems to be simply agreeing to lesser terms like not selling used DVDs at discounted prices. No word on when or if the rest of the studios will get with the program and accept that rental kiosks are here to stay. But it is obvious that $1 seem to be just the right price for most consumers. |
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Bell and Bowen Working on New Project for Disney Magic Playbill - Tony Award nominee Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen, who co-wrote and co-starred in Broadway's [title of show], are currently at work on a new project for Disney Magic cruise. According to a casting notice, Bell and Bowen are teaming with director Allison Narver, choreographer Karma Camp and musical director Ben Cohn for the Disney Creative Entertainment project, which will debut on the cruise in October. Characters include Hades, Pain/Panic, Dr. Facilier/Jafar, Yzma/Evil Queen, Captain Hook/Kronk, Cruella de Vil/Maleficent and Queen of Hearts/Ursula. [title of show] — the new musical that, according to a fan-favorite song in the show, would rather be nine people's favorite thing than 100 people's ninth favorite thing — played its final performance at the Lyceum Theatre Oct. 12, 2008. Following runs at the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2004 and the Vineyard Theatre in 2006, the entire original cast — including co-creators Bowen (score) Hunter Bell (book) as well as co-stars Susan Blackwell and Heidi Blickenstaff — made the leap to the Broadway stage. A Chorus Line's Michael Berresse, who helmed the acclaimed Off-Broadway run, also directed the Broadway version, which featured musical director-arranger Larry Pressgrove onstage playing the electric keyboard. [title of show] was nominated for a 2009 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical (Hunter Bell). |
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Shaq to star
in TV sports reality series AP - Shaquille O'Neal would deluge Michael Phelps in a cannonball competition. What about a race across the pool? We'll see. The NBA superstar will star in "Shaq Vs.," a TV series where the 15-time All-Star center will challenge top athletes in their respective sports. During one episode in the show, which debuts on Aug. 18 on ABC, Shaq will swim against Olympic superstar Phelps. O'Neal, now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, also will try his football skills against Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, box retired world champion Oscar De La Hoya, bat against St. Louis slugger Albert Pujols, trade tennis volleys with Wimbledon champ Serena Williams and play volleyball against Olympic gold medalists Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor. O'Neal will negotiate a handicap with his opponents and train with a coach for one week leading up to each challenge. "These athletes may be on top of their game, but I am up for the challenge," O'Neal said. "I plan to train hard and win, so look out." O'Neal came up with the idea for the competition as a way of training for the upcoming season. His first opponent will be Roethlisberger, the Steelers' Super Bowl-winning QB. They'll compete in a 7-on-7 passing drill to be filmed later this week in the Pittsburgh area. Also, there will be a news conference leading up to the event as well as before future challenges. A four-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, O'Neal was traded from Phoenix to Cleveland last month. The 37-year-old has just one season left on his contract but said he wants to play three more years and is hoping he can help Cleveland superstar LeBron James win his first league title. Before going forward with plans for the series, O'Neal asked the Cavaliers, his fifth pro team, for permission to participate and they granted it. ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co. |
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Tyler
Perry treats Philly kids to Disney World AP - Tyler Perry is paying for 65 children from a Philadelphia day camp to go to Walt Disney World after reading about allegations that a suburban swim club had shunned them because of racism. The black and Hispanic children who attend the day camp run by Creative Steps Inc. cheered Monday when they learned about the actor's gift. Creative Steps director Alethea Wright says she's thrilled about the offer, especially because Perry "comes from humble beginnings" like the children in her camp. The Valley Club in Huntingdon Valley has maintained that refunding the camp's swimming fee was not about race but rather a safety issue, in part because many children couldn't swim. Perry is best known for his signature character Madea, a big-hearted but foul-tempered grandmother. |
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Is Michael Vick's first stop on possible return to NFL in
Central Florida? Orlando Sentinel - Michael Vick could end up frolicking in the most happy-go-lucky place on the planet: Walt Disney World. Vick is expected to begin prep work soon for a possible return to the NFL by working out with noted trainer Tom Shaw, whose facility is located at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex in Lake Buena Vista. "Obviously Disney is the No. 1 choice because it's so nice here," Shaw told the Sentinel on Monday. "But I would never put Disney in a position of getting negative exposure. If Disney tells me he can't train here, then I won't train him here." Vick will not be able to play until he is reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has not committed to a time frame for making that decision. If Vick isn't immediately reinstated by the NFL, he could play for the Orlando franchise of the United Football League, which begins play in October. Orlando has the rights to Vick based on territorial considerations. Vick officially became a free man Monday after serving 18 months in prison and two in home confinement for his role in a dogfighting operation. |
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Tape of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews leads to computer virus Orlando Sentinel - A video made of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews undressing in her hotel room is now being used to spread a computer virus, according to sophos.com, an anti-virus software company. A video of Andrews undressing was shot through the peephole of her hotel room and then quickly made its way to the internet in recent days. Soon after websites cropped up claiming to be links to the video but were actually a way to release a virus into the user's system. "Hackers are no slacks when it comes to taking advantage of a hot internet search trend, and they have been quick to set up bogus webpages claiming to contain the video footage of Ms. Andrews in her hotel room," said Graham Cluley of Sophos. |
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Monday July 20, 2009 |
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ESPN Launching More Local Sports Sites: NYC, LA, Dallas Next Magic Kingdom Fantasyland revamp plans leaked? Remembering Walter Cronkite in Spaceship Earth at Walt Disney World Disney water-park guests: We're keeping a closer on eye on our kids Monorail Pilot’s Mother Suing Disney Disney Monorail Accident Was Human Error, Report Says Epcot International Food and Wine Festival update |
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ESPN Launching More Local Sports Sites: NYC, LA, Dallas Next Silicon Alley - Look out, newspapers: Disney's (DIS) ESPN is launching more local sports sites. The next few: New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas, the NYT reports. This after ESPN's Chicago site became the city's top sports site in less than three months, the NYT says. According to comScore, ESPN Chicago attracted about 590,000 unique visitors in June; the Tribune's attracted 455,000. (Though not like ESPN was coming from nowhere in Chicago: It had a huge head start with a popular sports radio station, AM 1000.) As long as traffic and ad sales stay firm, the strategy makes sense for ESPN, which can leverage a ton of content, partnerships, technology, multimedia, and stats from its national organization into local micro-sites. The challenge will be competing with local personalities, who have long-term followings in newspapers and on radio and TV. (Though as more papers bust, could be an opportunity for ESPN to hire the most popular as contributors.) |
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Magic
Kingdom Fantasyland revamp plans leaked? lifthill - A new image showing potential expansion plans for Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom has been posted online. The Disney Blog reports that the "leaked" image matches rumors heard from other sources, and suggests that it does not appear to be fan created. The overhead-view image shows a major overhaul for the Walt Disney World park's most kid-friendly areas, with the plans extending from the eastern edge of It's a Small World all the way over to the far end of Mickey's Toontown Fair. Additions would include a new Beauty and the Beast-themed eatery called Be Our Guest, a clone of the new Voyage of the Little Mermaid attraction currently being added to Disney's California Adventure, the moving of the area's popular Dumbo attraction to the back corner of the area, adding a second spinning ride to double the popular attraction's capacity, a new fairy-themed play area, and new meet and greet spots for a number of Disney's Princess and Fairy characters. The lone Toontown Fair attraction that appears to have been saved in the new plan is the Goofy's Barnstorm kiddie coaster, which may or may not undergo a re-theming to better fit in with its new surroundings. |
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Remembering Walter Cronkite in Spaceship Earth at Walt Disney
World Theme Park Rangers - In the past few days since Walter Cronkite died at age 92, much has been written about his legacy as one of America's premier newsmen. But theme-park goers have their own fond memories of Uncle Walt, whose voice has popped up around Disney World over the years. In the Disney sphere, he is best known as the voice of Spaceship Earth, Epcot's signature attraction. Cronkite told guests the history of human progress and communication from 1986 until 1994. Apparently, Disney never found an American worthy to replace him. Since then, two Brits have provided the narration; first, Jeremy Irons, and currently Dame Judi Dench. Cronkite also was part of the animation tour at what was then the Disney-MGM Studios. He interviewed Robin Williams in a short film called Back to Neverland. Cronkite explained how an animated film was made, while Williams became an animated character -- even imitating Cronkite. The newsman signed off from the film with his famous "And that's the way it is" catchphrase. But my favorite Disney connection for Cronkite is his narration of Holiday IllumiNations, the Epcot fireworks show that played for years during the Christmas-Hanukkah season. Cronkite was true host, opening the show by intoning: "Good evening, this is Walter Cronkite. Tonight we welcome you to a joyous celebration of the season. Welcome, to Holiday IllumiNations." I was such a fan of the holiday fireworks that just hearing his introduction would make me giddy with anticipation. At the show's close, he would graciously thank the musicians heard during the show, including Ms. Sandi Patti and the Harlem Boys Choir. Although Disney has not run the full Holiday IllumiNations show since Epcot's Millennium Celebration, in recent years the finale number, "Let There Be Peace on Earth," has been added to close out the regular IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth show. I trek out there several times during the holiday season just to see it. I hope Disney does that this year as well, because the most substantial portion of Cronkite's classic narration still introduces the song (although Cronkite is no longer identified.) It's not Christmastime, but in memory of Uncle Walt, I will print the words here. Just reading them, I can hear his distinctive voice: During this glorious time of year, there is one message that rings out around the world in every language: "Peace on earth, good will to men" is a wish to hold in our hearts throughout each passing year, a gift of immeasurable value, a treasure being handed down with care, from generation to generation. And so our holiday wish is that everyone, everywhere, share in the spirit of the season, peace on earth, good will to men. |
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Disney water-park guests: We're keeping a closer on eye on our
kids Orlando Sentinel - Guests at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon today said they were concerned about the latest sexual-related arrest at the water park and would keep a closer eye on their children. But news of Thursday's arrest of man accused of touching a 13-year-old boy through his swim trunks in a wave pool wasn't enough to keep people away from the water park near Downtown Disney. "I was under the impression that they have pretty tight security here. I thought it was mostly families that visited," said Joe Pavo, who was visiting with three small children. "You don't expect behavior like that in a place like this." The Orlando Sentinel talked with guests in the parking lot of the water park after Disney officials denied a request from the newspaper to interview and photograph guests inside the water park. David Thomas, 29, of Mountlake Terrace, Wash., was arrested late Thursday on a charge of lewd molestation -- the fifth sex-related incident at an area water park in a month. It was the third arrest in less than two weeks on sex charges related to behavior at Typhoon Lagoon. Disney officials have said they won't tolerate unacceptable behavior, and they are continually focused on reporting inappropriate activity to law enforcement. Still, some parents today said they planned to keep a closer eye on their children after hearing about Thursday's arrest. "Being here without an adult male concerns me, so he'll have to stay right by my side," said Ingrid Lesko of her teenage son. "My eyes will be on him the whole time." Some water-park guests said they were not any more fearful for their children's safety at a water park than in any other situation. "It's weird knowing it just happened here, but I use this as a lesson to my kids that this happens everywhere, every day," said Brandy Burka of St. Augustine. "I worry about it everywhere." Guest Mark Skinner of London said keeping a watchful eye on his children is always a priority. "We always keep our kids close. I think anywhere you are it's a matter of looking after your own kids," he said. Bipin Adhikary of Texas said he had been pleased with the security at the two parks he visited earlier this week, but was now having some doubts. "I will not let my kids be alone or stay alone," he said. |
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Monorail Pilot’s
Mother Suing Disney Central Florida News - The mother of the Disney monorail pilot who died earlier this month is suing the theme park. Christine Wuennenberg, Austin's mother, wants to make sure evidence from the July 5 crash that killed her son is protected and not destroyed or altered. In the petition filed in State Circuit Court, Wuennenberg
asked that a judge hold an emergency hearing in the case. Her son died when the National Transportation Safety Board said the pink monorail collided with the purple monorail he was in. It happened around 2 a.m. near the Transportation and Ticket Center at the Walt Disney World Resort. During a hearing Tuesday, a judge denied the petition. Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty said, "Given an ongoing investigation and potential claim, we're taking appropriate measures to preserve relevant documents and materials." Wuennenberg wants to make sure video surveillance footage, event recorders, which are commonly known as black boxes, and other pertinent information about the crash aren't forever destroyed. Meanwhile, three people are on paid leave at Disney as the investigation continues. The NTSB said there was no evidence of mechanical error. |
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Disney Monorail Accident Was Human Error, Report Says FOX News - The Orlando Sentinel reported Thursday that the employee has told investigators he thought he had activated the switch before radioing that it had been done. But the switch never moved from the main line to the spur, and investigators have found no evidence of a mechanical malfunction. Two trains on the monorail collided over Fourth of July weekend, killing college student Austin Wuennenberg, who was operating one of the trains. |
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Epcot International Food and Wine Festival update Examiner - Of the more than 25 international marketplaces offering a taste of their cultures, there is another element of the Food and Wine festival that features encounters with some of the world's greatest authors, chefs, and wine experts all for the tasting -- pun intended! The specialty wine and culinary programs are the "icing on the cake", literally! Diverse in their offerings, these specialty venues offer pure epicurean euphoria through a variety of cooking demonstrations and wine tasting events by notable chefs and wine authorities from around the globe. With so many programs and details about each one, this article will serve as the main navigation to all of the programs offered. Just read below and click through those that tickle your taste buds and remember come right back to this page to lead your taste buds to a new tempting experience. All of these programs have a substantial
price tag attached to them, but they are worth the indulging.
Also, they require reservations to be booked far in advance and
that date is approaching quickly. Mark your calendars now
because on August 11 at 7:00 a.m., the reservation lines open at
407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Don't give up if
you're put on hold for a little while; just stay the course and
it will pay off. A lot of guests will be booking these programs
and they have been known to sellout in a single day. Don't miss
your chance!
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