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Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Media Man Movie And Entertainment News: WWE Studios, Planet Of The Apes, Mission: Impossible, Marvel Entertainment, Underbelly Razor; Movie Games...by Greg Tingle - 14th August 2011
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New players get up to $3000 sign up bonus via Media Man.
Tom Cruise Dead Serious in New 'Mission: Impossible 4' Still...
The 'Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol' picture sees the 'Rock of Ages' actor wearing a hoodie while standing with his back on the explosion scene and giving a fierce gaze to the camera.
A brand new still from "Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol" has just arrived, giving a look at Tom Cruise who looks fierce as he throws a steely gaze at the camera. The Ethan Hunt depicter wears a black hoodie and plants his hands in the pockets of his jacket. He's surrounded by smokes and flames coming from the explosion behind him.
The fourth installment of "Mission: Impossible" franchise, the action movie will follow Ethan and his team as they go undercover to clear their name after they were blamed for a terrorist bombing. While trying to find out the true mastermind behind the crime, they have to dodge the government to avoid being captured and charged for something they didn't do.
The film is supported by Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, Ving Rhames, Josh Holloway and Simon Pegg among others. Co-produced by Cruise along with J.J. Abrams and Paula Wagner, it is scheduled to make its way out in the United States on December 21.
WWE Studios rethinks its strategy after shooting seven films in New Orleans...
WWE Studios' New Orleans experiment might not be down for the count, exactly. But the wrestling-linked outfit's unique local strategy -- in which it shot seven films in town in less than two years, including the just-wrapped "No One Lives" -- is definitely changing.
WWE Studios chief Mike Pavone, who had been a near-constant presence in New Orleans for the better part of a year and a half, is leaving the company "to pursue other opportunities," according to a report this week in the trade paper Variety. That follows by days remarks from WWE honcho Vince McMahon that the company is rethinking its film strategy.
Taking advantage of Louisiana's filmmaking tax credits was a key to that strategy, which was Pavone's brainchild, dreamed up after the locally shot, bigger-budgeted 2009 action film "12 Rounds" performed poorly at the box office in the wake of a marketing push by distributor 20th Century Fox that was lackluster at best.
The Pavone plan was intended to keep the budgets of the studio's films -- mostly family-friendly fare on his watch, ranging in genre from comedies to a period drama -- in the $5 million range, a bargain by Hollywood standards. In addition to taking advantage of Louisiana tax credits, it signed a new deal with independent distributor Samuel Goldwyn Films that gave the studio more say in marketing strategy.
Another key to it all, though, was Pavone's mass-production concept, in which production on one film cranked up just as its predecessor was wrapping, allowing the studio to roll much of its crew over from film to film and tamp down startup costs.
That was great for local film-industry workers hired by the studio, as they saw steady work with largely the same group of people for more than a year. And local movie buffs got to see New Orleans on the big screen. (Particularly memorable: Michael Rappaport's black-and-gold Super Bowl XLIV shirt in the forthcoming "Inside Out," albeit a shirt of questionable copyright.)
WWE's bean counters didn't have much to complain about, either -- at least not at first.
"This whole idea is based on a television model," Pavone said in a September interview on the New Orleans set of the forthcoming "Bending the Rules," starring Jamie Kennedy and wrestler Adam "Edge" Copeland. "Amortizing your costs over several movies, you roll the same crews over and over, you don't have to spend all the money for startup and shutdown costs, which could be to the tune of six grand a day to start up in a new place and hire new people and hire stage space.
"We make all of our deals based on multiple movies, so they give us some better rates and on and on. We found out we save a million dollars a movie."
Unfortunately, while all of that meant savings on the production side, it didn't necessarily translate into quality at the box office. Pavone tried to lend his films credibility by signing established actors -- including Ed Harris, Patricia Clarkson, Danny Glover, Michael Rappaport and Parker Posey -- to star alongside a selection of WWE wrestler/actors. But audiences didn't respond.
The new distribution deal didn't help matters. It was built around a cost-cutting plan to give each film a limited theatrical release followed just weeks later by DVD releases -- meaning WWE Studios would foot the bill for just one, rather than two, advertising campaigns. But the results apparently weren't much different than when Fox had the reins.
Although WWE Studios generated $4.3 million in the past three months, its latest release -- the coming-of-age comedy "That's What I Am," starring Harris and directed by Pavone -- lost $3.3 million during the second quarter after mustering only $6,400 from 10 theaters in three days at the box office, Variety reported.
After getting an exclusive DVD release at Walmart on May 17, "That's What I Am" -- shot mostly in Jefferson -- gets a wide home-video release on Tuesday (Aug. 16).
As for what direction the studio will take next, a hint could be in "No One Lives," which just wrapped production on the north shore.
That film saw the studio team with Pathe U.K., part of a strategy to share costs with other production partners. As a horror flick directed by Ryuhei Kitamura ("Midnight Meat Train"), it also might signal a shift toward more genre fare, Variety speculated, after Pavone's slate of mostly feel-good dramas and family fare didn't appeal to the company's fan base.
And, it's worth noting, Louisiana is apparently still part of the picture.
WWE Studio's Snapshot...
A look at WWE Studios' films shot locally under the supervision of recently departed executive Mike Pavone:
"Knucklehead," available on DVD now.
"Legendary" (working title: "Brother's Keeper"), available on DVD now.
"The Chaperone," available on DVD now.
"That's What I Am" (working titles: "Big Red," "Big Ginger") available Tuesday on DVD.
"Inside Out", set for limited theatrical release Sept. 9.
"Bending the Rules," release date unannounced.
"No One Lives," just wrapped production.
Rise Of Planet Of The Apes Delivers US Numbers...
Close competition for the top spot on Friday kept Fox's "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" in the lead for its second weekend in a row. "Rise" made $8.1 million from 3,691 locations at the US box office. Closely followed by Disney's "The Help" scored $7.626 million from 2,534 locations and Warner Bros' "Final Destination 5" earned $7.34 million from 3,155.
Marvel Schedules Release Dates for Two Mystery Projects...
Marvel Entertainment and Disney are getting close to announcing the next chapters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While 2012 will only see the release of The Avengers, Marvel has already planned two movies for 2013: Iron Man 3 (opening May 3) and Thor 2 (opening July 26). 2014 will also have two releases from the comic book company, though which ones is still a secret. Box Office Mojo reports that two mystery projects will open in 2014, with "Marvel Untitled 1" will open on May 16, 2014, while "Marvel Untitled 2" will open June 27, 2014. No details on which movies they might be, though there are a few obvious possibilities.
Disney - Marvel Comic War Escalates With DC Comics...
On Wednesday, Walt Disney (NYS: DIS) stock suffered its worst sell-off in a decade, dropping 13% in a single day. Sales were strong, but investors worried consumer wallets might not be big enough to keep Disney growing much longer. Result: Wednesday was a horrible day for Disney ... but hold onto your portfolios our friends. The week ain't over yet.
Background...
Two years ago, Disney snagged Marvel Entertainment for a cool $4 billion. Marvel shareholders wept for the loss of their stock, but Disney shareholders cheered approval.
With the fun and games Disney has got itself in a bit of negative publicity. Its new subsidiary Marvel Comics is offering comic book retailers the chance to sell a "variant cover" edition of Fear Itself No. 6. All a retailer has to do to get the coveted item is ... rip the covers off of 50 copies of any No. 1 issue from rival DC Comics' Flashpoint line of titles, and send them to Marvel, coupon-style.
The gambit's perfectly legal. The retailers paid for these comics, and would be destroying their own property, essentially turning their DC comics into coupons to acquire a rare Marvel edition. Marvel has even done this before -- successfully -- cajoling envious retailers into destroying tens of thousands of copies of its rival's comics. Still, there's a bit of an underhanded feel to the whole gambit. Marvel's clear aim here is to limit readership of DC publications, with the hope of strangling DC Comic's fan base.
It may work, but its not a lock. Marvel may have forgotten that by destroying its rivals' work, it's actually making the DC publications rarer...thus increasing their aftermarket value. This could have the perverse effect of encouraging collectors who might not have bought the DC comics before to rush out and buy them now before they disappear. And that's before we even consider the amount of bad blood and negative publicity Marvel (and Disney) are bringing upon themselves through this "dirty tricks" campaign.
What this may mean to the motion picture war between Marvel Entertainment and DC Comics is not totally clear at this point, but Marvel flicks such as Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger and X-Men: First Class, have it all over DC's Green Hornet. Will Marvel tie up DC in webs, or will DC fight back and snatch the crown back from Marvel with the help of Batman and friends. Marvel legend Stan Lee and his friends at The Avengers are up to the fight, and news media and fans will not want to miss a second of the action.
Marvel Movies Upcoming...
Movie Studio Date
Captain America: The First Avenger Paramount Pictures 7/22/11
Ghost Rider 2 (3D) Sony 2/17/12
The Avengers (2012) Buena Vista 5/4/12
The Amazing Spider-Man Sony 7/3/12
Iron Man 3 Buena Vista 5/3/13
Underbelly Razor Gets A Makeover; More Advertiser Friendly...
Network Nine top brass has confirmed they worked the casting to put a prettier face on the femme fatale series.
Mug shots of Sydney's most notorious criminals from the roaring '20s were used to hire actors resembling the hard men, the female leads went to Kiwi fems Chelsie Preston Crayford and Danielle Cormack.
Nine boss David Gyngell sold the sexed up and prettier version to advertisers as part of the network's push to get Underbelly the right sort of attention.
Photographs from the time show real-life vice queens Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh were hardly the stuff of cinematic close-ups. They were rough looking girls.
Much of themale casting reflects an uncanny likeness to the real crims who would become underworld legends.
It certainly follows the Underbelly tradition of art imitating life, with Gyton Grantley making his name as Carl Williams in the first series, while Firass Dirani passed as John Ibrahim in last year's 'The Golden Mile'. Dirani later picked up a role opposite Robert Di Niro in 'The Killer Elite'. John "Vulcan" Seru, closely associated with the Media Man agency, is understood to be working on a couple of films under wraps. Long time James Bond fans will know Seru from playing Gabor in 'The World Is Not Enough'.
Make no mistake, bad girls and bad guys are still in vogue.
Underbelly Razor premieres next Sunday night at 8.30pm on Channel Nine.
Mad Max Fury Road Won't Be Made In Australia...
Rural NSW town Broken Town is feeling quite broken hearted after learning that Max Mad will not be filmed there.
The decision, described by the Mayor of Broken Hill as a "tragedy", has stripped the outback city of the $10-12 million in investments it was expecting to receive as a result of the production.
Local council announced the decision saying the production company behind the movie, Kennedy Miller Mitchell (KMM), felt recent heavy rains had ruined the arid landscape the film required.
The now cancelled production would have seen acclaimed director George Miller, as well as Hollywood celebrities Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy, working in the western New South Wales city.
Local business people, such as hotel owners who were banking on the influx of people and money, will be hit hard by the decision to cancel filming.
The Mayor of the Broken Hill City Council, Wincen Cuy, told ABC Broken Hill he is disappointed by the decision, but concedes nothing can be done to change the outcome.
"This decision hasn't been taken lightly by KMM... but nature's caused it, nothing else has caused it apart from nature."
Mayor Cuy says the money KMM has already paid to use the film studio is "signed, sealed and delivered", but other parts of the Broken Hill community will suffer from the decision.
"What we're saying is that... from a community's point of view, and from trying to take Broken Hill into the future, yeah it is disappointing."
Despite the disappointment, Mayor Cuy says the City Council understands the decision and respects KMM's right to make it.
Mayor Cuy feels that, although having missed this opportunity, Broken Hill could stand to gain from future opportunities with KMM.
"Let's look at the long term future; if there's going to be a Mad Max Four, it's better to be made (so) then we possibly can get some input into Mad Max 5, or have Mad Max 5 (filmed) here."
Kennedy Miller Mitchell has made no comment as to where the filming of Mad Max: Fury Road will now take place.
Wild flowers cover the Australian desert after a one-in-100-year rain event.
“The Mad Max landscape looks like Wales,” director George Miller said in The Sydney Morning Herald. “There was a carpet of flowers on the location we were shooting on. There’s no way it’s going to brown off.”
The search for browness and a new location is now on. Africa or South America are likely candidates.
This will mark the first time a major Australian film will be shot predominately overseas since “Disgrace” in 2007.
Namibia is the most likely location for the first installment in what will be a new three-movie series.
The film was originally meant to be shot in the African country in 2003, but the production ran into complications with travel restrictions and political sensitivities caused by the Iraq War.
At that time, original Max Mel Gibson was signed for the film. And while it’s still rumored Gibson will appear, the reality is getting increasingly unlikely.
“It won’t be Mel. He was 21 when he made the first one,” George Miller told news.com.au. “Now he’s a lot older and his passion is for filmmaking and directing.”
Tom Hardy, Teresa Palmer and Charlize Theron will reportedly star in the film.
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Hollywood Slot Games Available Via Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Online Casino...
Gaming and movie fans can play Hollywood themed slot games at Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment's PartyCasino.com Games include: Mission: Impossible, The Godfather, Rambo, Top Gun, Resident Evil, The Naked Gun, Tarzan, Gone With The Wind, High Noon, Thor, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, Fantastic Four and more. Play for free or play for money at PartyCasino.com
New players get up to $3000 sign up bonus via Media Man.
Tom Cruise Dead Serious in New 'Mission: Impossible 4' Still...
The 'Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol' picture sees the 'Rock of Ages' actor wearing a hoodie while standing with his back on the explosion scene and giving a fierce gaze to the camera.
A brand new still from "Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol" has just arrived, giving a look at Tom Cruise who looks fierce as he throws a steely gaze at the camera. The Ethan Hunt depicter wears a black hoodie and plants his hands in the pockets of his jacket. He's surrounded by smokes and flames coming from the explosion behind him.
The fourth installment of "Mission: Impossible" franchise, the action movie will follow Ethan and his team as they go undercover to clear their name after they were blamed for a terrorist bombing. While trying to find out the true mastermind behind the crime, they have to dodge the government to avoid being captured and charged for something they didn't do.
The film is supported by Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, Ving Rhames, Josh Holloway and Simon Pegg among others. Co-produced by Cruise along with J.J. Abrams and Paula Wagner, it is scheduled to make its way out in the United States on December 21.
WWE Studios rethinks its strategy after shooting seven films in New Orleans...
WWE Studios' New Orleans experiment might not be down for the count, exactly. But the wrestling-linked outfit's unique local strategy -- in which it shot seven films in town in less than two years, including the just-wrapped "No One Lives" -- is definitely changing.
WWE Studios chief Mike Pavone, who had been a near-constant presence in New Orleans for the better part of a year and a half, is leaving the company "to pursue other opportunities," according to a report this week in the trade paper Variety. That follows by days remarks from WWE honcho Vince McMahon that the company is rethinking its film strategy.
Taking advantage of Louisiana's filmmaking tax credits was a key to that strategy, which was Pavone's brainchild, dreamed up after the locally shot, bigger-budgeted 2009 action film "12 Rounds" performed poorly at the box office in the wake of a marketing push by distributor 20th Century Fox that was lackluster at best.
The Pavone plan was intended to keep the budgets of the studio's films -- mostly family-friendly fare on his watch, ranging in genre from comedies to a period drama -- in the $5 million range, a bargain by Hollywood standards. In addition to taking advantage of Louisiana tax credits, it signed a new deal with independent distributor Samuel Goldwyn Films that gave the studio more say in marketing strategy.
Another key to it all, though, was Pavone's mass-production concept, in which production on one film cranked up just as its predecessor was wrapping, allowing the studio to roll much of its crew over from film to film and tamp down startup costs.
That was great for local film-industry workers hired by the studio, as they saw steady work with largely the same group of people for more than a year. And local movie buffs got to see New Orleans on the big screen. (Particularly memorable: Michael Rappaport's black-and-gold Super Bowl XLIV shirt in the forthcoming "Inside Out," albeit a shirt of questionable copyright.)
WWE's bean counters didn't have much to complain about, either -- at least not at first.
"This whole idea is based on a television model," Pavone said in a September interview on the New Orleans set of the forthcoming "Bending the Rules," starring Jamie Kennedy and wrestler Adam "Edge" Copeland. "Amortizing your costs over several movies, you roll the same crews over and over, you don't have to spend all the money for startup and shutdown costs, which could be to the tune of six grand a day to start up in a new place and hire new people and hire stage space.
"We make all of our deals based on multiple movies, so they give us some better rates and on and on. We found out we save a million dollars a movie."
Unfortunately, while all of that meant savings on the production side, it didn't necessarily translate into quality at the box office. Pavone tried to lend his films credibility by signing established actors -- including Ed Harris, Patricia Clarkson, Danny Glover, Michael Rappaport and Parker Posey -- to star alongside a selection of WWE wrestler/actors. But audiences didn't respond.
The new distribution deal didn't help matters. It was built around a cost-cutting plan to give each film a limited theatrical release followed just weeks later by DVD releases -- meaning WWE Studios would foot the bill for just one, rather than two, advertising campaigns. But the results apparently weren't much different than when Fox had the reins.
Although WWE Studios generated $4.3 million in the past three months, its latest release -- the coming-of-age comedy "That's What I Am," starring Harris and directed by Pavone -- lost $3.3 million during the second quarter after mustering only $6,400 from 10 theaters in three days at the box office, Variety reported.
After getting an exclusive DVD release at Walmart on May 17, "That's What I Am" -- shot mostly in Jefferson -- gets a wide home-video release on Tuesday (Aug. 16).
As for what direction the studio will take next, a hint could be in "No One Lives," which just wrapped production on the north shore.
That film saw the studio team with Pathe U.K., part of a strategy to share costs with other production partners. As a horror flick directed by Ryuhei Kitamura ("Midnight Meat Train"), it also might signal a shift toward more genre fare, Variety speculated, after Pavone's slate of mostly feel-good dramas and family fare didn't appeal to the company's fan base.
And, it's worth noting, Louisiana is apparently still part of the picture.
WWE Studio's Snapshot...
A look at WWE Studios' films shot locally under the supervision of recently departed executive Mike Pavone:
"Knucklehead," available on DVD now.
"Legendary" (working title: "Brother's Keeper"), available on DVD now.
"The Chaperone," available on DVD now.
"That's What I Am" (working titles: "Big Red," "Big Ginger") available Tuesday on DVD.
"Inside Out", set for limited theatrical release Sept. 9.
"Bending the Rules," release date unannounced.
"No One Lives," just wrapped production.
Rise Of Planet Of The Apes Delivers US Numbers...
Close competition for the top spot on Friday kept Fox's "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" in the lead for its second weekend in a row. "Rise" made $8.1 million from 3,691 locations at the US box office. Closely followed by Disney's "The Help" scored $7.626 million from 2,534 locations and Warner Bros' "Final Destination 5" earned $7.34 million from 3,155.
Marvel Schedules Release Dates for Two Mystery Projects...
Marvel Entertainment and Disney are getting close to announcing the next chapters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While 2012 will only see the release of The Avengers, Marvel has already planned two movies for 2013: Iron Man 3 (opening May 3) and Thor 2 (opening July 26). 2014 will also have two releases from the comic book company, though which ones is still a secret. Box Office Mojo reports that two mystery projects will open in 2014, with "Marvel Untitled 1" will open on May 16, 2014, while "Marvel Untitled 2" will open June 27, 2014. No details on which movies they might be, though there are a few obvious possibilities.
Disney - Marvel Comic War Escalates With DC Comics...
On Wednesday, Walt Disney (NYS: DIS) stock suffered its worst sell-off in a decade, dropping 13% in a single day. Sales were strong, but investors worried consumer wallets might not be big enough to keep Disney growing much longer. Result: Wednesday was a horrible day for Disney ... but hold onto your portfolios our friends. The week ain't over yet.
Background...
Two years ago, Disney snagged Marvel Entertainment for a cool $4 billion. Marvel shareholders wept for the loss of their stock, but Disney shareholders cheered approval.
With the fun and games Disney has got itself in a bit of negative publicity. Its new subsidiary Marvel Comics is offering comic book retailers the chance to sell a "variant cover" edition of Fear Itself No. 6. All a retailer has to do to get the coveted item is ... rip the covers off of 50 copies of any No. 1 issue from rival DC Comics' Flashpoint line of titles, and send them to Marvel, coupon-style.
The gambit's perfectly legal. The retailers paid for these comics, and would be destroying their own property, essentially turning their DC comics into coupons to acquire a rare Marvel edition. Marvel has even done this before -- successfully -- cajoling envious retailers into destroying tens of thousands of copies of its rival's comics. Still, there's a bit of an underhanded feel to the whole gambit. Marvel's clear aim here is to limit readership of DC publications, with the hope of strangling DC Comic's fan base.
It may work, but its not a lock. Marvel may have forgotten that by destroying its rivals' work, it's actually making the DC publications rarer...thus increasing their aftermarket value. This could have the perverse effect of encouraging collectors who might not have bought the DC comics before to rush out and buy them now before they disappear. And that's before we even consider the amount of bad blood and negative publicity Marvel (and Disney) are bringing upon themselves through this "dirty tricks" campaign.
What this may mean to the motion picture war between Marvel Entertainment and DC Comics is not totally clear at this point, but Marvel flicks such as Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger and X-Men: First Class, have it all over DC's Green Hornet. Will Marvel tie up DC in webs, or will DC fight back and snatch the crown back from Marvel with the help of Batman and friends. Marvel legend Stan Lee and his friends at The Avengers are up to the fight, and news media and fans will not want to miss a second of the action.
Marvel Movies Upcoming...
Movie Studio Date
Captain America: The First Avenger Paramount Pictures 7/22/11
Ghost Rider 2 (3D) Sony 2/17/12
The Avengers (2012) Buena Vista 5/4/12
The Amazing Spider-Man Sony 7/3/12
Iron Man 3 Buena Vista 5/3/13
Underbelly Razor Gets A Makeover; More Advertiser Friendly...
Network Nine top brass has confirmed they worked the casting to put a prettier face on the femme fatale series.
Mug shots of Sydney's most notorious criminals from the roaring '20s were used to hire actors resembling the hard men, the female leads went to Kiwi fems Chelsie Preston Crayford and Danielle Cormack.
Nine boss David Gyngell sold the sexed up and prettier version to advertisers as part of the network's push to get Underbelly the right sort of attention.
Photographs from the time show real-life vice queens Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh were hardly the stuff of cinematic close-ups. They were rough looking girls.
Much of themale casting reflects an uncanny likeness to the real crims who would become underworld legends.
It certainly follows the Underbelly tradition of art imitating life, with Gyton Grantley making his name as Carl Williams in the first series, while Firass Dirani passed as John Ibrahim in last year's 'The Golden Mile'. Dirani later picked up a role opposite Robert Di Niro in 'The Killer Elite'. John "Vulcan" Seru, closely associated with the Media Man agency, is understood to be working on a couple of films under wraps. Long time James Bond fans will know Seru from playing Gabor in 'The World Is Not Enough'.
Make no mistake, bad girls and bad guys are still in vogue.
Underbelly Razor premieres next Sunday night at 8.30pm on Channel Nine.
Mad Max Fury Road Won't Be Made In Australia...
Rural NSW town Broken Town is feeling quite broken hearted after learning that Max Mad will not be filmed there.
The decision, described by the Mayor of Broken Hill as a "tragedy", has stripped the outback city of the $10-12 million in investments it was expecting to receive as a result of the production.
Local council announced the decision saying the production company behind the movie, Kennedy Miller Mitchell (KMM), felt recent heavy rains had ruined the arid landscape the film required.
The now cancelled production would have seen acclaimed director George Miller, as well as Hollywood celebrities Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy, working in the western New South Wales city.
Local business people, such as hotel owners who were banking on the influx of people and money, will be hit hard by the decision to cancel filming.
The Mayor of the Broken Hill City Council, Wincen Cuy, told ABC Broken Hill he is disappointed by the decision, but concedes nothing can be done to change the outcome.
"This decision hasn't been taken lightly by KMM... but nature's caused it, nothing else has caused it apart from nature."
Mayor Cuy says the money KMM has already paid to use the film studio is "signed, sealed and delivered", but other parts of the Broken Hill community will suffer from the decision.
"What we're saying is that... from a community's point of view, and from trying to take Broken Hill into the future, yeah it is disappointing."
Despite the disappointment, Mayor Cuy says the City Council understands the decision and respects KMM's right to make it.
Mayor Cuy feels that, although having missed this opportunity, Broken Hill could stand to gain from future opportunities with KMM.
"Let's look at the long term future; if there's going to be a Mad Max Four, it's better to be made (so) then we possibly can get some input into Mad Max 5, or have Mad Max 5 (filmed) here."
Kennedy Miller Mitchell has made no comment as to where the filming of Mad Max: Fury Road will now take place.
Wild flowers cover the Australian desert after a one-in-100-year rain event.
“The Mad Max landscape looks like Wales,” director George Miller said in The Sydney Morning Herald. “There was a carpet of flowers on the location we were shooting on. There’s no way it’s going to brown off.”
The search for browness and a new location is now on. Africa or South America are likely candidates.
This will mark the first time a major Australian film will be shot predominately overseas since “Disgrace” in 2007.
Namibia is the most likely location for the first installment in what will be a new three-movie series.
The film was originally meant to be shot in the African country in 2003, but the production ran into complications with travel restrictions and political sensitivities caused by the Iraq War.
At that time, original Max Mel Gibson was signed for the film. And while it’s still rumored Gibson will appear, the reality is getting increasingly unlikely.
“It won’t be Mel. He was 21 when he made the first one,” George Miller told news.com.au. “Now he’s a lot older and his passion is for filmmaking and directing.”
Tom Hardy, Teresa Palmer and Charlize Theron will reportedly star in the film.
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Media Man Int
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Saturday, August 13, 2011
WWE Wrestling Mixing With Hollywood; Mainstream News Continues, by Greg Tingle - 13th August 2011
Profiles
Hulk Hogan Eric Bischoff Turner Jesse Ventura Wrestling Television Reality TV Movies Media Man
Pro Wrestling Stars Keen On Casino, Gaming And Online Casino Dealings...
Ric Flair aka "The Nature Boy" was the first, but not last, pro wrestler to cash in on his name in the gambling sector. Flair is the front man for tthe Carolina's Education Lottery with his Wooooo tickets, now in their second campaign. Hulk Hogan followed the money trail to gambling with his Hulk-A-Mania slot machine deal with the Dreamseekers Foundation, but you will have to travel to Californian casinos to check out the game. Hogan also has an online slot on the way in a deal inked with Endomol Games UK. The online slot is expected to hit casinos such as PartyCasino before the end of this year. An Andre The Giant online game is also rumoured to be soon released by North Sydney based NextGen Gaming. Kevin "Diesel" Nash even has some game promos on his official website. Media Man is understood to be the first port of call for the scoops relating to wrestling - gaming deals. PartyCasino currently offers the Sumo slot game, but its not a touch on what a Hogan or Flair online slot will be. Punters, the good news is that the online slots can be played for free or for money, but if you don't bet, you can't win (for real) either, but you won't loose money if you play in that fashion either. Many players are trying out the online games for free, before placing down money. You must be 18 years old or over to play the online slot games in most countries.
Clooney hooks up with WWE wrestler Stacy Keibler...
Just a couple of months after George Clooney broke up with Elisabetta Canalis, he has a new girlfriend, Stacy Keibler, 18 years his junior.
The 50-year-old had done well for himself, extremely well, if the general consensus was anything to go by, after all, there is no denying that the Italian, 32 , had a figure to be envied.
But by George! He's only gone and done it again, as these pictures of his latest paramour prove, and Clooney's new girl has an even better figure than Canalis.
Stacy Keibler, an actress and model, has been fighting professionally in the past.
Clooney’s girlfriend, aged 32, was a successful WWE wrestler, famed because her 42 inch legs allowed her to step in and out of the ring with ease and panache.
Keibler, who hails from Maryland, is incredibly proud of her endless pins, she was quoting as saying: 'Anybody can go out and buy boobs, but you're either blessed with attractive legs or you're not.'
But don't let these statistics fool you into thinking that Clooney was merely attracted to Keibler's comely form.
Us Weekly report that Clooney was bedazzled by the leggy blonde's witty banter.
They report a source as saying: 'They like each other's sense of humour.'
The friend added: 'They have been really close for two years, Stacey is a superchill girl, and George has the same personality.'
Hulk's girl Brooke Hogan gets nude in a cage...
Reality TV star Brooke Hogan has left her wrestling legend dad in a knot over raunchy nude photo campaign for animal rights charity PETA.
The exposing black and white snaps of the 23-year-old naked and behind bars left her dad, Hulk Hogan, red-faced when he viewed the pictures at an exhibition yesterday. See the photos here
Wrestling hero Hulk, real name Terry Gene Bollea, jokingly tried to spare his daughter's blushes by covering up the revealing portraits with his hands.
The shots are part of the PETA's Women In Cages exhibition held in Cafeina Lounge, Miami, Florida which the curvy Hogan Knows Best star Brooke supported by going nude.
Moustachioed muscle-man Hulk had been attending the bash on his 58th birthday along with his wife Jennifer McDaniel and the ex-wrestler and his family were treated to a giant cake adorned with his name in silver lettering.
Hulk Hogan's Micro Championship Wrestling
truTV Announces Premiere Dates for Three Compelling New Series
Network Reveals Premieres of New Seasons of Seven Returning Original Series, Plus the Debut of Hit Series Wipeout
truTV – which is coming off another record-setting quarter in reaching young adults – has lined up an extensive programming slate for the end of 2011 that includes three new series, seven returning hits and the network's biggest series acquisition ever.
The new series Bear Swamp Recovery, about a larger-than-life family-owned repo business, is set to debut Aug. 22, followed by the Sept. 14 premiere of Hulk Hogan's MCW, which will take viewers behind the scenes of a new professional wrestling league. truTV's third new series of the fall and winter, the hidden-camera prank series Impractical Jokers, will arrive in December.
On Sept. 2, truTV adds its biggest series acquisition, the popular competition show Wipeout. Seven of truTV's original series are also set to return, including the hits Hardcore Pawn, Lizard Lick Towing, Full Throttle Saloon and Black Gold.
truTV just scored its most-watched second quarter ever in primetime delivery of three key demos: adults 18-49, men 18-34 and men 18-49. The network, which is growing in popularity with younger viewers, increased its delivery of adults 18-34 by 11% and men 18-34 by 7% in the second quarter.
The following is a rundown of truTV's new and returning series for 2011:
New Original Series
Bear Swamp Recovery – New series premiering Monday, Aug. 22, with back-to-back episodes at 10 and 10:30 p.m. (ET/PT)
Bear Swamp, where the business is big but the family is even bigger, follows PJ Vinch, who runs a booming New Jersey repo company with the help of his senior-with-an-attitude father and his teen son. With a repo order in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other, these bulky Sicilians never hesitate to take jobs other companies can't handle, from massive construction equipment to luxury yachts at the Jersey shore to an entire fleet of racecars. They always get the goods, and they never miss a meal. Bear Swamp Recovery comes to truTV from Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment.
Hulk Hogan's MCW – New series premieres Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)
Hulk Hogan, one of the legendary stars of pro wrestling, believes you need to start small if you want to win big. Now he's lending his expertise to the new Micro Championship Wrestling, where he gives little wrestlers advice on recruiting, training and mentoring. It's all with the goal of getting the MCW off the ground and into the arena. Hulk Hogan's MCW comes to truTV from Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment.
Impractical Jokers – New series coming in December
Since they were kids, Sal, Murr, Q and Joe have dared one another to do the most ridiculous, humiliating public pranks imaginable. Now, to find out who's best under pressure, they'll compete in unbelievably awkward social experiments – all recorded on camera. The loser must do the most mortifying challenge ever. Impractical Jokers comes to truTV from NorthSouth Productions.
New Acquired Series
Wipeout – Acquired series to air Fridays at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), beginning Sept. 2
truTV has acquired exclusive, off-network cable rights to air this exciting series in which contestants face wildly outrageous barriers, from Big Balls to complex contraptions, for the chance at winning a cash prize. Wipeout, which is also shown in numerous international versions around the globe, ranks among the world's top-rated game shows. The series was recently voted by Entertainment Weekly's readers as "Reality TV's Guiltiest Pleasure."
Returning Series
Lizard Lick Towing – Season 1 returns Monday, Aug. 22, at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT); Season 2 coming in November
Las Vegas Jailhouse – Season 4 launches Sunday, Sept. 4, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)
Operation Repo – Season 9 launches Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT)
Police POV – Season 2 launches in November
Hardcore Pawn – Season 5 coming in November
Black Gold – Season 4 coming in November
Full Throttle Saloon – Season 3 coming in November
About truTV
truTV is television's destination for real-life stories told from an exciting and dramatic first-person perspective. Currently seen in 93 million U.S. households, the network is enjoying its best deliveries ever in key demographics. truTV features high-stakes, action-packed originals that give viewers access to places and situations they can't normally experience. truTV's primetime fan favorites include the original series Hardcore Pawn, All Worked Up, Lizard Lick Towing, Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, Black Gold, Operation Repo and World's Dumbest… During the daytime, the channel features expert trial coverage under the name In Session.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.
About truTV
truTV is television's destination for real-life stories told from an exciting and dramatic first-person perspective. Currently seen in 93 million U.S. households, the network is enjoying its best deliveries ever in key demographics. truTV features high-stakes, action-packed originals that give viewers access to places and situations they can't normally experience. truTV's primetime fan favorites include the original series Hardcore Pawn, All Worked Up, Lizard Lick Towing, Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, Black Gold, Operation Repo and World's Dumbest… During the daytime, the channel features expert trial coverage under the name In Session.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Wrestling News Media
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
Hulk Hogan Eric Bischoff Turner Jesse Ventura Wrestling Television Reality TV Movies Media Man
Pro Wrestling Stars Keen On Casino, Gaming And Online Casino Dealings...
Ric Flair aka "The Nature Boy" was the first, but not last, pro wrestler to cash in on his name in the gambling sector. Flair is the front man for tthe Carolina's Education Lottery with his Wooooo tickets, now in their second campaign. Hulk Hogan followed the money trail to gambling with his Hulk-A-Mania slot machine deal with the Dreamseekers Foundation, but you will have to travel to Californian casinos to check out the game. Hogan also has an online slot on the way in a deal inked with Endomol Games UK. The online slot is expected to hit casinos such as PartyCasino before the end of this year. An Andre The Giant online game is also rumoured to be soon released by North Sydney based NextGen Gaming. Kevin "Diesel" Nash even has some game promos on his official website. Media Man is understood to be the first port of call for the scoops relating to wrestling - gaming deals. PartyCasino currently offers the Sumo slot game, but its not a touch on what a Hogan or Flair online slot will be. Punters, the good news is that the online slots can be played for free or for money, but if you don't bet, you can't win (for real) either, but you won't loose money if you play in that fashion either. Many players are trying out the online games for free, before placing down money. You must be 18 years old or over to play the online slot games in most countries.
Clooney hooks up with WWE wrestler Stacy Keibler...
Just a couple of months after George Clooney broke up with Elisabetta Canalis, he has a new girlfriend, Stacy Keibler, 18 years his junior.
The 50-year-old had done well for himself, extremely well, if the general consensus was anything to go by, after all, there is no denying that the Italian, 32 , had a figure to be envied.
But by George! He's only gone and done it again, as these pictures of his latest paramour prove, and Clooney's new girl has an even better figure than Canalis.
Stacy Keibler, an actress and model, has been fighting professionally in the past.
Clooney’s girlfriend, aged 32, was a successful WWE wrestler, famed because her 42 inch legs allowed her to step in and out of the ring with ease and panache.
Keibler, who hails from Maryland, is incredibly proud of her endless pins, she was quoting as saying: 'Anybody can go out and buy boobs, but you're either blessed with attractive legs or you're not.'
But don't let these statistics fool you into thinking that Clooney was merely attracted to Keibler's comely form.
Us Weekly report that Clooney was bedazzled by the leggy blonde's witty banter.
They report a source as saying: 'They like each other's sense of humour.'
The friend added: 'They have been really close for two years, Stacey is a superchill girl, and George has the same personality.'
Hulk's girl Brooke Hogan gets nude in a cage...
Reality TV star Brooke Hogan has left her wrestling legend dad in a knot over raunchy nude photo campaign for animal rights charity PETA.
The exposing black and white snaps of the 23-year-old naked and behind bars left her dad, Hulk Hogan, red-faced when he viewed the pictures at an exhibition yesterday. See the photos here
Wrestling hero Hulk, real name Terry Gene Bollea, jokingly tried to spare his daughter's blushes by covering up the revealing portraits with his hands.
The shots are part of the PETA's Women In Cages exhibition held in Cafeina Lounge, Miami, Florida which the curvy Hogan Knows Best star Brooke supported by going nude.
Moustachioed muscle-man Hulk had been attending the bash on his 58th birthday along with his wife Jennifer McDaniel and the ex-wrestler and his family were treated to a giant cake adorned with his name in silver lettering.
Hulk Hogan's Micro Championship Wrestling
truTV Announces Premiere Dates for Three Compelling New Series
Network Reveals Premieres of New Seasons of Seven Returning Original Series, Plus the Debut of Hit Series Wipeout
truTV – which is coming off another record-setting quarter in reaching young adults – has lined up an extensive programming slate for the end of 2011 that includes three new series, seven returning hits and the network's biggest series acquisition ever.
The new series Bear Swamp Recovery, about a larger-than-life family-owned repo business, is set to debut Aug. 22, followed by the Sept. 14 premiere of Hulk Hogan's MCW, which will take viewers behind the scenes of a new professional wrestling league. truTV's third new series of the fall and winter, the hidden-camera prank series Impractical Jokers, will arrive in December.
On Sept. 2, truTV adds its biggest series acquisition, the popular competition show Wipeout. Seven of truTV's original series are also set to return, including the hits Hardcore Pawn, Lizard Lick Towing, Full Throttle Saloon and Black Gold.
truTV just scored its most-watched second quarter ever in primetime delivery of three key demos: adults 18-49, men 18-34 and men 18-49. The network, which is growing in popularity with younger viewers, increased its delivery of adults 18-34 by 11% and men 18-34 by 7% in the second quarter.
The following is a rundown of truTV's new and returning series for 2011:
New Original Series
Bear Swamp Recovery – New series premiering Monday, Aug. 22, with back-to-back episodes at 10 and 10:30 p.m. (ET/PT)
Bear Swamp, where the business is big but the family is even bigger, follows PJ Vinch, who runs a booming New Jersey repo company with the help of his senior-with-an-attitude father and his teen son. With a repo order in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other, these bulky Sicilians never hesitate to take jobs other companies can't handle, from massive construction equipment to luxury yachts at the Jersey shore to an entire fleet of racecars. They always get the goods, and they never miss a meal. Bear Swamp Recovery comes to truTV from Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment.
Hulk Hogan's MCW – New series premieres Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)
Hulk Hogan, one of the legendary stars of pro wrestling, believes you need to start small if you want to win big. Now he's lending his expertise to the new Micro Championship Wrestling, where he gives little wrestlers advice on recruiting, training and mentoring. It's all with the goal of getting the MCW off the ground and into the arena. Hulk Hogan's MCW comes to truTV from Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment.
Impractical Jokers – New series coming in December
Since they were kids, Sal, Murr, Q and Joe have dared one another to do the most ridiculous, humiliating public pranks imaginable. Now, to find out who's best under pressure, they'll compete in unbelievably awkward social experiments – all recorded on camera. The loser must do the most mortifying challenge ever. Impractical Jokers comes to truTV from NorthSouth Productions.
New Acquired Series
Wipeout – Acquired series to air Fridays at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), beginning Sept. 2
truTV has acquired exclusive, off-network cable rights to air this exciting series in which contestants face wildly outrageous barriers, from Big Balls to complex contraptions, for the chance at winning a cash prize. Wipeout, which is also shown in numerous international versions around the globe, ranks among the world's top-rated game shows. The series was recently voted by Entertainment Weekly's readers as "Reality TV's Guiltiest Pleasure."
Returning Series
Lizard Lick Towing – Season 1 returns Monday, Aug. 22, at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT); Season 2 coming in November
Las Vegas Jailhouse – Season 4 launches Sunday, Sept. 4, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)
Operation Repo – Season 9 launches Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT)
Police POV – Season 2 launches in November
Hardcore Pawn – Season 5 coming in November
Black Gold – Season 4 coming in November
Full Throttle Saloon – Season 3 coming in November
About truTV
truTV is television's destination for real-life stories told from an exciting and dramatic first-person perspective. Currently seen in 93 million U.S. households, the network is enjoying its best deliveries ever in key demographics. truTV features high-stakes, action-packed originals that give viewers access to places and situations they can't normally experience. truTV's primetime fan favorites include the original series Hardcore Pawn, All Worked Up, Lizard Lick Towing, Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, Black Gold, Operation Repo and World's Dumbest… During the daytime, the channel features expert trial coverage under the name In Session.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.
About truTV
truTV is television's destination for real-life stories told from an exciting and dramatic first-person perspective. Currently seen in 93 million U.S. households, the network is enjoying its best deliveries ever in key demographics. truTV features high-stakes, action-packed originals that give viewers access to places and situations they can't normally experience. truTV's primetime fan favorites include the original series Hardcore Pawn, All Worked Up, Lizard Lick Towing, Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, Black Gold, Operation Repo and World's Dumbest… During the daytime, the channel features expert trial coverage under the name In Session.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Wrestling News Media
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Marvel Wins Rights Over Spiderman, Avengers, Hulk, Iron Man in Lawsuit
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Thor X-Men Wolverine Thor Green Lantern Batman Iron-Man Marvel Entertainment Marvel Comics Marvel Studios Marvel Slots DC Comics Warner Bros Paramount Pictures Hollywood Movies Media Man
Captain America The Avengers Spider-Man Fantastic Four The Hulk Comics Movies
Marvel Wins Rights Over Spiderman, Avengers, Hulk , Iron Man in Lawsuit
A US federal judge ruled that heirs of comic creator Jack Kirby cannot lay any claim to a platoon of Marvel characters viz the Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, the Avengers, X-Men and the Incredible Hulk.
According to Judge Colleen McMahon, Kirby's works were made "for hire," meaning that they are exempt from a provision of copyright law that allows authors and artists to obtain rights to their original creations after a certain passage of time, reports Variety.
She alluded to a statement made by Jack Kirby himself where he stated that he worked at a time when the ownership of all characters he drew vested in the company who assigned the work.
The judge ruled that none of the facts provided by the Kirby heirs "makes so much as a dent in the 'almost irrefutable' presumption that the Kirby Works were works made for hire." She also said that the facts presented did not necessitate any trial.
She said the 1909 copyright law that applies to the case presumed that Marvel was considered the author and owner of Kirby's creations as they were made at Marvel’s behest and expense.
Kirby died in 1994 and he is credited with creating some of the most valuable characters in the Marvel library. The suit focused on the work that he did for Marvel comics from 1958 to 1963.
The judge gave a lot of credence to Stan Lee’s testimony. Lee was the editor at Marvel during that period and he testified that he did not purchase work from artists that was not an assignment from him. He elaborated that he would give a general outline of the plot and characters to the artists which after submission was further edited and dialogues and caption added.
In September 2009, the heirs served 45 notices of termination to Marvel for works published during that time, which also include the Mighty Thor, Iron Man and Nick Fury. In January 2010, Marvel sought a declaration from a federal court that it retained the copyright, and the Kirby heirs then filed for a ruling that their termination notices were valid. (Source Variety).
The ruling comes as a great victory for both Marvel and its parent company,Walt Disney Co. Walt Disney has grand plans to exploit Marvel’s library of characters in projects featuring the characters.
Disney said in a statement, "We are pleased that in this case, the judge has confirmed Marvel's ownership rights."
The Kirby’s lawyer, Marc Toberoff, said that they "respectfully disagree" with the ruling and intend to appeal to the Second Circuit. "Sometimes you have to lose to win," he added.
Thor And X-Men First Class Tipped To Hammer Home Results...
Thor and X-Men: First Class got great reviews and their awesome, and Captain America: The First Avenger seems set to hit the spot to, but big questions remain about Green Lantern, and the vibe is not particularly good. Green Lantern with Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively is getting very mixed reviews. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes has a 23% approval among movie critics, according to the 153 reviews counters. But 72% of the 62,000 plus user reviewers say that they "liked it" with it just premiering in the U.S theaters Friday after a midnight release on late Thursday/early Friday. Comic Book Movie.com indicates are pretty negative on the flick. One reviewer called the movie "inert, artificial and dead on arrival." During the midnight release on Thursday, the film drew $3.35 million in the same region that alike movies that were recently released did; X-Men: First Class brought in $3.37 million on June 2nd, and Thor did $3.25 million on May 5th. X-Men: First Class and Thor both had a budget significantly less than Green Lantern; the former had a budget of $160 million while Thor had exactly half the budget of Green Lantern — $150 million. While the flick will likely end up eventually surpassing its budget, the fact the other comic book movies had much less budget isn’t a great result. Ultimately, X-Men: First Class raked in $55.1 million in its opening weekend while Thor did $65.7 million. With this being the third comic book-based movie released in a month-and-a-half and mixed reviews, will Green Lantern under perform this weekend, or will the hardcore - fanboy type audience that has been largely ripping on it, check it out at the cinema?
Our top picks: Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger looks like a safe bet.
Be it movies, comics or games, we think that Marvel Entertainment leads the pack, followed by DC Comics, with Dark Horse Comics getting a third, based on the positive news leaks and insider tip offs we've been getting.
As Marvel living legend Stan Lee would say, Excelsior!
Official Websites
Marvel Entertainment Marvel Entertainment YouTube.com
DC Comics Warner Bros. Online YouTube.com
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Thor X-Men Wolverine Thor Green Lantern Batman Iron-Man Marvel Entertainment Marvel Comics Marvel Studios Marvel Slots DC Comics Warner Bros Paramount Pictures Hollywood Movies Media Man
Captain America The Avengers Spider-Man Fantastic Four The Hulk Comics Movies
Marvel Wins Rights Over Spiderman, Avengers, Hulk , Iron Man in Lawsuit
A US federal judge ruled that heirs of comic creator Jack Kirby cannot lay any claim to a platoon of Marvel characters viz the Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, the Avengers, X-Men and the Incredible Hulk.
According to Judge Colleen McMahon, Kirby's works were made "for hire," meaning that they are exempt from a provision of copyright law that allows authors and artists to obtain rights to their original creations after a certain passage of time, reports Variety.
She alluded to a statement made by Jack Kirby himself where he stated that he worked at a time when the ownership of all characters he drew vested in the company who assigned the work.
The judge ruled that none of the facts provided by the Kirby heirs "makes so much as a dent in the 'almost irrefutable' presumption that the Kirby Works were works made for hire." She also said that the facts presented did not necessitate any trial.
She said the 1909 copyright law that applies to the case presumed that Marvel was considered the author and owner of Kirby's creations as they were made at Marvel’s behest and expense.
Kirby died in 1994 and he is credited with creating some of the most valuable characters in the Marvel library. The suit focused on the work that he did for Marvel comics from 1958 to 1963.
The judge gave a lot of credence to Stan Lee’s testimony. Lee was the editor at Marvel during that period and he testified that he did not purchase work from artists that was not an assignment from him. He elaborated that he would give a general outline of the plot and characters to the artists which after submission was further edited and dialogues and caption added.
In September 2009, the heirs served 45 notices of termination to Marvel for works published during that time, which also include the Mighty Thor, Iron Man and Nick Fury. In January 2010, Marvel sought a declaration from a federal court that it retained the copyright, and the Kirby heirs then filed for a ruling that their termination notices were valid. (Source Variety).
The ruling comes as a great victory for both Marvel and its parent company,Walt Disney Co. Walt Disney has grand plans to exploit Marvel’s library of characters in projects featuring the characters.
Disney said in a statement, "We are pleased that in this case, the judge has confirmed Marvel's ownership rights."
The Kirby’s lawyer, Marc Toberoff, said that they "respectfully disagree" with the ruling and intend to appeal to the Second Circuit. "Sometimes you have to lose to win," he added.
Thor And X-Men First Class Tipped To Hammer Home Results...
Thor and X-Men: First Class got great reviews and their awesome, and Captain America: The First Avenger seems set to hit the spot to, but big questions remain about Green Lantern, and the vibe is not particularly good. Green Lantern with Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively is getting very mixed reviews. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes has a 23% approval among movie critics, according to the 153 reviews counters. But 72% of the 62,000 plus user reviewers say that they "liked it" with it just premiering in the U.S theaters Friday after a midnight release on late Thursday/early Friday. Comic Book Movie.com indicates are pretty negative on the flick. One reviewer called the movie "inert, artificial and dead on arrival." During the midnight release on Thursday, the film drew $3.35 million in the same region that alike movies that were recently released did; X-Men: First Class brought in $3.37 million on June 2nd, and Thor did $3.25 million on May 5th. X-Men: First Class and Thor both had a budget significantly less than Green Lantern; the former had a budget of $160 million while Thor had exactly half the budget of Green Lantern — $150 million. While the flick will likely end up eventually surpassing its budget, the fact the other comic book movies had much less budget isn’t a great result. Ultimately, X-Men: First Class raked in $55.1 million in its opening weekend while Thor did $65.7 million. With this being the third comic book-based movie released in a month-and-a-half and mixed reviews, will Green Lantern under perform this weekend, or will the hardcore - fanboy type audience that has been largely ripping on it, check it out at the cinema?
Our top picks: Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger looks like a safe bet.
Be it movies, comics or games, we think that Marvel Entertainment leads the pack, followed by DC Comics, with Dark Horse Comics getting a third, based on the positive news leaks and insider tip offs we've been getting.
As Marvel living legend Stan Lee would say, Excelsior!
Official Websites
Marvel Entertainment Marvel Entertainment YouTube.com
DC Comics Warner Bros. Online YouTube.com
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Casino News Media - Media Man: Online Promotions, Land Based Developments, Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, MGM, Crown Casino VS The Star... - 9th August 2011
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Casinos World Casino Directory Promotions Las Vegas United States Casino Promotions Property World Directory Media Man
Bwin.Party. Digital Entertainment Shares Dip To Record Low; Online Players Up...
The global economic slump has once again impacted the share price of Bwin.Party, as share prices of the parent company that owns PartyCasino.com World Poker Tour and PartyPoker.com reached a record low less than 48 hours ago.
Bwin.Party share prices dropped as low as 113.8p prior to closing at 116.9p - a 5.7% decline in one day. Experts are investigating what may have caused a sudden decline in the share prices of the gaming giant.
There is an overall downward trend of the market. Bwin also has an increased reliance on Euro-zone troubled markets. Before merger of PartyGaming and Bwin, the latter showed that 11% of its revenue is generated from Greece.
The European Commission’s president Jose Manuel Barroso is warning European governments that the financial troubles of Greece, Portugal and Ireland could spread to Italy and Spain. Italy alone represents 10% of Bwin’s revenues.
Bwin.Party's online arm is business usual. PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com is continuing to run a number of attractive promotions, and the company looks like a safe bet to retain it's #1 position as the world's leading online gambling firm.
Party Poker Sending Players to Oktoberfest...
Starting this coming Friday, PartyPoker players will be able to take the first step on a possible trip to Germany to join in one of the world’s most famous parties. Through the first week of September, PartyPoker will award 16 packages to the 201-year old Oktoberfest, held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
Beginning at the stroke of midnight on August 12th, PartyPoker will hold a VIP Oktoberfest Race, in which players can try to earn as many PartyPoints as possible at real money tables through August 21st. When the Race period is complete, the top seven points earners will each win Oktoberfest prize packages. In addition to those winners, players who finish from 8th to 25th will receive $250, 26th through 75th place will win $100, and places 76 through 400 will all receive a seat in September’s VIP Oktoberfest and Super Gadget Freeroll.
There will then be a second VIP Oktoberfest Race starting immediately after the first one ends, at midnight on August 22nd, and running through 11:59pm on August 31st. All of the prizes are exactly the same for Race number two.
Those who finish in the top 25 in both races will be gifted a 16 GB Apple iPad2, while anyone who finishes in the top 75 in both races will win a 64 GB iPod Touch.
The VIP Oktoberfest and Super Gadget Freeroll will be held on September 4th at 2:00pm ET. An Oktoberfest prize package will be handed out to the top two finishers in the tournament, while the remainder of the top 30 will receive Apple electronics. Those who round out the top five will win 4 GB Apple iPhones, 6th through 10th will get the 16 GB Apple iPad2, and 11th through 30th will win a 64 GB iPod Touch.
Players are allowed to win a maximum of one Oktoberfest prize package and one Apple electronic gadget.
The Oktoberfest prize package includes two night’s accommodation for two, with breakfast, at the Le Meridien hotel in Munich, dinner and drinks at the Hippodrom Oktoberfest tent, dinner and poker at the Olympic Tower restaurant, access to a reserved area and drinks at the P1 nightclub, daytime activities, all transportation in Munich, VIP hospitality, and $600 spending money. Travel to and from Munich is the responsibility of the winner, which is why the $600 is included.
Keep in mind that, like most of PartyPoker’s promotions, players must opt-in in order to participate. The option to opt-in can be found on players’ PartyPoker account pages. In addition, prizes cannot be transferred or exchanged for cash, so if you win a trip to Germany, you are going or you get nothing. For the rest of the terms and conditions, including how to claim prizes (yes, players must claim their Apple gadget prizes – they are not mailed automatically), visit PartyPoker’s web page.
PartyPoker is currently the third largest online poker room or network in terms of cash game traffic, according to PokerScout.com. With a seven day average of 4,200 cash game players, it is neck-and-neck with the iPoker Network, which has 4,250 cash game players. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
$35M renovations to downtown Plaza in Las Vegas nearly done; Hotel reopens Sept. 1...
LAS VEGAS — A roughly $35 million overhaul of the downtown Plaza Las Vegas hotel-casino is ahead of schedule, keeping the property on track for a Sept. 1 reopening, the chief executive of its operator tells The Associated Press.
CEO Tony Santo of Play LV said buying furniture, fixtures, wallpaper and other items at a discount from the shuttered Fontainebleau project on the Las Vegas Strip helped stretch the Plaza’s renovation budget.
“It elevated what we were originally thinking about doing here,” he said.
The Plaza will reopen with a new casino floor, lounges, entertainment and several restaurants, including a steakhouse named for former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman.
Santo said he expects the hotel to compete with top hotels downtown, including the Golden Nugget, and others citywide during a time when Sin City is hoping for an overall rebound in tourism and hoteliers are battling one another for gamblers to patronize their properties.
Gambling revenues in downtown Las Vegas have remained essentially flat through the first five months of 2011, ticking up less than 1 percent compared with the first five months of 2010, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. The number of visitors citywide went up 4.7 percent over the same period.
The Plaza closed in November as owner Tamares Group started the renovations, opting to make most of its changes all at once rather than keeping open and changing little by little.
“Our existing product was so bad, it wasn’t worth it to struggle and keep it open,” Santo said.
Roughly one month before the reopening, the Plaza’s rooms look like they’re from a completely different hotel, while construction crews have pulled the carpeting, light fixtures and other elements of the casino floor and are starting anew.
“There’s really nothing on the casino floor that hasn’t been touched,” Santo said.
He said the Plaza plans to target typical Sin City customers, including Las Vegas locals and people from the Midwest and West Coast.
He said success will come by convincing gamblers and others that the Plaza has truly changed.
“You have to start somewhere,” he said.
MGM Resorts posts 2Q profit, aided by MGM China...
NEW YORK (AP) — Casino operator MGM Resorts International said Monday it swung to a profit in the second quarter as the company benefited from taking a controlling stake in its China venture. The company's adjusted net loss was narrower than analysts expected as both gambling and hotel room revenue increased.
The positive results, which came after the market closed, were largely overshadowed on a day when the stock market swooned as anxiety overtook investors on the first trading day since Standard & Poor's downgraded American debt. The Dow Jones industrials fell 634.76 points, the worst one-day drop since December 2008.
MGM shares fell 24 cents, or 2.1 percent, to $11.30 in aftermarket trading, after closing the day down nearly 9 percent at $11.54.
Still, MGM's results mark the first two consecutive sequential quarters of operational improvement since the downturn, said CEO Jim Murren in a call with investors.
"This, combined with very positive forward trends that we are currently seeing, leads us to believe that the signs of the recovery" in Las Vegas are consistent, he said. "We are going to see continued improvement as we move into the back half of this year and into 2012."
Net income totaled $3.44 billion, or $6.22 per share during the three months ended June 30. That compares with a net loss of $883.5 million, or $2 per share last year, which included a charge of $1.12 billion for impairment of the company's investment in the CityCenter joint venture.
The latest results benefited from a hefty $3.5 billion gain, or $6.30 per share, related to acquiring a controlling interest in MGM China Holdings Ltd.
MGM China Holdings Ltd. operates a profitable casino in Macau, which is the only place in China where casino gambling is legal. MGM took a controlling 51 percent stake in MGM China Holdings when it went public on the Hong Kong stock exchange in June. Before that it had a 50 percent stake.
That move is "an important step in expanding our global operations and profitability," said Murren in a statement.
Excluding that as well as a 3 cents per share impairment charge, MGM Resorts' net loss totaled 5 cents per share. Analysts expected a loss of 14 cents per share, according to FactSet.
Revenue rose nearly 17 percent to $1.81 billion from $1.55 billion last year. That beat analysts' expectations of $1.58 billion.
Revenue from the company's domestic results totaled $1.5 billion, up 4 percent compared with the prior year quarter as room prices and occupancy rates increased.
Domestically, casino revenue rose 1 percent, including a 4 percent increase in slots revenue.
Billionaire Kirk Kerkorian is a major investor in MGM Resorts International, which is based in Las Vegas. (Credit: Google News, Wires, AP)
Sands China Signs Deal With Hilton, IHG for Cotai Project...
HONG KONG—Sands China Ltd. has signed franchise agreements with Hilton Worldwide and InterContinental Hotels Group PLC. for hotels at the casino operator's $4 billion-plus resort in Macau's Cotai area, Sands said Friday, solidifying plans for the long-delayed expansion project.
Hilton's five-star Conrad is expected to open at the Sands Cotai Central property in the first quarter of 2012 with more than 600 rooms, Las Vegas Sands Corp. unit said in a statement.
A four-star Holiday Inn by InterContinental is also scheduled to open late in first quarter 2012 with more than 1,200 rooms, it added. Dow Jones in March reported Sands China was in talks with the hotelier amid a failed agreement with Shangri-La Asia Ltd.
In July Las Vegas Sands Chief Operating Officer Mike Leven said Sands China plans to launch nearly 2,000 Sheraton-branded hotel rooms at the Cotai property in the third quarter, and that in early 2013 it should open an additional 2,000 rooms under the Sheraton Towers brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.
Construction of the project, which Sands China has said will have 6,000 hotel rooms in total, has been slowed at least in part by government restrictions on how many foreign workers companies in the labor-starved territory can hire.
The number of gaming tables at the resort has been a thorny issue as well since the government imposed a cap on tables until 2013. Mr. Leven last week said Sands Cotai Central will have as many as 530 tables versus the 670 the company was planning previously. (Credit: The Wall Street Journal)
New casino opens on NY Mohawk reservation...
ALBANY, N.Y. — A group of Mohawks has quietly opened a casino on the tribe's reservation along New York's northern border with some 400 electronic gambling machines and plans to expand and host poker games, drawing criticism from tribal leaders responsible for the established casino and bingo hall located nearby.
The Three Feathers Casino operates in a commercial building six miles down Route 37 from the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, which has electronic slot machines and table games under a state compact. The new venture is separate and has no similar state or federal approvals.
Three Feathers organizers, from the Men's Council of the People of the Way of the Long House, say they established their own gaming commission last year that set regulations. "By no means is anyone looking for any confrontation," spokesman Chaz Kader said, adding that would be negative for everyone on the reservation.
Kader cited economic development efforts and plans to use 20 to 25 percent of revenue to support the Long House, including help for elders in the community, as reasons for opening Three Feathers.
"It's employing over 100 of our local people," he said.
Open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, it began operating July 13, has had incremental increases in customers and had 500 visitors its second Sunday, Kader said. There's no alcohol, but smoking is allowed.
The Akwesasne casino, with some 1,600 Las Vegas-style slot machines and 22 table games including blackjack, craps, roulette and poker, is operated around the clock by the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe under a New York compact that calls for sharing 25 percent of profits from the electronic slot machines with the state. St. Regis tribal officials said the only two "legitimate" gaming properties in Akwesasne are their casino and their Mohawk Bingo Palace, noting regulatory oversight by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Gaming Commission along with the National Indian Gaming Commission.
On a reservation with factions and some history of tensions, including over whether the original casino should have opened in 1999, the new enterprise drew criticism from the tribal government responsible for the first casino and bingo hall, saying their profits already support programs for tribal members.
"The unlicensed gaming facility cannot compare to our legal casinos in terms of safety, gaming integrity and regulatory oversight," St. Regis Tribal Chief Mark Garrow said. In a statement, the St. Regis tribal government said the new casino's suppliers, operators and financiers had not undergone background checks in accordance with the federal law and they are all under investigation.
Men's Council members told KahnawakeNews.Com that their gaming regulations meet or exceed the others and they'd like to see all casinos on Mohawk territory follow them. Kader said the regulations are based on the foundational great law of peace, considered a superseding document to the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Charter, that can apply to other areas and that specifies revenue sharing and doesn't include the state compact.
"As the public becomes more confident with this extra venue, we've seen word of mouth and satisfied gaming players liked what they saw and would be back," Kader said.
According to state gambling officials, Congress in 1988 permitted federally recognized tribes to regulate traditional forms of Indian gaming in conjunction with the federal commission or by themselves. They include bingo, pull tabs, lotto, punch boards, tip jars and certain card games, with all other gaming subject to regulation set under state-tribal compacts.
Kader said the new casino's machines operate "in an electronic bingo environment," where they are operating on a single computer server that has different architecture and software than self-contained slot machines. He said long-term plans include adding more machines and that poker is being discussed and that's likely, but with players betting against each other and not against the house.
Gamblers will get individual financial statements about winnings, but any reporting for tax purposes will be up to them, he said.
Lee Park, spokesman for the Racing & Wagering Board, said there is no compact between the state and the Mohawk group that opened Three Feathers and so it is not under the board's regulatory oversight.
The state board regulates four other Indian casinos, including the Oneidas' Turning Stone in central New York at Verona and three Seneca casinos in western New York at Salamanca, Niagara Falls and Buffalo.
The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council last year stopped sharing Akwesasne Mohawk Casino revenue with the state, claiming the gambling compact provision that gave them exclusive seven-county rights to install and operate slot machines had been violated. Tribe spokesman David Staddon said the case is in mediation.
The Mohawks' outstanding state liability now is $17.7 million from a year of non-payments, said state Budget Division spokesman Morris Peters. The Senecas, who haven't made payments for more than two years, have a state liability of $288.3 million, he said. (Credit: Google News; Wires; AP)
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Bwin.Party. Digital Entertainment Shares Dip To Record Low; Online Players Up...
The global economic slump has once again impacted the share price of Bwin.Party, as share prices of the parent company that owns PartyCasino.com World Poker Tour and PartyPoker.com reached a record low less than 48 hours ago.
Bwin.Party share prices dropped as low as 113.8p prior to closing at 116.9p - a 5.7% decline in one day. Experts are investigating what may have caused a sudden decline in the share prices of the gaming giant.
There is an overall downward trend of the market. Bwin also has an increased reliance on Euro-zone troubled markets. Before merger of PartyGaming and Bwin, the latter showed that 11% of its revenue is generated from Greece.
The European Commission’s president Jose Manuel Barroso is warning European governments that the financial troubles of Greece, Portugal and Ireland could spread to Italy and Spain. Italy alone represents 10% of Bwin’s revenues.
Bwin.Party's online arm is business usual. PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com is continuing to run a number of attractive promotions, and the company looks like a safe bet to retain it's #1 position as the world's leading online gambling firm.
Party Poker Sending Players to Oktoberfest...
Starting this coming Friday, PartyPoker players will be able to take the first step on a possible trip to Germany to join in one of the world’s most famous parties. Through the first week of September, PartyPoker will award 16 packages to the 201-year old Oktoberfest, held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
Beginning at the stroke of midnight on August 12th, PartyPoker will hold a VIP Oktoberfest Race, in which players can try to earn as many PartyPoints as possible at real money tables through August 21st. When the Race period is complete, the top seven points earners will each win Oktoberfest prize packages. In addition to those winners, players who finish from 8th to 25th will receive $250, 26th through 75th place will win $100, and places 76 through 400 will all receive a seat in September’s VIP Oktoberfest and Super Gadget Freeroll.
There will then be a second VIP Oktoberfest Race starting immediately after the first one ends, at midnight on August 22nd, and running through 11:59pm on August 31st. All of the prizes are exactly the same for Race number two.
Those who finish in the top 25 in both races will be gifted a 16 GB Apple iPad2, while anyone who finishes in the top 75 in both races will win a 64 GB iPod Touch.
The VIP Oktoberfest and Super Gadget Freeroll will be held on September 4th at 2:00pm ET. An Oktoberfest prize package will be handed out to the top two finishers in the tournament, while the remainder of the top 30 will receive Apple electronics. Those who round out the top five will win 4 GB Apple iPhones, 6th through 10th will get the 16 GB Apple iPad2, and 11th through 30th will win a 64 GB iPod Touch.
Players are allowed to win a maximum of one Oktoberfest prize package and one Apple electronic gadget.
The Oktoberfest prize package includes two night’s accommodation for two, with breakfast, at the Le Meridien hotel in Munich, dinner and drinks at the Hippodrom Oktoberfest tent, dinner and poker at the Olympic Tower restaurant, access to a reserved area and drinks at the P1 nightclub, daytime activities, all transportation in Munich, VIP hospitality, and $600 spending money. Travel to and from Munich is the responsibility of the winner, which is why the $600 is included.
Keep in mind that, like most of PartyPoker’s promotions, players must opt-in in order to participate. The option to opt-in can be found on players’ PartyPoker account pages. In addition, prizes cannot be transferred or exchanged for cash, so if you win a trip to Germany, you are going or you get nothing. For the rest of the terms and conditions, including how to claim prizes (yes, players must claim their Apple gadget prizes – they are not mailed automatically), visit PartyPoker’s web page.
PartyPoker is currently the third largest online poker room or network in terms of cash game traffic, according to PokerScout.com. With a seven day average of 4,200 cash game players, it is neck-and-neck with the iPoker Network, which has 4,250 cash game players. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
$35M renovations to downtown Plaza in Las Vegas nearly done; Hotel reopens Sept. 1...
LAS VEGAS — A roughly $35 million overhaul of the downtown Plaza Las Vegas hotel-casino is ahead of schedule, keeping the property on track for a Sept. 1 reopening, the chief executive of its operator tells The Associated Press.
CEO Tony Santo of Play LV said buying furniture, fixtures, wallpaper and other items at a discount from the shuttered Fontainebleau project on the Las Vegas Strip helped stretch the Plaza’s renovation budget.
“It elevated what we were originally thinking about doing here,” he said.
The Plaza will reopen with a new casino floor, lounges, entertainment and several restaurants, including a steakhouse named for former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman.
Santo said he expects the hotel to compete with top hotels downtown, including the Golden Nugget, and others citywide during a time when Sin City is hoping for an overall rebound in tourism and hoteliers are battling one another for gamblers to patronize their properties.
Gambling revenues in downtown Las Vegas have remained essentially flat through the first five months of 2011, ticking up less than 1 percent compared with the first five months of 2010, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. The number of visitors citywide went up 4.7 percent over the same period.
The Plaza closed in November as owner Tamares Group started the renovations, opting to make most of its changes all at once rather than keeping open and changing little by little.
“Our existing product was so bad, it wasn’t worth it to struggle and keep it open,” Santo said.
Roughly one month before the reopening, the Plaza’s rooms look like they’re from a completely different hotel, while construction crews have pulled the carpeting, light fixtures and other elements of the casino floor and are starting anew.
“There’s really nothing on the casino floor that hasn’t been touched,” Santo said.
He said the Plaza plans to target typical Sin City customers, including Las Vegas locals and people from the Midwest and West Coast.
He said success will come by convincing gamblers and others that the Plaza has truly changed.
“You have to start somewhere,” he said.
MGM Resorts posts 2Q profit, aided by MGM China...
NEW YORK (AP) — Casino operator MGM Resorts International said Monday it swung to a profit in the second quarter as the company benefited from taking a controlling stake in its China venture. The company's adjusted net loss was narrower than analysts expected as both gambling and hotel room revenue increased.
The positive results, which came after the market closed, were largely overshadowed on a day when the stock market swooned as anxiety overtook investors on the first trading day since Standard & Poor's downgraded American debt. The Dow Jones industrials fell 634.76 points, the worst one-day drop since December 2008.
MGM shares fell 24 cents, or 2.1 percent, to $11.30 in aftermarket trading, after closing the day down nearly 9 percent at $11.54.
Still, MGM's results mark the first two consecutive sequential quarters of operational improvement since the downturn, said CEO Jim Murren in a call with investors.
"This, combined with very positive forward trends that we are currently seeing, leads us to believe that the signs of the recovery" in Las Vegas are consistent, he said. "We are going to see continued improvement as we move into the back half of this year and into 2012."
Net income totaled $3.44 billion, or $6.22 per share during the three months ended June 30. That compares with a net loss of $883.5 million, or $2 per share last year, which included a charge of $1.12 billion for impairment of the company's investment in the CityCenter joint venture.
The latest results benefited from a hefty $3.5 billion gain, or $6.30 per share, related to acquiring a controlling interest in MGM China Holdings Ltd.
MGM China Holdings Ltd. operates a profitable casino in Macau, which is the only place in China where casino gambling is legal. MGM took a controlling 51 percent stake in MGM China Holdings when it went public on the Hong Kong stock exchange in June. Before that it had a 50 percent stake.
That move is "an important step in expanding our global operations and profitability," said Murren in a statement.
Excluding that as well as a 3 cents per share impairment charge, MGM Resorts' net loss totaled 5 cents per share. Analysts expected a loss of 14 cents per share, according to FactSet.
Revenue rose nearly 17 percent to $1.81 billion from $1.55 billion last year. That beat analysts' expectations of $1.58 billion.
Revenue from the company's domestic results totaled $1.5 billion, up 4 percent compared with the prior year quarter as room prices and occupancy rates increased.
Domestically, casino revenue rose 1 percent, including a 4 percent increase in slots revenue.
Billionaire Kirk Kerkorian is a major investor in MGM Resorts International, which is based in Las Vegas. (Credit: Google News, Wires, AP)
Sands China Signs Deal With Hilton, IHG for Cotai Project...
HONG KONG—Sands China Ltd. has signed franchise agreements with Hilton Worldwide and InterContinental Hotels Group PLC. for hotels at the casino operator's $4 billion-plus resort in Macau's Cotai area, Sands said Friday, solidifying plans for the long-delayed expansion project.
Hilton's five-star Conrad is expected to open at the Sands Cotai Central property in the first quarter of 2012 with more than 600 rooms, Las Vegas Sands Corp. unit said in a statement.
A four-star Holiday Inn by InterContinental is also scheduled to open late in first quarter 2012 with more than 1,200 rooms, it added. Dow Jones in March reported Sands China was in talks with the hotelier amid a failed agreement with Shangri-La Asia Ltd.
In July Las Vegas Sands Chief Operating Officer Mike Leven said Sands China plans to launch nearly 2,000 Sheraton-branded hotel rooms at the Cotai property in the third quarter, and that in early 2013 it should open an additional 2,000 rooms under the Sheraton Towers brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.
Construction of the project, which Sands China has said will have 6,000 hotel rooms in total, has been slowed at least in part by government restrictions on how many foreign workers companies in the labor-starved territory can hire.
The number of gaming tables at the resort has been a thorny issue as well since the government imposed a cap on tables until 2013. Mr. Leven last week said Sands Cotai Central will have as many as 530 tables versus the 670 the company was planning previously. (Credit: The Wall Street Journal)
New casino opens on NY Mohawk reservation...
ALBANY, N.Y. — A group of Mohawks has quietly opened a casino on the tribe's reservation along New York's northern border with some 400 electronic gambling machines and plans to expand and host poker games, drawing criticism from tribal leaders responsible for the established casino and bingo hall located nearby.
The Three Feathers Casino operates in a commercial building six miles down Route 37 from the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, which has electronic slot machines and table games under a state compact. The new venture is separate and has no similar state or federal approvals.
Three Feathers organizers, from the Men's Council of the People of the Way of the Long House, say they established their own gaming commission last year that set regulations. "By no means is anyone looking for any confrontation," spokesman Chaz Kader said, adding that would be negative for everyone on the reservation.
Kader cited economic development efforts and plans to use 20 to 25 percent of revenue to support the Long House, including help for elders in the community, as reasons for opening Three Feathers.
"It's employing over 100 of our local people," he said.
Open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, it began operating July 13, has had incremental increases in customers and had 500 visitors its second Sunday, Kader said. There's no alcohol, but smoking is allowed.
The Akwesasne casino, with some 1,600 Las Vegas-style slot machines and 22 table games including blackjack, craps, roulette and poker, is operated around the clock by the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe under a New York compact that calls for sharing 25 percent of profits from the electronic slot machines with the state. St. Regis tribal officials said the only two "legitimate" gaming properties in Akwesasne are their casino and their Mohawk Bingo Palace, noting regulatory oversight by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Gaming Commission along with the National Indian Gaming Commission.
On a reservation with factions and some history of tensions, including over whether the original casino should have opened in 1999, the new enterprise drew criticism from the tribal government responsible for the first casino and bingo hall, saying their profits already support programs for tribal members.
"The unlicensed gaming facility cannot compare to our legal casinos in terms of safety, gaming integrity and regulatory oversight," St. Regis Tribal Chief Mark Garrow said. In a statement, the St. Regis tribal government said the new casino's suppliers, operators and financiers had not undergone background checks in accordance with the federal law and they are all under investigation.
Men's Council members told KahnawakeNews.Com that their gaming regulations meet or exceed the others and they'd like to see all casinos on Mohawk territory follow them. Kader said the regulations are based on the foundational great law of peace, considered a superseding document to the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Charter, that can apply to other areas and that specifies revenue sharing and doesn't include the state compact.
"As the public becomes more confident with this extra venue, we've seen word of mouth and satisfied gaming players liked what they saw and would be back," Kader said.
According to state gambling officials, Congress in 1988 permitted federally recognized tribes to regulate traditional forms of Indian gaming in conjunction with the federal commission or by themselves. They include bingo, pull tabs, lotto, punch boards, tip jars and certain card games, with all other gaming subject to regulation set under state-tribal compacts.
Kader said the new casino's machines operate "in an electronic bingo environment," where they are operating on a single computer server that has different architecture and software than self-contained slot machines. He said long-term plans include adding more machines and that poker is being discussed and that's likely, but with players betting against each other and not against the house.
Gamblers will get individual financial statements about winnings, but any reporting for tax purposes will be up to them, he said.
Lee Park, spokesman for the Racing & Wagering Board, said there is no compact between the state and the Mohawk group that opened Three Feathers and so it is not under the board's regulatory oversight.
The state board regulates four other Indian casinos, including the Oneidas' Turning Stone in central New York at Verona and three Seneca casinos in western New York at Salamanca, Niagara Falls and Buffalo.
The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council last year stopped sharing Akwesasne Mohawk Casino revenue with the state, claiming the gambling compact provision that gave them exclusive seven-county rights to install and operate slot machines had been violated. Tribe spokesman David Staddon said the case is in mediation.
The Mohawks' outstanding state liability now is $17.7 million from a year of non-payments, said state Budget Division spokesman Morris Peters. The Senecas, who haven't made payments for more than two years, have a state liability of $288.3 million, he said. (Credit: Google News; Wires; AP)
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Caesars Entertainment wins approval for $500m Vegas project - 9th August 2011
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Caesars Entertainment has won approval for a major new entertainment, retail and dining development – codenamed Project Ling – in Las Vegas.
Clark County commissioners offered its approval to the project – situated between the Imperial Palace and the Flamingo casinos – earlier, with Caesars now hoping to break ground later this month.
When completed – in 2013 - the $500 million complex will include the biggest Ferris wheel in the world.
At 550-foot, the wheel will be larger than the Singapore Flyer and the London Eye.
“This is more of an entertainment experience,” explained Caesars spokesman Gary Thompson, noting Project Ling will offer no central gaming area.
It is hoped the project will create 3,000 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent jobs.
Caesars Palace Las Vegas Gets World Class Entertainment...
Celine Dion
Celine has always been a pioneer when it comes to creating groundbreaking concert performances and this next adventure promises to be the best ever! Featuring 31 musicians, consisting of orchestra and band, Celine’s new show will include her biggest hits performed with a stunning visual presentation.
Jerry Seinfeld
Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner and entertainment icon Jerry Seinfeld is still a front-runner in the ratings. As a testament to its success in the television landscape, TV Guide's poll of the "Greatest Shows of All Time" listed "Seinfeld" as #1.
Rod Stewart
Legendary rock icon Rod Stewart returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for the first 18 concerts of his two-year Las Vegas residency, kicking off on August 24, 2011. Rod Stewart: The Hits. will be a concert celebration featuring a set list of the rock and R&B favorites which have defined Stewart’s unparalleled five-decade-long career.
Luis Miguel
Latin music superstar Luis Miguel will return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in celebration of the 2011 Mexican Independence Day weekend September 15-18 at 9 p.m. The four night engagement is presented jointly by AEG Live and Caesars Palace.
Elton John's Million Dollar Piano
World-renowned singer, songwriter and performer, Elton John will return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace with an all new show, “The Million Dollar Piano,” beginning September 28 for sixteen shows. Elton’s September return will mark the beginning of a three-year residency at The Colosseum and his second as a Caesars Palace headliner.
Shania Twain
Shania Twain, international superstar and the world’s best-selling female country artist of all time returns to the stage and vocal spotlight with a two-year residency at The Colosseum.
Matt Goss
Produced by Robin Antin, creator of The Pussycat Dolls, Goss' show will offer a dynamic blend of musical talent.
Spiegeltent At Caesars Palace
Absinthe
Absinthe is taking Las Vegas by storm, stripside at Caesars Palace. Described by The New York Times as “Cirque channeled through The Rocky Horror Show”, Absinthe is an intoxicating collision of circus, burlesque and vaudeville featuring curious creatures, heavenly bodies and outrageous comedy.
*Media Man public thank you to Caesars Palace management and media unit.
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Caesars Entertainment has won approval for a major new entertainment, retail and dining development – codenamed Project Ling – in Las Vegas.
Clark County commissioners offered its approval to the project – situated between the Imperial Palace and the Flamingo casinos – earlier, with Caesars now hoping to break ground later this month.
When completed – in 2013 - the $500 million complex will include the biggest Ferris wheel in the world.
At 550-foot, the wheel will be larger than the Singapore Flyer and the London Eye.
“This is more of an entertainment experience,” explained Caesars spokesman Gary Thompson, noting Project Ling will offer no central gaming area.
It is hoped the project will create 3,000 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent jobs.
Caesars Palace Las Vegas Gets World Class Entertainment...
Celine Dion
Celine has always been a pioneer when it comes to creating groundbreaking concert performances and this next adventure promises to be the best ever! Featuring 31 musicians, consisting of orchestra and band, Celine’s new show will include her biggest hits performed with a stunning visual presentation.
Jerry Seinfeld
Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner and entertainment icon Jerry Seinfeld is still a front-runner in the ratings. As a testament to its success in the television landscape, TV Guide's poll of the "Greatest Shows of All Time" listed "Seinfeld" as #1.
Rod Stewart
Legendary rock icon Rod Stewart returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for the first 18 concerts of his two-year Las Vegas residency, kicking off on August 24, 2011. Rod Stewart: The Hits. will be a concert celebration featuring a set list of the rock and R&B favorites which have defined Stewart’s unparalleled five-decade-long career.
Luis Miguel
Latin music superstar Luis Miguel will return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in celebration of the 2011 Mexican Independence Day weekend September 15-18 at 9 p.m. The four night engagement is presented jointly by AEG Live and Caesars Palace.
Elton John's Million Dollar Piano
World-renowned singer, songwriter and performer, Elton John will return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace with an all new show, “The Million Dollar Piano,” beginning September 28 for sixteen shows. Elton’s September return will mark the beginning of a three-year residency at The Colosseum and his second as a Caesars Palace headliner.
Shania Twain
Shania Twain, international superstar and the world’s best-selling female country artist of all time returns to the stage and vocal spotlight with a two-year residency at The Colosseum.
Matt Goss
Produced by Robin Antin, creator of The Pussycat Dolls, Goss' show will offer a dynamic blend of musical talent.
Spiegeltent At Caesars Palace
Absinthe
Absinthe is taking Las Vegas by storm, stripside at Caesars Palace. Described by The New York Times as “Cirque channeled through The Rocky Horror Show”, Absinthe is an intoxicating collision of circus, burlesque and vaudeville featuring curious creatures, heavenly bodies and outrageous comedy.
*Media Man public thank you to Caesars Palace management and media unit.
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Spider-Man Marvel News; Amazing Spider-Man, Spider-Man Poker Probe, Spider-Man Gaming, by Greg Tingle - 8th August 2011
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'Amazing Spider-Man' Sequel Release Set For May 2014...
"The Amazing Spider-Man" has already set the release date for its sequel.
Our friends at Sony Pictures must know something we here at Media Man do not.
The studio announced that "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" will be spinning into US theaters on May 2, 2014, to kick off that year's summer blockbuster season. So far, Sony is the only superhero-producing studio to plan that far ahead, as neither Marvel nor Warner Bros. has announced any of their upcoming comic book adaptations for three years down the road.
In March, "The Amazing Spider-Man" screenwriter James Vanderbilt was hired to pen the sequel. It seems as though Sony is impressed with the drafts he has brought in, considering they green-lit his second "Spider-Man" film 11 months before "The Amazing Spider-Man" hits theaters.
"I think it speaks volumes about our confidence in what we are seeing on the new film and our desire to move quickly on the next installment," a Sony executive told Deadline Hollywood.
The trailer for "The Amazing Spider-Man" premiered on July 20 to mixed responses. One part in particular that had fans doubtful was a scene at the end of the teaser where the camera switches to a first-person, Spidey Vision perspective. But despite the skepticism, Sony seems confident that their reboot of the "Spider-Man" franchise will premiere as a success.
At San Diego Comic-Con, director Marc Webb explained to MTV News that the effect was an attempt to play around with the "experimental process of 3-D." While the movie itself features a lot of realistic stunt work that wasn't accomplished with CG trickery, Webb also explained that he wanted the 3-D element of the movie to be an integral part of it.
"We shot and conceived of this film in 3-D," he said, "and I wanted there to be moments where you really feel and see the world through Spider-Man's eyes. I wanted to get that visceral feeling. In 3-D, I thought there was something about the experiential process, in a big theatrical environment, that was really special that I had seen. I was like, 'If I'm going to do a movie in 3-D, I want to give the audience that experience.'"
Maguire’s poker suit heads to trial...
Hollywood actor Tobey Maguire’s legal battle against the bankrupt trustees of convicted conman Bradley Ruderman is heading to trial in January 2012.
The Spider-Man star is accused of beating Ruderman in a series of unlicensed poker games in California, taking more than $300,000 in winnings from the bankrupt hedge fund manager, who is currently serving time in prison after being convicted of operating a fraudulent Ponzi scheme.
Bankruptcy trustees filed suit against Maguire in June in a bid to recoup money that Ruderman claims to have lost in the illegal games.
The actor has fired back with a countersuit, insisting the card games were never controlled and did not feature a regular roster of celebrities - as initially reported. Maguire also argued that he should not have to hand back any winnings because he lost just as much money to Ruderman.
The case will go before a trial judge at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Los Angeles on the week of January 30, reports Eonline.com.
Ads and Fees Lift Viacom to a 37% Increase in Profit...
Viacom, the owner of MTV and Paramount Pictures, on Friday reported a 37 percent increase in profits for the quarter that ended in June.
The company’s net earnings of $574 million, or 97 cents a share, were up from $420 million, or 69 cents a share, in the same quarter last year. The company reported revenues of $3.77 billion, up from $3.27 billion.
Like the other major media companies that reported second-quarter earnings that exceeded expectations this week, Viacom credited a sturdy television advertising market, solid revenues from subscriber fees and emerging revenues from digital distributors like Netflix.
“We have always thrived on competition in the distribution arena, and there’s now more competition than there has ever been, and it’s growing,” said Philippe Dauman, the chief executive of Viacom. He added that there was increasing competition for digital distribution in international markets as well as in the United States.
Media companies like Viacom are increasingly accepting online distributors like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu as new bidders for their content — especially for the old content in their libraries that does not compete directly with what is currently on their television channels. Viacom already has licensing deals with Netflix and Hulu, and Mr. Dauman said Friday that discussions were under way with other potential licensees.
“As a result of these new deals, we have set a new higher base for our affiliate revenues this year and we expect to continue to increase those revenues from this higher base at a high single- to low double-digit annual rate every year for the foreseeable future,” Mr. Dauman said on a conference call with analysts.
In the quarter, Viacom’s cable networks had revenues of $2.39 billion, up 16 percent versus the same quarter last year, in large part because of the strength in advertising.
Mr. Dauman singled out several scripted television series for praise, like TV Land’s “Happily Divorced” and VH1’s “Single Ladies,” and he noted that the ratings at MTV had increased year-over-year even though new episodes of “Jersey Shore,” the channel’s biggest show, were not televised in the United States in the quarter. (Both this year and last year, the series skipped the spring quarter.)
Profit growth was up sharply in the cable division, but down in the Paramount filmed entertainment division, largely because of the “timing and mix of theatrical releases,” the company said in its earnings statement. Still, revenues for filmed entertainment were up 13 percent, to $1.4 billion.
Looking ahead, Mr. Dauman acknowledged that Viacom was preparing for an end to its film distribution deal with DreamWorks Animation, which started in 2006 and is expected to end in 2012. Last month, Viacom said it would start its own animation division. “We are proceeding on the operating assumption that we will not be extending the DreamWorks Animation deal beyond next year,” Mr. Dauman said Friday.
Asked about perceived friction with the DreamWorks chief executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, Mr. Dauman dismissed it: “The relationship is very good,” he said, “and the only issue is what DreamWorks Animation wants to do strategically as this deal expires, and how that fits in with our own strategic objectives.”
As Marvel living legend Stan Lee would say, Excelsior!
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'Amazing Spider-Man' Sequel Release Set For May 2014...
"The Amazing Spider-Man" has already set the release date for its sequel.
Our friends at Sony Pictures must know something we here at Media Man do not.
The studio announced that "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" will be spinning into US theaters on May 2, 2014, to kick off that year's summer blockbuster season. So far, Sony is the only superhero-producing studio to plan that far ahead, as neither Marvel nor Warner Bros. has announced any of their upcoming comic book adaptations for three years down the road.
In March, "The Amazing Spider-Man" screenwriter James Vanderbilt was hired to pen the sequel. It seems as though Sony is impressed with the drafts he has brought in, considering they green-lit his second "Spider-Man" film 11 months before "The Amazing Spider-Man" hits theaters.
"I think it speaks volumes about our confidence in what we are seeing on the new film and our desire to move quickly on the next installment," a Sony executive told Deadline Hollywood.
The trailer for "The Amazing Spider-Man" premiered on July 20 to mixed responses. One part in particular that had fans doubtful was a scene at the end of the teaser where the camera switches to a first-person, Spidey Vision perspective. But despite the skepticism, Sony seems confident that their reboot of the "Spider-Man" franchise will premiere as a success.
At San Diego Comic-Con, director Marc Webb explained to MTV News that the effect was an attempt to play around with the "experimental process of 3-D." While the movie itself features a lot of realistic stunt work that wasn't accomplished with CG trickery, Webb also explained that he wanted the 3-D element of the movie to be an integral part of it.
"We shot and conceived of this film in 3-D," he said, "and I wanted there to be moments where you really feel and see the world through Spider-Man's eyes. I wanted to get that visceral feeling. In 3-D, I thought there was something about the experiential process, in a big theatrical environment, that was really special that I had seen. I was like, 'If I'm going to do a movie in 3-D, I want to give the audience that experience.'"
Maguire’s poker suit heads to trial...
Hollywood actor Tobey Maguire’s legal battle against the bankrupt trustees of convicted conman Bradley Ruderman is heading to trial in January 2012.
The Spider-Man star is accused of beating Ruderman in a series of unlicensed poker games in California, taking more than $300,000 in winnings from the bankrupt hedge fund manager, who is currently serving time in prison after being convicted of operating a fraudulent Ponzi scheme.
Bankruptcy trustees filed suit against Maguire in June in a bid to recoup money that Ruderman claims to have lost in the illegal games.
The actor has fired back with a countersuit, insisting the card games were never controlled and did not feature a regular roster of celebrities - as initially reported. Maguire also argued that he should not have to hand back any winnings because he lost just as much money to Ruderman.
The case will go before a trial judge at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Los Angeles on the week of January 30, reports Eonline.com.
Ads and Fees Lift Viacom to a 37% Increase in Profit...
Viacom, the owner of MTV and Paramount Pictures, on Friday reported a 37 percent increase in profits for the quarter that ended in June.
The company’s net earnings of $574 million, or 97 cents a share, were up from $420 million, or 69 cents a share, in the same quarter last year. The company reported revenues of $3.77 billion, up from $3.27 billion.
Like the other major media companies that reported second-quarter earnings that exceeded expectations this week, Viacom credited a sturdy television advertising market, solid revenues from subscriber fees and emerging revenues from digital distributors like Netflix.
“We have always thrived on competition in the distribution arena, and there’s now more competition than there has ever been, and it’s growing,” said Philippe Dauman, the chief executive of Viacom. He added that there was increasing competition for digital distribution in international markets as well as in the United States.
Media companies like Viacom are increasingly accepting online distributors like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu as new bidders for their content — especially for the old content in their libraries that does not compete directly with what is currently on their television channels. Viacom already has licensing deals with Netflix and Hulu, and Mr. Dauman said Friday that discussions were under way with other potential licensees.
“As a result of these new deals, we have set a new higher base for our affiliate revenues this year and we expect to continue to increase those revenues from this higher base at a high single- to low double-digit annual rate every year for the foreseeable future,” Mr. Dauman said on a conference call with analysts.
In the quarter, Viacom’s cable networks had revenues of $2.39 billion, up 16 percent versus the same quarter last year, in large part because of the strength in advertising.
Mr. Dauman singled out several scripted television series for praise, like TV Land’s “Happily Divorced” and VH1’s “Single Ladies,” and he noted that the ratings at MTV had increased year-over-year even though new episodes of “Jersey Shore,” the channel’s biggest show, were not televised in the United States in the quarter. (Both this year and last year, the series skipped the spring quarter.)
Profit growth was up sharply in the cable division, but down in the Paramount filmed entertainment division, largely because of the “timing and mix of theatrical releases,” the company said in its earnings statement. Still, revenues for filmed entertainment were up 13 percent, to $1.4 billion.
Looking ahead, Mr. Dauman acknowledged that Viacom was preparing for an end to its film distribution deal with DreamWorks Animation, which started in 2006 and is expected to end in 2012. Last month, Viacom said it would start its own animation division. “We are proceeding on the operating assumption that we will not be extending the DreamWorks Animation deal beyond next year,” Mr. Dauman said Friday.
Asked about perceived friction with the DreamWorks chief executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, Mr. Dauman dismissed it: “The relationship is very good,” he said, “and the only issue is what DreamWorks Animation wants to do strategically as this deal expires, and how that fits in with our own strategic objectives.”
As Marvel living legend Stan Lee would say, Excelsior!
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Monday, August 08, 2011
Australian Gambling News; Asia Pacific Gaming Connection: James Packer...Crown Melco, by Greg Tingle - 8th August 2011
Profiles
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Perth's Burswood Casino Sued After Stolen Cash Gambled Away...
Burswood Casino is being sued for in the region of $600,000 stolen from a Perth engineering company by an accountant who used the money to help fund his gambling addiction.
In a Supreme Court writ lodged last week, Exceleng Corporation claims Burswood was "unjustly enriched" at its expense when accountant Anthony Bianco deposited stolen funds in a casino account from which he could withdraw gambling vouchers.
Bianco, who pleaded guilty to nearly 300 counts of stealing as a servant between 1998 and 2005, was sentenced to 3.5 years jail in 2007 and served at least 21 months for siphoning $925,000 from his Naval Base employer.
Lawyers for Exceleng, trading as Alltype Engineering Services, argue that Burswood facilitated Bianco's breach of trust.
"(Burswood) recklessly failed to make any reasonable inquiry as to the funds so transferred into (the casino's) account and their source, and should reasonably have been aware, given the quantum of such transfers, that inquiry as to the funds and their source was required," the writ states.
Alltype managing director Colin Heitman said Burswood had a case to answer, claiming it ignored an obligation to report big transactions for independent tracking.
"I think Burswood has an obligation to protect businesses and individuals against fraud and they don't do that," he said.
"I don't think they uphold their duty of care when it comes to protecting people against electronic fraud.
"It was an extraordinary amount of money.
"Fortunately we've survived and moved on."
Bianco, of Cannington, said yesterday: "That was like six years ago.
"I'm all finished, I'm finished with that."
In a 2007 Court of Appeal decision that increased Bianco's original 2.5 year term by a year, Bianco was described as an immature man in denial about his gambling addiction.
"His immaturity led him to identify achievement as related to being admired as a high roller and being well known in the casino context," the judgment said.
Burswood Casino declined to comment on the legal action.
Malaysian Gamblers Drown Fleeing...
Police say five men have drowned in northern Malaysia after leaping into a river to escape a gambling raid.
A police spokesman in Malaysia's northern Kedah state says the men were among 20 suspects who were playing dice games by a river on Saturday when police tried to detain them.
He says five men sought to escape by swimming to another village across the river, but a search team found their bodies over the next few hours. Most of them were in their 40s and 50s.
Betting and gambling in public without a licence is punishable by a six-month prison term and a fine.
Melco Crown To List In Hong Kong...
James Packer's Macau casino joint venture Melco Crown Entertainment plans to list its shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to improve liquidity and raise equity to help fund a new $US2.5 billion ($2.38bn) casino resort development.
Melco Crown chief executive Lawrence Ho said the proposed dual listing -- the stock is already listed on Nasdaq -- would give Oriental investors a more direct access to the stock and put Melco on a par with other Macau casino operators that all have Hong Kong listings.
"We believe our proposed dual listing on the local bourse will not only put us on par with our competitors but will also provide our existing shareholders with much enhanced liquidity, while providing us with access to an additional source of capital," Mr Ho said in a statement.
It is widely believed Melco Crown wants to proceed with the issue before the end of the year.
The move is likely to include an equity raising rather than simply a compliance listing, although analysts expect the raising to be small given they expect neither joint venture partner will want to be diluted in the issue.
Packer's Crown owns a 33.5% stake in Melco. The equity will help fund the development of Macau Studio City, a $US2.5bn integrated gaming, retail and entertainment resort to be developed in Macau, although much of the project is expected to be debt-funded.
It will be Melco Crown's third casino in Macau, although the joint-venture partners must first negotiate with local authorities to ensure a casino is included in the project plans. The current government-approved plans do not contain any gaming elements.
Citi said a dual listing would allow Melco Crown to join key benchmark indices and improve liquidity.
Macau's gaming regulator has revealed that July gross gaming revenue was $US3bn, the second-best month this year.
However, Melco shares have fallen sharply. They opened at $US16 last Monday but closed at $US12.94 in Thursday trading on the Nasdaq, down 13.15% on the day. The shares rose 21% last month.
Readers...er, punters, please bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.
*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Perth's Burswood Casino Sued After Stolen Cash Gambled Away...
Burswood Casino is being sued for in the region of $600,000 stolen from a Perth engineering company by an accountant who used the money to help fund his gambling addiction.
In a Supreme Court writ lodged last week, Exceleng Corporation claims Burswood was "unjustly enriched" at its expense when accountant Anthony Bianco deposited stolen funds in a casino account from which he could withdraw gambling vouchers.
Bianco, who pleaded guilty to nearly 300 counts of stealing as a servant between 1998 and 2005, was sentenced to 3.5 years jail in 2007 and served at least 21 months for siphoning $925,000 from his Naval Base employer.
Lawyers for Exceleng, trading as Alltype Engineering Services, argue that Burswood facilitated Bianco's breach of trust.
"(Burswood) recklessly failed to make any reasonable inquiry as to the funds so transferred into (the casino's) account and their source, and should reasonably have been aware, given the quantum of such transfers, that inquiry as to the funds and their source was required," the writ states.
Alltype managing director Colin Heitman said Burswood had a case to answer, claiming it ignored an obligation to report big transactions for independent tracking.
"I think Burswood has an obligation to protect businesses and individuals against fraud and they don't do that," he said.
"I don't think they uphold their duty of care when it comes to protecting people against electronic fraud.
"It was an extraordinary amount of money.
"Fortunately we've survived and moved on."
Bianco, of Cannington, said yesterday: "That was like six years ago.
"I'm all finished, I'm finished with that."
In a 2007 Court of Appeal decision that increased Bianco's original 2.5 year term by a year, Bianco was described as an immature man in denial about his gambling addiction.
"His immaturity led him to identify achievement as related to being admired as a high roller and being well known in the casino context," the judgment said.
Burswood Casino declined to comment on the legal action.
Malaysian Gamblers Drown Fleeing...
Police say five men have drowned in northern Malaysia after leaping into a river to escape a gambling raid.
A police spokesman in Malaysia's northern Kedah state says the men were among 20 suspects who were playing dice games by a river on Saturday when police tried to detain them.
He says five men sought to escape by swimming to another village across the river, but a search team found their bodies over the next few hours. Most of them were in their 40s and 50s.
Betting and gambling in public without a licence is punishable by a six-month prison term and a fine.
Melco Crown To List In Hong Kong...
James Packer's Macau casino joint venture Melco Crown Entertainment plans to list its shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to improve liquidity and raise equity to help fund a new $US2.5 billion ($2.38bn) casino resort development.
Melco Crown chief executive Lawrence Ho said the proposed dual listing -- the stock is already listed on Nasdaq -- would give Oriental investors a more direct access to the stock and put Melco on a par with other Macau casino operators that all have Hong Kong listings.
"We believe our proposed dual listing on the local bourse will not only put us on par with our competitors but will also provide our existing shareholders with much enhanced liquidity, while providing us with access to an additional source of capital," Mr Ho said in a statement.
It is widely believed Melco Crown wants to proceed with the issue before the end of the year.
The move is likely to include an equity raising rather than simply a compliance listing, although analysts expect the raising to be small given they expect neither joint venture partner will want to be diluted in the issue.
Packer's Crown owns a 33.5% stake in Melco. The equity will help fund the development of Macau Studio City, a $US2.5bn integrated gaming, retail and entertainment resort to be developed in Macau, although much of the project is expected to be debt-funded.
It will be Melco Crown's third casino in Macau, although the joint-venture partners must first negotiate with local authorities to ensure a casino is included in the project plans. The current government-approved plans do not contain any gaming elements.
Citi said a dual listing would allow Melco Crown to join key benchmark indices and improve liquidity.
Macau's gaming regulator has revealed that July gross gaming revenue was $US3bn, the second-best month this year.
However, Melco shares have fallen sharply. They opened at $US16 last Monday but closed at $US12.94 in Thursday trading on the Nasdaq, down 13.15% on the day. The shares rose 21% last month.
Readers...er, punters, please bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.
*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Sunday, August 07, 2011
Green Lantern mixed reviews; Lantern 2 tipped to Marvel - 7th August 2011
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Green Lantern has been receiving mixed reviews...green reviews, if you will.
Mind you, the competition in the superhero genre has been pretty stiff, with Captain America: The First Avenger, X-Men: First Class and Thor, but the general feeling is that the movie should have been much better - especially considering a budget of around $200 million.
The blurb goes something like this...A test pilot is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe.
Green Lantern is almost certain to live on via the big screen, but likely not with the same director.
Despite the big-budget superhero movie’s disappointing box office performance so far, Warner Bros. executives still want to find a way to make a sequel work. Bringing superheroes from its DC Comics unit to the big screen is a top priority for the studio, and executives believe that the problem with "Green Lantern" was in execution, not concept. When quizzed they were happy to share the following:
"We had a decent opening so we learned there is an audience,” said Warner Bros. film group President Jeff Robinov, pointing to the film’s box office debut of $53 million. “To go forward we need to make it a little edgier and darker with more emphasis on action…. And we have to find a way to balance the time the movie spends in space versus on Earth."
After its luke warm opening, “Green Lantern” went green at the U.S box office, ending up with only $114 million. Its overseas performance in important countries such as Great Britain, Germany and Russia has also been weak. Australia isn't look good we must report.
No, before you ask us, lead actor Ryan Reynolds will not be doing the red carpet premier in Australia, but I'll show up anyway to take some snaps and to (hopefully) enjoy the movie, but I know I will have my work cut cut out for me.
The secret to enjoying this movie is to enjoy the superhero genre, and not to expect too much. Excelsior (not). DC Comics or even Marvel Entertainment would struggle to get this into a thumbs up category, but DC Comics is going to do a sequel we hear - in order to attempt to at least break even.
Our friends at Box Office Mojo asked the well versed readers a question, and the results should send alarm bells ringing...
Do you want to see a sequel to 'Green Lantern?'
41.5% No.
33.6% Yes.
24.8% I don't care.
Future Of DC Superhero Flicks...
The future is already speculative, and this is especially true for DC superhero movies. We've got "The Dark Knight Rises,” the final chapter of director Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, coming out next season, followed by Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot, "Man of Steel," circa June 2013. Later that year or in 2014, Warner could very well move forward with a second Green Lantern or Flash movie. Robinov said the studio has "a solid script". The exec also remains keen in bringing DC heroes together for a "Justice League" movie.
We like his ambition, but let's get the basics right at DC first, before unleashing the best you may have to offer.
The Players...
Director: Martin Campbell
Writer: Greg Berlanti
Actors: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Angela Bassett, Tim Robbins
Producer: Greg Berlanti
Websites
Green Lantern
http://greenlanternmovie.warnerbros.com
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