LEGENDARY DIGITAL OPENS SXSW 2015 WITH A BANG

Nerdist Industries, Geek & Sundry, and Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls Announce ‘Legendary’ SXSW Activation

March 11, 2015 – Los Angeles, CA – Friday begins the annual pilgrimage to Austin, Texas for 10 days of movies, music, and delicious barbecue at South By Southwest. That means it’s time for the teams at Nerdist Industries, Geek & Sundry, and Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls to fill your weekend with endless games, panels, swag, selfies with the giant Smart Girls Light Bulb, FUNimation, a 7-11 slurpee truck, and the most epic dance parties Austin can handle. Beginning at noon on Friday, March 13, the Legendary Digital Networks will be posting up at Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden (81 Rainey Street) for three straight days of awesome. 

Friday, March 13

12:00pm-12:45pm

Festivities begin with a stacked Legendary Digital panel including Nerdist Editor in Chief Brian Walton, Geek and Sundry VP of Production and Development Ryan Copple, Smart Girls’ COO Meredith Walker, Nerdist Senior Editor Dan Casey and Head of Production Johnny Wickham to discuss the challenges they’ve faced and achievements they’ve unlocked working in digital media.

1:00pm-1:45pm

Malik Forté will be assuming direct control of the stage for a Breaking into Gaming Panel with upstarts from across the gaming landscape.

2:00pm-2:45pm

The team from Geek & Sundry will take the stage with their fans – that’s you! Come dance with us as we bring our Twitch shenanigans to life! 

3:00pm-4:00pm

Come get your chuckle on as The Nerdist Comedy Open Mic comes to Banger’s.

4:15pm-6pm

We’ll be hosting Trivia Team Trivial both Friday and Saturday from 4:15pm – 6pm. Bring a team of 3-6 friends or come sign up solo and we’ll partner you up to form the greatest bar trivia team ever assembled. Sign ups begin at 4:00pm!

9:30pm-12am

Come by and enjoy Banger’s sausage and beer garden before Geek & Sundry turns the knob to 11 for a Legendary 80s dance party.

Saturday Pi Day!

12:00pm-12:45pm

Felicia Day kicks off the day at noon by chatting with fans about her upcoming projects including her new book, You’re Never Weird on the Internet (Almost).

1:00pm-2:00pm 

After her panel, stick around and challenge Felicia in Co-Optitude style combat as she plays games, with her brother Ryon Day, against fans in the Geek & Sundry gaming lounge for all the Twitch community to see! 

2:00pm-4:00pm 

Felicia and Ryon Day will stick around for a Co-Optitude Live Let’s Play, where they will hilariously playing through their favorite games. Fans everywhere are invited to watch and interact via live stream on twitch.tv/geekandsundry.

1:00pm-1:30pm

Nick Kroll and Ross Katz, the star and director of SXSW film Adult Beginners will join Nerdist Editor-In-Chief Brian Walton in conversation about the pair’s new film, comedy, and their careers.

1:45pm-2:30pm

Meredith Walker and Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls present the Professional Lady People Panel. Featuring a unique group of creatives and professionals, the PLPP aims to discuss the non-traditional career routes that our panelists have chosen, the challenges they have faced in their jobs, and the allies that have helped them achieve in their fields.

3:00pm-3:20pm

To celebrate the greatest Pi Day ever, we’re throwing a Pi Day Pie Eating contest! Join us at 3:00PM to see who will be crowned Prince or Princess of Pie.

3:30pm-4:00pm

Writer Director Robert Rodriguez joins us for an in depth conversation about his work on From Dusk Till Dawn for El Rey, The Robert Rodriguez Museum’s Frank Frazetta collection, and his upcoming adaptation of Fire and Ice.

4:15pm-6:00pm

Another 5 rounds of Trivia Team Trivial will take place on Saturday evening. Rejoin your team of 3-6 friends or sign up solo to be partnered with a team. Sign ups begin at 4:00pm!

6:30pm-12:00am

Smart Girls will take the night with performances by Sarah Ortiz (6:45pm), Sowle Sisters (7:15), and Austin’s own Charlie Belle (8:30pm) before groovin’ the night away at a special Smart Girls Dance Party with DJ Lauren Larose. The boogie begins at 10pm!

Sunday

11:00am-1:30pm

Sunday Funday begins as Urban Achievers Brass Band takes the stage for Sunday brunch at Banger’s.

2:00pm-2:20pm

The cast of NBC’s Undateable joins Music Editor Matt Grosinger for a special conversation about their show, comedy and life in general. Ron Funches, Chris D’elia, Brent Morin and Bridgit Mendler will be on hand for this live interview.

2:30pm-3:30pm

Led by Ben Lyons, The Players’ Tribune will be hosting a special panel with top former NBA and NCAA athletes to talk sports and Real Strength.  In partnership with Dove Men+Care, the panel will show fans what real strength means to basketball greats.

4:00pm-5:00pm

The Thrilling Adventure Hour’s Ben Blacker, Busy Phillips, and Janet Varney are going to talk all things Workjuice including comics, performances and an upcoming caravan through kiwi country, a.k.a. New Zealand.

Check out the full schedule and details on Nerdist.com and stay tuned for the latest news and movie reviews from the fest. You can also keep up with all the gaming happening at Banger's on the Geek & Sundry Twitch channel, twitch.tv/geekandsundry. And keep tabs on everything happening at SXSW by following Nerdist, Amy Poehler's Smart Girls and Geek & Sundry on Twitter and Facebook.

About Nerdist:

Nerdist Industries is a multi-platform creator of genre and popular culture content. Founded by CEO Chris Hardwick, its online presence includes a website at Nerdist.com; a premium YouTube channel (youtube.com/nerdist) featuring Nerdist News hosted by Jessica Chobot; a combined 2.75 million Twitter followers; a Podcast Network including the flagship Nerdist Podcast; The Nerdist School comedy training program; and the Nerdist Alliance, a community of curated partnerships with some of YouTube's most talented and passionate creators including up and coming stars Hannah and Hilly Hindi of The Hillywood Show. Nerdist also produces content for television including @midnight for Comedy Central and All Star Celebrity Bowling for AMC. Further, Nerdist hosts live events around the country such as The Nerdist Podcast Live! and Course of the Force, an annual lightsaber relay in partnership with Lucasfilm LTD. Legendary Entertainment acquired Nerdist Industries in August 2012.

About Geek & Sundry:

Geek & Sundry is a digital entertainment company recognized for bringing the best in award-winning internet television content that features leading voices in geek culture and lifestyle. Founded in 2012 by Felicia Day, Kim Evey, and Sheri Bryant, the company offers a diverse lineup of compelling content and events that have cultivated a thriving community and social media presence for fans of gaming, comics, music, comedy and literature around the world.  Geek & Sundry is spearheaded by prominent geek figureheads including Felicia Day (The Guild, Supernatural, Dr. Horrible) and Wil Wheaton (Star Trek, The Big Bang Theory), and has launched fan-favorite shows such as TableTop, Co-Optitude, Written By A Kid, Spellslingers and Spooked which have earned them over 1.4 million subscribers and 120+ million views. The network has also launched their Twitch Channel to further connect with the online community that received over 5 million minutes viewed within its first week of going live. Geek & Sundry has won multiple accolades and nomination votes from the Annual Streamys, IAWTV, Diana Jones and Producers Guild awards since launch.  The office is headquartered in Burbank. For more information, visit www.geekandsundry.com and watch us on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/GeekandSundry.

About Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls:

Founded by artist Amy Poehler and producer Meredith Walker, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls organization is dedicated to helping young people cultivate their authentic selves. Our motto is: Change the World by Being Yourself. What began as an online show for young girls and an excuse to host spontaneous dance parties has become a place for information, comedy and community. When we use the word “community,” we take that very seriously. Therefore, our intention is to be a safe place where those who seek us out may be heard and offered a response. We are finding that Smart Girls is a home base where many young men and women are able to express their concerns. Through our “Call to Action” campaigns we encourage smart girls to volunteer, be more involved in the world they live in, and expand their worldview beyond their backyards. Our goal is to provide a healthy alternative to the mainstream negativity and materialism marketed towards young people today. We emphasize intelligence and imagination over “fitting in.” We celebrate curiosity over gossip. We are a place where people can truly be their weird and wonderful selves. We are funny first, and informative second, hosting the party you want to attend. Legendary Entertainment acquired Amy Poehler's Smart Girls in October, 2014. 

Berkeley Breathed’s Academia Waltz Dances Its Way To IDW Publishing The Beginning Of An Era Starts Here San Diego, CA (March 11, 2015) – Oh, the college years. Remember them? Or are you in the midst of them? Either way, aren’t they great? It’s a time for youth, freedom, curiosity, experimentation, and political comics. Well, at least it was for the budding American cartoonist Berkeley Breathed. This May, fans will get a look into a treasure-trove of Breathed’s pre-Bloom County archives, artwork, strips, political cartoons, and much more with Berkeley Breathed’s Academia Waltz & Other Profound Transgressions. “Honestly, I’d like to think that the early drafts of the U.S. constitution were wordy, infantile, tasteless, embarrassing but occasionally funny,” said Breathed. “And worthy mostly as a necessary step to get to the vital polished product coming after.  I really desperately want to think this. Everyone please forgive me.” Published from 1978 to 1979 in The Daily Texan at The University of Texas at Austin The Academia Waltz was Breathed's first foray into the world of cartoons and comic strips. Though focusing primarily on college life, Breathed’s work also made reference to the big news stories of the day and would prove to be the groundwork for the revered writer/artist’s renowned voice and style. Some of the characters from the Pulitzer Prize-winning Bloom County would appear here for the first time as well, including the legendary Steve Dallas. “These are the earliest strips by Breathed,” said editor Scott Dunbier, “the ones that set the tone for all that was to follow. And unless he changes his mind about setting the dogs on me if I show up at his house again, the final book on Berkeley we can do.” Berkeley Breathed’s Academia Waltz & Other Profound Transgressions will be released in the same 11” x 8.5” format as the Eisner Award-winning Bloom County Complete Library from IDW Publishing. Look for this beautiful 304-page hardcover wherever cool books are sold! BW • $39.99 • ISBN: 978-1-63140-076-6 And don’t miss out on the other Berkeley Breathed titles from IDW via the Humble Bloom County Comics Bundle! This amazing bundle features over 3,700 black & white and full color strips specially formatted for digital reading, plus tons of relevant background info written by Breathed himself. Bloom County Complete Digital Library, Vols. 1 thru 9 Berkeley Breathed’s Opus: The Complete Digital Library Sunday Strips Berkeley Breathed’s Outland: The Complete Digital Collection This bundle is only available from 3/11 through 3/18, so get them while the getting is good. https://www.humblebundle.com/books

About IDW Publishing IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE and MY LITTLE PONY; Paramount/CBS’s Star Trek; Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; 2000AD’s Judge Dredd; The Rocketeer; Toho’s Godzilla; Zombie vs Robots by Chris Ryall and Ashley Woods; Ragnarök from Eisner Award-winner Walter Simonson; and Little Nemo from the award-winning duo of Eric Shanower and Gabriel Rodriguez. IDW is also home to acclaimed imprints such as the Library of American Comics, which publishes classic comic reprints, Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio, IDW Artist’s Editions, and Top Shelf Productions. IDW’s critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Warner Brothers are producing a film based on Ashley Wood's Lore; Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film, Alex Kurtzman is producing a movie based on Locke & Key at Universal.

HOWTOONS TO BRING D.I.Y. LEARNING TO SCIENCE TEACHERS IN CHICAGO

Creators Saul Griffith and Nick Dragotta to present workshop at NSTA conference

Image Comics is pleased to announce that Dr. Saul Griffith of Otherlab and artist Nick Dragotta (EAST OF WEST) will attend the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) conference, taking place in Chicago on March 12-15, and present a HOWTOONS workshop for attendees. At 12 pm on March 13, Griffith and Dragotta will present some of the do-it-yourself projects from HOWTOONS, a kids’ comic they co-created to make learning about science fun. Every HOWTOONS project illustrates a scientific principle, such as robotics, force, gravity, air resistance, persistence of vision, and more. The comic book-style story-telling of HOWTOONS allows for dynamic, easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, and every project uses easy-to-find, household items. In addition, Griffith and Dragotta will be visiting three schools in the Chicago area on Friday, March 13 to present Howtoons to STEM students. The presentations at Westfield Middle School in Bloomingdale, Crone Middle School in Naperville, and Orland Junior High in Orland Park have been organized by Anderson’s Book Fair Company and Diamond Book Distributors. The current HOWTOONS series, HOWTOONS: [RE]IGNITION, focuses on energy literacy, integrating D.I.Y. projects and the science behind them with a rip-roaring adventure starring siblings Celine and Tucker, who must find their parents after a man-made disaster causes a worldwide blackout. The first volume, written by Fred Van Lente with art by Tom Fowler and Jordie Bellaire, is in stores now. HOWTOONS: TOOLS OF MASS CONSTRUCTION, collecting the best of ten years of HOWTOONS, is also available now. Full workshop details: HOWTOONS! Engaging Kids with DIY STEM Projects via Comic Books Saturday, March 14 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM McCormick Place, Room W184d Join Howtoons creators Dr. Saul Griffith and artist Nick Dragotta of the award-winning STEM comic that teaches kids how to make things using everyday household goods, like origami robots, marshmallow shooters, stomp rockets, zoetropes, and more. STEM topics covered include robotics, force, gravity, air resistance, persistence of vision, and more in this fun merging of art and science. FORMAT: Exhibitor Workshop GRADE LEVEL: 4 - 8 SUBJECT: General Science Education, Physical Science About Dr. Saul Griffith Dr. Saul Griffith received his PhD at MIT and has used his training and skills to start numerous technology companies and has consistently championed STEM education. He currently runs Otherlab, and independent research lab in San Francisco. Saul has been awarded numerous awards for invention including being named a MacArthur Fellow in 2007. About Nick Dragotta Nick Dragotta got his start at Marvel Comics working on titles as varied as X-Statix, Captain America: Forever Allies, Vengeance, Fantastic Four #588, and FF. Along with being a co-creator of HOWTOONS, he is also the artist and co-creator of the Eisner Award-nominated comic book East of West at Image Comics.

Watch a video about how HOWTOONS was created and how it teaches kids about STEM!

HOWTOONS: TOOLS OF MASS CONSTRUCTION by Saul Griffith, Joost Bonsen, Nick Dragotta, and Ingrid Dragotta ISBN 978-1-63215-101-8 360 pages, full color, $14.99 In comic book stores July 23, bookstores August 9 Rated Everyone   HOWTOONS: [RE] IGNITION, Volume 1 by Fred Van Lente, Tom Fowler, and Jordie Bellaire ISBN 978-1-63215-056-1 Diamond Comic order code DEC140668 160 pages, paperback, color $9.99 Collects HOWTOONS: [RE] IGNITION #1-5 In comic book stores February 25, bookstores March 10

ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

THEY TRANSFORMED HER INTO A MONSTER HUNTER. BUT SHE WAS ALREADY SOMETHING ELSE.

DREW EDWARD JOHNSON’S FIRST CREATOR-OWNED SERIES, ‘MIDNIGHT SOCIETY: THE BLACK LAKE,’ COMES TO DARK HORSE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MILWAUKIE, OR—In June, Drew Edward Johnson (Wonder Woman) makes his creator-owned debut, combining intrigue, secret agents, monsters, and more in Midnight Society: The Black Lake. Forty years ago, England’s greatest adventurers cast aside their friendship, making a choice that would come to haunt humanity. Now, secret agent Matilda Finn will face the consequences of that choice as she aids in a frantic rescue operation at Scotland’s Loch Ness, where something terrible is waiting to draw her into the fight of her life! “I began my career in comics working with Dark Horse on Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron,” Johnson told Comics Bulletin. “To bring my first creator-owned project to Dark Horse Comics is a great homecoming for me. Especially given the opportunity to work with my editor, Philip Simon, whom I had the good fortune of working with in the early days of my career. I’m thrilled and honored to join Dark Horse’s line of genre-bending horror-adventure books, like Hellboy, B.P.R.D., The Goon, and so many more, which have all influenced my work heavily over the years.” For a first look at Drew Edward Johnson’s art and more of his thoughts on the series, head over to Comics Bulletin. Preorder a copy today at your local comics shop. Midnight Society: The Black Lake #1 Drew Edward Johnson (W/A/Cover), Ray Snyder (I), and Lizzy John (C) On sale June 17 FC, 32 pages $3.99 Miniseries ### About Dark Horse Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, EVE Online, Halo, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

EISNER-WINNING ‘AGE OF REPTILES’ RETURNS WITH ‘ANCIENT EGYPTIANS’

RICARDO DELGADO’S SILENT SERIES TAKES ON THE LONE HERO IN DINOSAUR FORM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MILWAUKIE, OR—Never has the adage “silence is golden” more appropriately applied than to the return of Ricardo Delgado’s Eisner Award–winning series, Age of Reptiles, which heads back to stands in June for Age of Reptiles: Ancient Egyptians! Written and penciled by Delgado with colors by Ryan Hill (Effigy), the gorgeous and brutal series returns, marking a bold new direction in wordless storytelling! The steaming swamps of Cretaceous Africa teem with prehistoric life and primordial danger in a tale filled with villains, victims, and one of the most dangerous and unpredictable protagonists ever created: the lonely antihero Spinosaurus aegyptiacus! For a closer look at the upcoming Age of Reptiles: Ancient Egyptians series—along with a first glimpse at an essay by Delgado—head over to Comic Book Resources. Don’t be silent! Preorder your copy of Age of Reptiles: Ancient Egyptians #1 at your local retailer today. Age of Reptiles: Ancient Egyptians #1 (of 4) Ricardo Delgado (W/A/Cover) and Ryan Hill (C) On sale June 3 FC, 32 pages $3.99 Miniseries ### About Dark Horse Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, EVE Online, Halo, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

GIMME SOME SUGAR!

STARZ SWEETENS THE CAST OF ITS TV ADAPTATION OF CLASSIC HORROR FRANCHISE “ASH VS EVIL DEAD” WITH THE ADDITION OF LUCY LAWLESS

Original filmmakers Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert and Bruce Campbell Serve as Executive Producers on the Series

Beverly Hills, Calif., March 9, 2015 - Starz has announced today that Lucy Lawless (“Salem,” “Spartacus”) will play the role of Ruby in the STARZ original series “Ash vs Evil Dead.” The series is the long-awaited follow-up to the classic horror film franchise The Evil Dead and is set to film on location in New Zealand this spring and premiere on STARZ in late 2015.

Ruby is a mysterious figure who is myopic in her quest to hunt down the source of the recent Evil outbreaks.  The only problem: she believes that Ash (Bruce Campbell) is the cause of it all.

The casting reteams Lawless with executive producers Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert whom she worked with when she starred in the television series’ “Xena: Warrior Princess” and “Spartacus” as well as appearing in their feature films including Raimi’s Spider Man and Tapert’s Boogeyman.  Additional television credits include “Salem,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Top Of The Lake,” “Flight of the Conchords,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “Battlestar Galactica” among others.  

Lawless joins previously announced cast members Bruce Campbell (Ashley J. Williams), Ray Santiago (Pablo Simon Bolivar), Dana DeLorenzo (Kelly Maxwell) and Jill Marie Jones (Amanda Fisher).

The STARZ Original series “Ash vs Evil Dead” will be 10 half-hour episodes.  Bruce Campbell will be reprising his role as Ash, the stock boy, aging lothario and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity and the terrors of the Evil Dead.  When a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind, Ash is finally forced to face his demons –personal and literal.  Destiny, it turns out, has no plans to release the unlikely hero from its “Evil” grip.

Raimi will direct the first episode of “Ash vs Evil Dead” that he wrote with Ivan Raimi (Darkman, Army of Darkness, Drag Me to Hell), Craig DiGregorio (“Workaholics,” “Chuck”) and Tom Spezialy (“Chuck,” “Reaper,” “Desperate Housewives”). Raimi will also serve as executive producer, along with Rob Tapert (Evil Dead, “Spartacus,” Xena: Warrior Princess”) and Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead, “Burn Notice”) along with Craig DiGregorio (“Workaholics,” “Chuck”) who will serve as executive producer/showrunner. Ivan Raimi will co-executive produce and Aaron Lam (“Spartacus”) will serve as producer.

About Starz

Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) is a leading integrated global media and entertainment company with operating units that provide premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television channels (Starz Networks), global content distribution (Starz Distribution) and animated television and movie production (Starz Animation), www.starz.com.

Starz Networks is a leading provider of premium subscription video programming through the flagship STARZ^® and ENCORE^® pay TV networks which showcase premium original programming and movies to U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies.  As of December 31, 2014, STARZ and ENCORE serve a combined 57.3 million subscribers, including 23.3 million at STARZ, and 34.0 million at ENCORE, making them the largest pair of premium flagship channels in the U.S.  STARZ^® and ENCORE^®, along with Starz Networks’ third network MOVIEPLEX^®, air more than 1,000 movies monthly across 17 linear networks, complemented by On Demand and authenticated online offerings through STARZ PLAY, ENCORE PLAY, and MOVIEPLEX PLAY. Starz Distribution develops, produces and acquires entertainment content, distributing it to consumers globally on DVD, digital formats and traditional television.  Starz Distribution’s home video, digital media and worldwide distribution business units distribute original programming content produced by Starz, as well as entertainment content for itself and third parties.  Starz Animation produces animated TV and movie content for studios, networks, distributors and audiences worldwide.

AMC ANNOUNCES TWO-SEASON ORDER FOR A

COMPANION SERIES TO “THE WALKING DEAD” (TITLE TBD)

New Series Will Air Day-and-Date on AMC Global

NEW YORK, NY – March 9, 2015 – AMC today announced that it has placed an initial two-season order for a companion series to “The Walking Dead,” the #1 show on television among adults 18-49 for going on three seasons.

The new series (title to be announced) will be set in Los Angeles and focused on new characters and storylines. The show’s first season will consist of six one-hour episodes and premiere on AMC in late summer. The show’s second season will air in 2016.

Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, Greg Nicotero and David Alpert from “The Walking Dead” are executive producers of the new series, which, like the original, is being produced by AMC Studios. Dave Erickson (“Marco Polo,” “Sons of Anarchy”), who co-created and co-wrote the pilot with Kirkman, is an executive producer and showrunner. The series will star Cliff Curtis (“Missing,” “Gang Related”), Kim Dickens (Gone Girl, “Sons of Anarchy”), Frank Dillane (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) and Alycia Debnam Carey (Into the Storm).

“We take incredibly seriously the notion of building a satisfying companion series to the number one show on television. From the beginning of ‘The Walking Dead’ on AMC, we’ve been asked questions about what was going on in other parts of the zombie apocalypse, and what it looked like as the world really did ‘turn.’ Through this new series, we’re going to find out,” said Charlie Collier, AMC president. “Robert Kirkman, Dave Erickson and their writing team, along with an incomparable set of producers, cast and crew have created something remarkable and clearly distinct. We respectfully follow the request of Monty Python as we bring out (the latest of) our Dead.”

“We feel empowered by this two-season commitment, a serious show of faith from our network partner AMC,” Kirkman said.  “I personally take it as a sign that they believe, like we do, that we've accomplished our goal of developing something original that can pay tribute to the original show and expand the world I created while at the same time having something new to say with this story.  I’m very grateful that we now have the opportunity to tell this amazing story and show the fans that we really haven't scratched the surface yet when it comes to ‘The Walking Dead.’”

“This vote of confidence from our partners at AMC is gratifying, to say the least,” Erickson said. “We’ve been blessed with amazing writers and a stellar cast - and we can’t wait to build this apocalyptic drama over the next two seasons and hopefully beyond.”

In addition, AMC Global, the international AMC-branded television network, announced it has acquired the international television rights to the series, which it plans to air within 24 hours of the U.S. premiere. AMC Global launched in late 2014 and is available in over 115 countries and territories throughout Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

About AMC

Whether commemorating favorite films from every genre and decade, or creating acclaimed original programming, AMC brings to its audience something deeper, something richer, Something More. The network reigns as the only cable network in history ever to win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row with “Mad Men,” and six of the last seven with current back-to-back honoree, “Breaking Bad.” The network boasts the most-watched drama series in basic cable history and the number one show on television among adults 18-49 for the last two years with “The Walking Dead.” AMC’s original drama series include “Mad Men,” “The Walking Dead,” “Better Call Saul,” “Hell on Wheels,” “TURN: Washington’s Spies,” “Halt and Catch Fire,” and the forthcoming “Humans,” “The Making of The Mob: New York,” “Into the Badlands” and “The Night Manager.” AMC also explores authentic worlds and discussion with original shows like “Talking Dead” and “Comic Book Men.” AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, SundanceTV, BBC America and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile. AMC: Something More.

CONTV’S FIRST ORIGINAL SERIES “LAST FAN STANDING”
STARRING CULT HERO BRUCE CAMPBELL PREMIERES TODAY

(Los Angeles, CA) March 9, 2015 – Geeks rejoice! The brand new digital streaming service CONtv premieres the first CONtv original series, “LAST FAN STANDING,” the hilarious pop culture game show hosted and produced by fan-favorite actor Bruce Campbell (The Evil Dead, Army Of Darkness).

A quiz show based on the stuff of Comic Con – sci-fi, horror, fantasy, and superheroes – “LAST FAN STANDING” is the ultimate test of pop-culture knowledge. Four fans are put through their paces by host and Con-favorite Bruce Campbell, battling through devilish speed rounds and a nerve-wracking Final Confrontation until only one remains…and a Last Fan Standing is crowned.

Created in partnership with Pop Quiz Entertainment, the series was filmed live on the ground at Wizard World Comic Con conventions nationwide. “LAST FAN STANDING” engages event attendees through a proprietary audience response system, where all patrons play along, competing for cash and prizes. The show culminates with the top four players vying for the coveted title as Campbell hunts for the “LAST FAN STANDING.” ​

Viewers can tune-in to CONtv for new episodes every Monday throughout the spring.

To see a clip of “LAST FAN STANDING,” visit http://youtu.be/-SJjTyW4toY.

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About CONtv

CONtv is a new digital entertainment network devoted exclusively to the fanspace that provides audiences access to thousands of hours of content showcasing an original slate of programming, as well as an eclectic catalog of over 1,200 must-watch titles. Everything from quirky original series, elusive cult films & television shows, celebrated genre movies encompassing sci-fi, horror, fantasy, anime, grindhouse, martial arts action, to exclusive live coverage of Comic Con events nationwide, all available on-demand either in a free, ad-supported format or a subscription-based model for premium content. CONtv is a partnership of Cinedigm, one of the nation’s largest independent distributor of digital entertainment, and Wizard World, producers of the largest Comic Con Tour in the U.S. Together, they provide an unrivalled hub of content, community and conventions across the broad spectrum of devices including Android and Mac iOS, Samsung Smart TV, the web, and mobile and tablet devices. For more information, visit CONtv.com.

About Cinedigm

Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM) is a leading independent content distributor in the United States, with direct relationships with thousands of physical retail storefronts and digital platforms, including Wal-Mart, Target, iTunes, Netflix, and Amazon, as well as the national Video on Demand platform on cable television.  The company’s library of films and TV episodes encompasses award-winning documentaries from Docurama Films®, next-gen Indies from Flatiron Film Company®, acclaimed independent films and festival picks through partnerships with the Sundance Institute and Tribeca Films and a wide range of content from brand name suppliers, including National Geographic, Discovery, Scholastic, NFL, Shout Factory, Hallmark, Jim Henson and more. 

Additionally, given Cinedigm’s infrastructure, technology, content and distribution expertise, the Company has rapidly become a leader in the quickly evolving over-the-top digital network business.  Cinedigm’s first channel, DOCURAMA, launched in May 2014, and is currently available on iOS, Roku, Xbox and Samsung, with additional platforms currently being rolled out.  Cinedigm launched CONtv, a Comic Con branded channel in partnership with WIZARD WORLD, on March 3, 2015.  The Company’s third OTT channel, DOVE MOVIE CHANNEL, will be a digital streaming subscription service targeted to families and kids seeking high quality and family friendly content approved by Dove Foundation.   Adding to Cinedigm’s diversified portfolio of digital networks​ , the Company announced in early 2015 an OTT partnership with TV4 Entertainment and the planned launch of the BRIGHT Edutainment OTT channel.

Cinedigm™ and Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp™ are trademarks of Cinedigm Corp. www.cinedigm.com. [CIDM-G]

About Wizard World

Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, the Wizard World Film Festival, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World also produces socialcon featuring social media stars and will be launching CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™.

About Pop Quiz Entertainment

Pop Quiz Entertainment develops and produces experiential events and branded entertainment platforms for network, cable, syndicated and online distribution, as well as live audiences across the nation. Led by Philip Van Munching and Steve Sellery, Pop Quiz Entertainment is currently producing several shows, for live and broadcast audiences, including: “Last Fan Standing,” “The Armed Forces Trivia Challenge”, and “Match Play.”

The 2015 Wizard World schedule is available at: wizd.me/PRSchedule2015.

Join Cully, Dean, Klaus, and Seth at Baltimore Comic-Con 2015!

  

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - March 11, 2015 - The Baltimore Comic-Con returns to Baltimore's beautiful Inner Harbor on September 25-27, 2015 for our 16th annual show! Come to the Baltimore Convention Center this fall to meet returning guests Cully Hamner, Dean Haspiel, Klaus Janson, and Seth Kushner.

  and  !

One of the founding members of Gaijin Studios, Cully Hamner has worked for every major publisher in the comics industry (and many minor ones) since his debut at DC Comics in 1992, where he provided art duties on Green Lantern: Mosaic. He later went on to make a name for himself working on DC's Blue Beetle and Black Lightning: Year One, and his comic, Red was adapted as a major motion picture. Recently, you can find his art on Valiant's The Delinquents variant covers and DC's Convergence: The Question, as well as a Superman: Man of Steel statue design!

Emmy Award winner and Harvey and Eisner Award nominee Dean Haspiel is a man of many talents. In addition to major comics accomplishments like his seminal  Billy Dogma and collaborations with alt-comix legend Harvey Pekar, "Dino" has provided art for HBO's "Bored to Death", co-founded HANG DAI Editions, and was a playwright ("Switch to Kill"). He has provided art for titles such as Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four, Amazing Spider-Man, X-Men: First Class, IDW's Godzilla Legends, and Locust Moon Press' Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream. You can find him these days providing art on DC Comics' Batman '66, covers on Action Lab Entertainment's The Stray, and plots and art on Archie Comics' The Fox.

Klaus Janson's storied career begins back in the 1970s, when he got his first professional comics credit on Marvel's Jungle Action, and he's built a long line of comics work ever since, with noteworthy penciling or inking runs on titles such as Marvel's Defenders and Daredevil, and DC's Detective Comics and Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. His artistic skills see him regularly as a penciller, inker, and colorist, and he regularly teaches courses, both publicly at venues such as the School of Visual Arts, and privately at comics publishing events and conventions. You can find examples of his recent work on DC Comics' Superman and Convergence: Batman and Robin, and Marvel's Amazing Spider-Man.

And last but certainly not least, we are especially pleased to welcome back to the Baltimore Comic-Con comix creator and photographer Seth Kushner! For those of you unaware, Seth was unable to attend our 2014 show during his battle with leukemia, and we're happy to report he has recovered and will be joining us this year. Seth's entry into the world of comics came as a result of his friendship with Dean Haspiel, of whom he was taking pictures for a book on interesting people in Brooklyn. As Dean introduced Seth to more people in comics, he became the defacto photographer for many creators, and this work led to the publication of Leaping Tall Buildings, which profiled the comics medium using Seth's pictures of industry players. Since then, Seth went on to become one of the contributors to Trip City, an online repository of online art, and its successor, Act-i-Vate, a webcomics collective. Seth's Schmuck Comix and Secret Sauce Comix are being reissued by Hang Dai Editions through Alternative Comics this year.

 

"We are so happy to have these 4 guys back go our show, and we know our attendees will be as well," said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "It is particularly fantastic to have Seth Kushner rejoining our annual comics party -- he was with us in spirit last year, even though he couldn't attend in person, and we're excited to see him on the Baltimore Convention Center floor in 2015!"

This year's confirmed guests for the show include: Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl); Mark Buckingham (Fables); Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman); Frank Cho (Jungle Girl); Steve Conley (Bloop); Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn); Katie Cook (Gronk); Darwyn Cooke (Richard Stark's Parker); John Gallagher (Buzzboy); Cully Hamner (Convergence: The Question); Dean Haspiel (The Fox); Jaime Hernandez (Love and Rockets); Klaus Janson (Superman); JG Jones (Strange Fruit); Denis Kitchen (The Best of Comix Book: When Marvel Went Underground); Barry Kitson (Empire: Uprising); Seth Kushner (Schmuck); Mark Mariano (The Other Side of Hugless Hill); Ron Marz (Convergence: Batman and Robin); Terry Moore (Rachel Rising); Tom Palmer (The Avengers); Jimmy Palmiotti (The Con Job); David Peterson (Mouse Guard); Ron Randall (Convergence: Catwoman); Budd Root (Cavewoman); Don Rosa (Donald Duck); Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo); Bart Sears (Bloodshot); Louise Simonson (Convergence: Superman - The Man of Steel); Walter Simonson (Convergence: Superman - The Man of Steel); Andy Smith (Earth 2); Charles Soule (Uncanny Inhumans); Ben Templesmith (Gotham by Midnight); Frank Tieri (Suicide Squad); John Totleben (Swamp Thing); Rick Veitch (Saga of the Swamp Thing); Mark Waid (Daredevil); and Thom Zahler (My Little Pony: Friends Forever). 

   

In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.