Fandom Inc. Acquires Cinescape

Posted on November 2, 2000

Fandom Inc., which bills itself as an expanded reality entertainment (ERE) company, has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Cinescape. Cinescape, a Chicago-based company, publishes a leading action/adventure/science fiction magazine focusing on film, television and new media, and also owns and operates the website Cinescape.com.

Cinescape Magazine, a bi-monthly publication with three special double issues per year, was launched in 1994 and covers movies, television and new media. In 1998, Cinescape introduced its website, Cinescape.com, and currently receives more than 6.5 million impressions each month, according to PC Data Online. Subscriptions to Cinescape Magazine will be available at FandomShop, an online store offering collectible merchandise, action figures, videos, games, comic books and clothing.

``With the acquisition of Cinescape, we are integrating two media platforms for the benefit of our audience. Fans will have access to a leading magazine with groundbreaking entertainment coverage, as well as a sharp, edgy website that is innovative and exciting,'' said Mark Young, CEO of Fandom Inc. ``Together, Fandom and Cinescape offer our audience the best entertainment information both on and off line.''

``Merging with Fandom is a tremendous opportunity for Cinescape to grow and broaden our fan base,'' said Steve Harris, owner and publisher of Cinescape. ``I believe that Fandom is the perfect partner for Cinescape because of our mutual emphasis on expanding the boundaries of traditional entertainment across multiple media channels.''

Santa Monica-based Fandom Inc. runs the Fandom.com website which offers an online environment that covers fantasy, science fiction, horror and online gaming. It features news, articles, fan-generated content, chats, surveys and polls, and sweepstakes and contests. Fandom.com also features an online shop specializing in genre merchandise and collectibles. Founded in July 1999, the company's investors include Redpoint Ventures, RRE Ventures, Wasserstein Adelson Ventures and Entertainment Media Ventures.