Enter Movies Rock, a custom publishing supplement that will be mailed to about 16 million subscribers of 14 Conde Nast magazines -- such as Vanity Fair, Vogue and GQ -- beginning Nov. 1. Concocted by Vanity Fair Editor Graydon Carter as a counterpart to an earlier Conde Nast advertorial effort, Fashion Rocks (which, as its title suggests, encompasses haute couture and rock stardom), Movies Rock functions as eye candy for the coffee table and a kind of behind-the-music and behind-the-scenes compendium for iPod listeners and cineastes alike.

Edited by Mitch Glazer, a successful freelance writer turned movie scribe ("Scrooged," "The Recruit"), the glossy annual is intended as a reflection of what's hot in popular culture.

"This year going into next, you've got 'La Vie en Rose,' 'Sweeney Todd,' 'El Cantante,' 'I'm Not There,' 'August Rush,' 'Once' -- it's definitely of the moment," Glazer said, naming a number of high-profile music-driven films. "So Graydon's idea was to do a 13th issue of Vanity Fair devoted to the place where movies and music meet."

Bill Murray, extravagantly kitted out in a rhinestone-studded jumpsuit and shiny pompadour, poses as Elvis on the cover. Inside, familiar Vanity Fair photographers -- Mark Seliger, Jean Baptiste Mondino and Bruce Weber -- have snapped a who's who of musicians and actors who somehow straddle the movie-music divide: Kanye West, Nelly, Billy Bob Thornton, Eve, Freddie Highmore, Chris Brown and Zooey Deschanel among them.

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Blockbuster Aquires Movielink
Blockbuster has entered the movie downloads business in a big way with its acquisition of Movielink, a movie download website.

Blockbuster is also acquiring rights to show the films of Movielink's owners, which include Warner Brothers Studios, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Paramount Pictures, it said. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"It immediately puts us in the digital download business," Blockbuster's chief executive, James W. Keyes, said. "Clearly, our customers have responded favorably to having other convenient ways to access movies and entertainment."

The purchase provides Blockbuster with a way to send movies straight into televisions and computers, omplementing its store and movie-by-mail operations, where it competes with Netflix.

In the last year, Netflix, Apple, Amazon.com and Wal-Mart Stores have introduced movie download services.

Blockbuster needed to expand its online offerings. Blockbuster's retail stores are still very popular but nobody really expects people to buy and rent DVDs for too many more years.

Posted on August 10, 2007
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Writers Write, Inc Launches WatchersWatch.com
We love to watch! TV, Film and video, that is. We're happy to announce the launch of WatchersWatch.com, our new blog about what's hot in movies, television and videos.

What's hot this week at WatchersWatch? Why it's the Da Vinci Code, of course. Dan Brown's international bestseller opened in wide release Friday, May 19, 2006 and has already made $224 million worldwide in its first weekend, making it the second biggest opening weekend of all time.

You can find our Da Vinci Code review roundup, the scoop on the new fall TV shows and much more at: http://www.watcherswatch.com

Posted on May 21, 2006
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Universal to Sell Download-to-own Films
CNN reports that Universal Pictures is teaming up with LoveFilm to offers a download-to-own film service in Britain. The service will begin with a download for King Kong on April 10th.

Films will be available to download the same day the DVD is released. Consumers will get the film in three formats: two digital files available for instant download -- one for a PC or laptop and one for a portable device -- and a DVD copy sent by mail.

Initially, 35 Universal films will be available, including "Pride And Prejudice," "The Bourne Supremacy," "Love Actually," "Nanny McPhee" and "Bridget Jones."

They will be priced from £19.99 ($35) for the latest releases to £9.99 ($17.50) for older films. Downloading a film will take between 40 minutes and an hour.

"The time is only 12-18 months away when you will be able to put the kettle on, get the kids ready and then have a great movie ready to watch," Lovefilm chief executive Mark Livingstone told PA.

CNN, sourcing the British Press Association, wrote that the entire 6,500 film library of Universal Pictures might eventually be available for download-to-own.

Posted on March 23, 2006
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Young Movie Watchers Prefer Web for Film Information
A Hollywood Reporter article says 90% of the coveted 13-24 age moviegoer demographic is looking for information on the Internet instead of in newspapers and magazines.

Once upon a time, you checked your local newspaper's film critic for advice about what to see on any given weekend. Or maybe you read the New York Times, Entertainment Weekly or the New Yorker, or checked out TV critics with national clout such as Roger Ebert or Gene Shalit.

Not anymore. With the advent of the Internet, geography is history. Today, more than 90% of the target moviegoer demographic ages 13-34 go online to get their movie information, New Line Cinema executive vp integrated marketing Gordon Paddison says.

Two movie sites changing the relationship between moviegoers and critics are RottenTomatoes.com and Metacritic.com, where a click brings you the best-reviewed movies in release. Recent Oscar nominees "Capote" and "Good Night, and Good Luck" have a "fresh" ranking of 92% and 94%, respectively, at RottenTomatoes. They get Metascores of 88 and 80, respectively, at the more streamlined Metacritic.

"Far more people are reading reviews on the Internet than they are in print," Paddison says. "This has a huge impact on cinephiles and any review-based demographic."

Some of the sources listed in the article are IMDb.com, YahooMovies.com, RottenTomatoes, iFilm.com, EOnline.com, Ain't It Cool News and Metacritic.com. The blogosphere, which offers a vast amount of movie information, is likely a frequent resource for movie watchers but they weren't discussed in the article. For example, there were dozens of websites devoted to the recent Sundance Film Festival.

Posted on February 3, 2006
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Bee Movie Talent Announced
DreamWorks Animation has announced the roster of voice actors for its upcoming computer-animated comedy, Bee Movie. Jerry Seinfeld co-wrote and is producing and starring in the movie opposite Academy Award winner Renee Zellweger. Bee Movie is the comedic tale of Barry B. Benson, a graduate bee fresh out of college, who is disillusioned with the prospect of having only one career choice -- honey. On a chance opportunity to go outside the hive, Barry's life is saved by a woman, Vanessa, a florist in New York City. As their relationship blossoms, Barry's eyes are opened to the world of humans and he soon discovers that people partake in the mass consumption of honey. Armed with this information, Barry realizes his true calling in life and decides to sue the human race for stealing the bees' honey. As a result, the bee and human communities get involved in ways they never had before, each one of them pointing a finger at the other. Barry gets caught up in the middle and finds himself with some very unusual problems to solve. Joining Seinfeld and Zellweger in the cast of Bee Movie are: Alan Arkin, Kathy Bates, Robert Duvall, Eric Idle, Larry King, William H. Macy, Tim Blake Nelson, Uma Thurman, Patrick Warburton and Oprah Winfrey.

The producer is Christina Steinberg (National Treasure, The Kid). Collaborating with Seinfeld on the script are writers Barry Marder, Spike Feresten and Andy Robin. Rounding out DreamWorks Animation's 2007 release slate, Bee Movie is slated for release in November 2, 2007, following the May 18, 2007 release of the third Shrek movie.

Posted on May 18, 2005
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Gail Berman Named President of Paramount Pictures
Brad Grey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Paramount Pictures, today appointed Gail Berman President of Paramount Pictures. Paramount is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom Inc. Ms. Berman, who will report directly to Mr. Grey, will be responsible for Paramount Pictures annual slate of films, including the acquisition of literary properties, development, budgeting, casting and production of motion pictures. She succeeds Donald DeLine. Ms. Berman, who is Mr. Grey's first appointment since assuming the leadership of the studio in January, will begin her new duties at Paramount following a transition period at Fox Broadcasting Company, where she has served as Entertainment President since May 2000. At FOX she headed the network's program development, scheduling, marketing and business affairs functions. Prior to joining Fox, Berman served as founding President of Regency Television where she developed the hit series Malcolm in the Middle. Berman was also Executive Producer on Buff the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off, Angel which she produced while serving as President and CEO of Sandollar Television. Berman began her career in television when she joined the Comedy Channel (a precursor of Comedy Central) as the fledging network's Supervising Producer. She was promoted to Executive Producer the following year.

Posted on April 10, 2005
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UrbanWorks to Introduce Black Film Month
In May 2005, vertically integrated film production and distribution company, UrbanWorks Entertainment will introduce Black Film Month. UrbanWorks said it is establishing Black Film Month to help celebrate the richness and diversity of African-American cinema and commemorate the successes of filmmakers and actors who are not readily recognized in the mainstream arena. UrbanWorks will launch Black Film month with internet marketing, print and retail campaigns developed to heighten awareness of black films and African-Americans in cinema. Their efforts will include online advertising and email blasts, a print campaign in Upscale Magazine and specialized promotions with their retail partners.

Posted on March 30, 2005
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Buena Vista Plans UMD Video Releases
Buena Vista Home Entertainment (BVHE) plans to release five titles beginning this spring on the Universal Media Disc (UMD) video format that plays on the new PSP handheld entertainment system. BVHE will release National Treasure, Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl, Reign Of Fire, Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Hero in the United States and Canada. Other titles to be made available will be announced throughout the year. The UMD is a newly developed compact, high capacity optical format that can store up to 1.8 GB of digital data on a 60mm disc -- or an entire feature film on a single UMD video.

Posted on March 28, 2005
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Bruce Willis to Star in 16 Blocks
Emmett/Furla Films, a wholly owned subsidiary of Family Room Entertainment Corporation, in conjunction with Millennium Films and Equity Pictures, announced on March 8th that Bruce Willis has signed on to star in 16 Blocks for director Richard Donner (Leathal Weapon, Maverick). The picture is scheduled to begin filming in Toronto and New York in late summer. Based on a screenplay written by Richard Wenk, 16 Blocks follows Jack Mosley (Bruce Willis), an aging cop assigned the mundane task of escorting a fast-talking, wise-cracking young witness to the courthouse sixteen city blocks away, and the action-packed thrill-ride that takes place in those "sixteen blocks."

Posted on March 27, 2005
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AdFilmTies.com Lets Public Assist in Film Development
AdFilmTies Inc., an organization dedicated to improving the lives of those afflicted by mental illness, health, social and economic issues through films and other multi media, announced the launch of AdFilmTies.com, an interactive website that provides the public with a direct say in the movies they want to see made. AdFilmTies says its unique production model involves a community of sponsors, expert advisors, grass roots organizations, media outlets, and consumers, who help ensure that the company's films reach the widest possible audience. AdFilmTies says it will empower consumers, film fans and the general public to assist in the production of an independent, nationally distributed feature film by assuming the role of "AdFilmTies Movie Producer." AdFilmTies Movie Producer is a concept that enables supporters of the AdFilmTies concept to assist in the production of the company's first feature film, Manic Ride, by allowing them to participate in production decisions. Manic Ride tells the story of how bipolar illness affects an entrepreneur and his family. The AdFilmTies Movie Producer platform, administered through streaming video and online polling, will enable users to vote on topics such as cast, location, music, and distribution. AdFilmTies was founded by Manic Ride screenwriter, John DeTitta, who based the script on his personal experiences in successfully treating and living with bi-polar disorder. The company will also be managed by George DeTitta, an Academy Award nominee with over 50 years experience in the film industry. The production division of the company will be headed by Barbara De Fina, producer of such classic films as Goodfellas, Casino, Cape Fear and Raging Bull. Manic Ride will be produced by Ms. De Fina.

Posted on March 19, 2005
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Universal Pictures Creates Family Productions Division
Universal Pictures said it is dedicating new efforts in the family arena with the establishment of Universal Studios Home Entertainment Family Productions (USHEFP). Mary Parent and Scott Stuber, respectively Vice Chairman, Worldwide Production, Universal Pictures, made the announcement. Under the leadership of Craig Kornblau, President, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, the new unit's day-to-day operations will be overseen by family entertainment veteran Glenn Ross, who has been appointed to serve as General Manager / Executive Vice President, USHEFP. Under Kornblau and Ross, USHEFP will develop, produce, and acquire live-action and animated family productions directly for the home entertainment market, as well as television. All Universal production entities developing and producing family-oriented product for the home entertainment and television sectors will now fall under the USHEFP banner, including the Universal Cartoon Studios, which will report directly to Glenn Ross. Also, as part of the restructuring, London-based Universal Pictures Visual Programming President Hugh Rees-Parnall will now report to Universal Pictures International President Pete Smith. Prior to joining Universal as General Manager / Executive Vice President USHEFP, veteran home entertainment executive Glenn Ross served as the President of Lions Gate's Family Home Entertainment division (FHE) as well as Executive Vice President, Lions Gate Home Entertainment.

Posted on March 16, 2005
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Movie Gallery Launches Bid to Acquire VHQ
Movie Gallery, Inc. and VHQ Entertainment, Inc. announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Movie Gallery's wholly owned subsidiary, Movie Gallery Canada, Inc., will initiate a take-over bid to acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of VHQ. Movie Gallery, Inc. is the third-largest company in the specialty video retail industry based on revenues and the second-largest in the industry based on stores. As of December 31, 2004, Movie Gallery owned and operated 2,482 stores located primarily in the rural and secondary markets throughout North America, including over 200 stores in Canada. The Company operates 61 corporately owned retail stores in secondary and suburban markets in Alberta, Saskatchewan and NWT. In addition, VHQ Entertainment, Inc. offers a direct to home movie delivery service at VHQonline.ca, a website where customers across Canada can order rental DVDs that are delivered direct to home via Canada Post.

Posted on March 14, 2005
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Plans for Catacombs Movie Announced
Twisted Pictures and Lions Gate Films announced that Catacombs will be the first picture in their new nine-picture financing and distribution deal together. Starring Shannyn Sossamon and Alecia Moore aka Pink, the film is co-written and co-directed by David Elliot and Tomm Coker and will begin principal photography in Bucharest, Romania on March 7th. Twisted Pictures' Mark Burg, Oren Koules, and Gregg Hoffman are producing. Peter Block, President of Acquisitions, Television and Co-Productions and Jason Constantine, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions, will oversee the production for Lions Gate Films, which is handling worldwide distribution on the film. Twisted Pictures' first film under the new label, SAW, also distributed by Lions Gate, was one of the most profitable films of 2004. Produced for $1.2 million, the film has grossed over $50 million domestically and nearly $100 million worldwide. Under their nine picture deal with Lions Gate, Twisted Pictures will finance and produce films exclusively in the horror / action genre. Catacombs is the story of a young woman on her first visit out of the country. While in Paris, she is taken to an underground party in the Catacombs, a labyrinth of over 200 miles of 14th Century limestone tunnels under the Left Bank of the city, lined with the remains of 7 million people. When she is separated from her friends and becomes convinced that someone or something is chasing her, her vacation becomes a terrifying nightmare. Making his feature film directorial and writing debut with Catacombs, Tomm Coker previously wrote and directed the festival award-winning short A Day Between. In addition, Coker is a prolific illustrator in the comic book and graphic novel world, having drawn such characters as Wolverine from the X-Men series and Batman. He also co-created the comic-book series Blood and Water.

Posted on March 13, 2005
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