Profiles
Crown Limited Crown Casino Echo Entertainment The Star Australian Casinos Casinos James Packer
They are the so-called whales, fabulously rich gamblers jetted into town to be pampered by their eager hosts. Often demanding, sometimes quirky and superstitious, they attract the very best and attentive service, and enjoy the trappings of the high life, often gratis: six-star luxury accommodation, fine dining, live shows, top-brand shopping.
They can win or drop millions of dollars at gaming tables on a single visit. Wagers of several hundred thousand dollars are not uncommon. Occasionally, as much as $1 million is bet on a hand of cards. Baccarat is a favourite game.
Predominantly ethnic Chinese, their money also buys discretion and exclusivity. Little is ever revealed by casino operators about their identity or their gambling habits, but in a single year, at Melbourne's Crown casino alone, these VIP punters turn over an extraordinary $30 billion - around $600 million a week.
''It's simply another world,'' says an insider, still agog after a decade's involvement in the industry.
It's a world, too, that is fast expanding, as China's exploding wealth and the rising prosperity of nations such as India, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, spawn a new and vast generation of high rollers.
That reality, and the intensifying competition for their business, lies at the centre of a stoush over control of the Star casino, one that has several elements, commercial and political, and which is flavoured by a hint of hoary Melbourne-Sydney rivalry. At its core is James Packer's ambition to retain his dominance over VIP gambling in Australia by having a key say in Sydney's newly rejuvenated casino business.
The Packer-controlled Crown group enjoys 75 per cent of the nearly $1 billion of annual casino revenue generated by high rollers in Australia through its internationally acclaimed Yarra River complex and its Burswood casino, in Perth.
But the once dowdy northern cousin, the Star, tarted up with a $900 million facelift, is aiming more aggressively at the same VIP market, a threat magnified by Sydney's standing as Australia's gateway for international tourism.
Packer's response has been fierce and multi-pronged, with Crown taking a 10 per cent stake in the Star's owner, Echo Entertainment, and applying to the regulator to be allowed to move to the takeover threshold of 20 per cent.
Simultaneously, the Packer camp has waged a public relations war against Echo over the latter's lacklustre recent performance to the point of forcing out its chairman, John Story, while pushing for its own boardroom appointee, the former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett.
Packer's pitch has been for a united Australian front in the quest to wrest bigger numbers of the region's high rollers, and he has wowed tourism chiefs, and the Premier, Barry O'Farrell, with a proposal for a 35-storey luxury hotel at Barangaroo.
Apart from a potential public backlash, the snag is that Packer wants the hotel to include exclusive gaming salons for high rollers. But the Star holds the state's only casino licence and would need to agree to a hybrid arrangement that split its facilities between its current site and Barangaroo.
O'Farrell, unimpressed by the recent sexual harassment scandal at the Star, has appeared to revel a little in the Star's discomfort by publicly praising Packer as a ''shrewd and successful businessman'', while acknowledging that the Crown push ''is starting to look like a political campaign''. While Packer's ultimate objective is clear - gaining the Star's licence - he faces stern resistance from an Echo board that accuses him of seeking control of the company on the cheap, by denying a premium to its shareholders.
They appear to be daring him to launch a full takeover bid, something that could be in the offing once Packer offloads his remaining media interests. The sale of those, which indirectly include a 25 per cent stake in Foxtel, could raise close to $1 billion.
The longer game plan could be his positioning for Crown's own casino licence in NSW when the Star's exclusivity expires in 2019.
''Everyone concedes that Crown has been the key venue for high rollers in Australia,'' says a close Echo observer. ''They've worked hard and put a lot of effort into that market.
''But the upside for Star is enormous. Sure, you could tackle that market through some joint venture or tie-up with Crown, so in that sense Packer is absolutely right. But Star doesn't need Packer to do that.''
As for Packer's push for new blood in the Echo boardroom, he adds: ''Why on earth would you agree to put a competitor on your board?''
Echo is confident that it can offer a similarly impressive high roller experience as Crown's by coupling the Star with Echo's Queensland casinos, the soon-to-be upgraded Jupiter sites on the Gold Coast and in Townsville, as well as the Treasury in Brisbane.
''The truth is,'' suggests one stockmarket analyst, ''Packer might need Star more than Star needs Packer.''
But that's if the Star gets it right. There are plenty who see Crown's management expertise as vital in finally raising the Star to the high roller firmament. And they offer as evidence the Star's recent admission that the collapse of a Macau-based junket operator (businesses that scoop up high rollers and deliver them to casinos throughout Asia) had cost it $7 million in forward commissions and potentially another $23 million in unrecoverable high roller debts.
Echo, which has portrayed the losses as teething problems, unveiled on Friday details of a $450 million capital raising that will be used to strengthen its balance sheet and lend weight to its high roller push. But the announcement was accompanied by a downgrade in its profit outlook, further fodder for its critics.
The Packer camp argues that its agitation is on behalf of all Echo shareholders, who now include the Singapore casino group Genting, which has built a 4.9 per cent stake, along with Macquarie Bank, whose similarly sized holding on behalf of various investment funds would appear to be a punt on profitable future resolution. Standing steadfast, too, has been Perpetual Investments, with 8 per cent, which has backed Echo's board in rebuffing the Packer demands.
No one would dare suggest that the prevailing obstacles are insurmountable for the Packer camp, which has assembled an impressive roll call of political heavyweights. They include the former federal government minister Mark Arbib and former ALP national secretary Karl Bittar, as well as the former Liberal senator and federal communications minister Helen Coonan, a Crown director. Networking is also the name of the high roller game across Asia, and Packer's interests in Macau in partnership with Hong Kong-based tycoon Lawrence Ho provides a handy conduit for introducing more high rollers to his plush Australian salons. Their business is becoming increasingly vital as growth in the domestic gaming market tails off. While local punters contribute more in terms of profits, the high roller market (despite its skinny margins and greater risk) is growing more strongly, demonstrated by Crown's figures. In the latest corporate reporting period, revenues from local gaming in Melbourne grew by 5 per cent while those from its VIP program were 34 per cent stronger, albeit from a lower base.
Tourism chiefs recognise the potential should this trend be replicated in Sydney, drawing ever greater numbers of big spenders willingly pumping money into the local economy. The boss of the Tourism & Transport Forum, John Lee, sees the Bangararoo development as upping the ante in Sydney's claim for higher tourist numbers, just as Singapore's so-called ''integrated resorts'' have pulled a flood of new visitors to the city-state. He says the Packer plan has merit and would add to the harbour precinct's ''tourism offering''. But intensifying competition for VIP punters has not just triggered a casino ''arms race'' in Australia, but one that is region-wide.
At its epicentre is Macau, the only city in a country of more than 1 billion people permitted to run casinos and the site of several billion-dollar developments.
Having already eclipsed Las Vegas, the territory's 30 casinos are expected to rake in revenues of more than $US40 billion in 2012 (about 10 times the gaming revenues of Australia's 13 casinos), of which high rollers can be expected to account for 70 per cent.
Singapore is fast establishing itself, too, as a key high-roller destination. The 31 VIP salons of the $5 billion Marina Bay Sands, for example, already draw 60 per cent of that complex's gaming revenues.
The widespread assumption is that - notwithstanding the Chinese economy's recent slowing - the premium gambling pie has years of expansion ahead, and the chairman of Marina Bay's Las Vegas parent company, the US billionaire Sheldon Adelson, identifies a growing new class of gambler.
''We are constantly surprised at who they are, the number of people, how they come out of the woodwork and how many there are in the world,'' he recently told Singapore's Straits Times. ''There was a time, 10, 15 years ago, that people thought that in the entire world, there were as few as 150 VIP players. We sometimes get that in a few days, a week or two weeks. So the word plateau, in terms of Asia, is not in our vocabulary.''
But the breadth of competition is likely to demand more creative ways for luring gamblers farther south than Singapore, a fact that could affect the sort of inducements offered to ''whales'' by local operators, such as the extent of ''loss rebates'', where casinos cover a portion of a high roller's losses.
Packer's remedy of a united front also calls for better support from governments to maintain tax and other advantages, which could be extended to faster visa and customs clearances for high rollers to match the efficiency of Singapore.
The Star's ''fate'', meanwhile, may not be determined for some time, with no guarantee that a takeover bid will materialise to unlock the stalemate.
But some ponder a deal that would see some of Crown's interests in Macau passed to Genting, providing Packer with the financial muscle to swallow Echo. At the moment, its link to the Ho Group demands exclusivity in Asia and, as one analyst noted: ''Who would want to rock that boat?''
But another gaming expert based overseas thinks otherwise, wondering if Packer might, in fact, prefer to be the big fish in the smaller pond. "If I was Packer, and if I had the option of cornering the Australian market or keeping a 30 per cent stake in one of six operators in Macau, I'd probably corner the Australian market. It's as simple as that." (Fairfax Media)
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Australian Sports Entertainment
Monday, June 18, 2012
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Gambling on advertising billboards in Sydney NSW; Packer and Singleton: You Bet, by Greg Tingle
Profiles
Advertising James Packer John Singleton Crown Limited Politics Sydney Australia
With the 'Mad Men' TV series all the rage in Australia, Hollywood and all points in between, we thought the timing was excellent to bring you up to speed on some roadside advertising news in Sydney, Australia.
A mega cashed up company part-owned by media tycoons James Packer and John Singleton has started to cash in on major Sydney motorways, headed up by the M2 motorway.
Construction work on advertising billboards owned by Packer and Singleton's firm first started about 12 months ago and some campaigns are already up and running beautifully.
The firm is not disclosing its full client or campaign list, as you would expect - not that anyone else could likely give them much of a run for their money.
These are not any average billboards... they cost about $500,000 each all told, "Packer and Singo" are looking for strong return on investment and are looking to stand out from the pack.
The concession to erect billboards over the M2 was purchased by Manboom, a company owned by JP, Singo and Robert Whyte, from the M2's owner, Transurban, back in 1998. Talk about forward planning.
For more than a decade Manboom was unable to erect signs over the road because of road blocks from local councils! The M2 passes through three council areas and only one, Hornsby, would permit advertising billboards.
But in 2007 the then planning minister, Frank Sartor, amended legislation that stripped away councils of the right to determine policies for signs over motorways. The Department of Planning became the sole consent authority for motorway advertising.
The Media Man agency strongly suspects that a strained economy (and diluting council coffers) lessened council opposition to the advertising proposal put forward. You know... "Money talks and BS walks", whispered a Media Man insider.
It is not clear how much income Manboom makes from the concession to advertise over the congested M2. The firm has in place an annual payment deal with Hornsby Council, the Hills Shire and the City of Ryde in return for its signage rights.
It also pays for public benefit works commissioned by Roads and Maritime Services.
Transurban's spokesman said months ago: "The installation of advertising signage will fund improvements to the aesthetics and operation of bridges on the motorway, including new bridge facade cladding.
"The project will deliver safety improvements to the motorway and a designated source of ongoing funding for safety enhancements to the motorway," he said.
"The use of advertising signage provides an important alternative source of funding for infrastructure improvements and enhancements."
The M2 is in the middle of a two-year upgrade.
The former RTA last year opposed four of Manboom's 15 proposed signs on safety grounds. It cited a fear about "sign clutter" and a concern the angle of one billboard would distract motorists.
The Department of Planning upheld the RTA's concerns about the four signs.
Some studies say billboard advertising helps keep drivers alert, whilst others suggest they are a dangerous distraction. Readers - what do you think? A gamble with safety or a gamble on the investment?
Its a safe bet that Packer, Singleton and Whyte have done their sums.
In the meantime plenty of other Sydney councils are watching the project closely to see if they may be able to also benefit financially from extra advertising on their roads.
*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited, Network Ten and Virgin.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Australian Sports Entertainment
Advertising James Packer John Singleton Crown Limited Politics Sydney Australia
With the 'Mad Men' TV series all the rage in Australia, Hollywood and all points in between, we thought the timing was excellent to bring you up to speed on some roadside advertising news in Sydney, Australia.
A mega cashed up company part-owned by media tycoons James Packer and John Singleton has started to cash in on major Sydney motorways, headed up by the M2 motorway.
Construction work on advertising billboards owned by Packer and Singleton's firm first started about 12 months ago and some campaigns are already up and running beautifully.
The firm is not disclosing its full client or campaign list, as you would expect - not that anyone else could likely give them much of a run for their money.
These are not any average billboards... they cost about $500,000 each all told, "Packer and Singo" are looking for strong return on investment and are looking to stand out from the pack.
The concession to erect billboards over the M2 was purchased by Manboom, a company owned by JP, Singo and Robert Whyte, from the M2's owner, Transurban, back in 1998. Talk about forward planning.
For more than a decade Manboom was unable to erect signs over the road because of road blocks from local councils! The M2 passes through three council areas and only one, Hornsby, would permit advertising billboards.
But in 2007 the then planning minister, Frank Sartor, amended legislation that stripped away councils of the right to determine policies for signs over motorways. The Department of Planning became the sole consent authority for motorway advertising.
The Media Man agency strongly suspects that a strained economy (and diluting council coffers) lessened council opposition to the advertising proposal put forward. You know... "Money talks and BS walks", whispered a Media Man insider.
It is not clear how much income Manboom makes from the concession to advertise over the congested M2. The firm has in place an annual payment deal with Hornsby Council, the Hills Shire and the City of Ryde in return for its signage rights.
It also pays for public benefit works commissioned by Roads and Maritime Services.
Transurban's spokesman said months ago: "The installation of advertising signage will fund improvements to the aesthetics and operation of bridges on the motorway, including new bridge facade cladding.
"The project will deliver safety improvements to the motorway and a designated source of ongoing funding for safety enhancements to the motorway," he said.
"The use of advertising signage provides an important alternative source of funding for infrastructure improvements and enhancements."
The M2 is in the middle of a two-year upgrade.
The former RTA last year opposed four of Manboom's 15 proposed signs on safety grounds. It cited a fear about "sign clutter" and a concern the angle of one billboard would distract motorists.
The Department of Planning upheld the RTA's concerns about the four signs.
Some studies say billboard advertising helps keep drivers alert, whilst others suggest they are a dangerous distraction. Readers - what do you think? A gamble with safety or a gamble on the investment?
Its a safe bet that Packer, Singleton and Whyte have done their sums.
In the meantime plenty of other Sydney councils are watching the project closely to see if they may be able to also benefit financially from extra advertising on their roads.
*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited, Network Ten and Virgin.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Australian Sports Entertainment
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Supanova Pop Culture Expo Hits Sydney, Australia - 16th June 2012
Profiles
Comics Supanova Entertainment Fashion Sci-Fi Marvel Entertainment DC Comics Sydney Australia
The Supanova pop culture expo has returned to Sydney, Australia, and has warmly embraced the pop culture phenom which is taking place at Olympic Park, Homebush, in Sydney's west.
It's a 3 day pop culture mania bringing together fans, actors, game players, information and tons of merchandise and collectables. Make no mistake - this is big business, but also lots of fun. It brings out the kid lurking inside all of us, no matter what our age.
Witnessing the general public dress up as their favourite hero, heroine or monster was just as much fan as the official exhibitions.
Coming to the expo to join in the fun (and big business) are over 40 international stars from various shows, films, franchises and worlds including Christopher Lloyd (Back To The Future’s Doc Brown), Yvonne Craig (the original Batgirl), Natalia Tena (Nymphadora Tonks in the Harry Potter series, Osha in Game Of Thrones) and Verne Troyer (Mini-Me from the Austin Powers films).
Even our favorite real life superheroes of Australian pro wrestling - AWF Wrestling turned up and put on some very solid chain wrestling and brawling to the delight of the crowd. The wrestlers were also a big favorite with the media and the brawlers got somewhat crowd mobbed with famed actor Verne Troyer (Mini-Me) from 'Austin Powers' fame joined in the fun and games.
The Christopher Lloyd question and answer session was very entertaining and educational, and was a much sought after attraction for both news media and fans. Lloyd shared stories from his illustrious acting and show business career, much of which has been pop culture included such as 'Back To The Future' franchise, where he portrayed Dr. Emmett Brown. Lloyd even talked about the cult film fav 'Suburban Commando', which also featured pro wrestling living legend, Hulk Hogan (not known for great acting), but a very entertaining showman, none the less. Lloyd told the crowd of 500 plus that he enjoyed working with Hulk and that he was a really nice guy and didn't pretend to be a great actor. One lucky fan asked Lloyd if he could have a "high five", and the actor obliged, which got a nice reaction from the jam packed crowd.
More news...
Buffy Star also at Supanova Sydney...
Star of Buffy, Mercedes McNab, has come Down Under for Supanova and is loving it.
The blonde is in Sydney for the Supanova Pop Culture Expo at Sydney Showground, Olympic Park.
Best known for playing mean girl Harmony Kendall on 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer', McNab has enjoyed a successful career as a modern day scream queen.
From the popular Hatchet horror movie franchise to spooky shows such as Buffy and Angel, the 32-year-old says she has come to feel comfortable within the genre and loves "a good death scene".
"It’s hilarious. I never thought I’d be considered a scream queen, but I guess I’ll take it.
"I think I gravitate more towards comedy and comedy can sometimes be in a darker vein, like sarcasm."
The edgy stuff started early for McNab, with her big screen debut opposite Christina Ricci's Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family movie and its sequel.
At the age of 16 she auditioned for a supporting role on Joss Whedon's Buffy The Vampire Slayer, a move that would change her life.
"We were on a brand new network and the show was based off a B-movie," she says.
"No one expected a spin-off to come of it or such a great fan reaction. No one could anticipate how welcomed and received the show was.
"In the beginning we never knew whether if we were going to get killed off.
"You’d get the script and skip to the end to make sure you weren’t going to die."
McNab experienced quite a character turn on Buffy when her superficial character was transformed into a vampire and eventually went on to join the spin-off series Angel.
"I was flattered".
"To have Joss call you and have him ask you to be a part of anything he does is pretty awesome."
Now that Whedon has found mainstream and box-office success with the hit of the year - 'The Avengers' - McNab says his loyal friends couldn't be happier.
"He’s such a genius. He's just proved to the industry what he can do."
Supanova Pop Culture Expo is on today and Sunday at Sydney Showground, Olympic Park.
Promo...
Our Hero is no longer Expendable. Eric Roberts is “The Master” of Supanova!
In a career spanning five decades, Eric Roberts has become recognisable to millions of film and TV fans. He has appeared in almost 200 movies and in countless TV shows including Heroes, The Drew Carey Show, Frasier, Oz, Touched By An Angel, Law & Order: SVU and even in a Doctor Who telemovie as the Doctor’s nemesis, The Master.
He has filmed in over 17 countries, including Australia (in The Coca-Cola Kid), and received critical acclaim for his performances in Star 80, It’s My Party and Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood. In 2008, Eric joined the cast of Batman: The Dark Knight as Gotham gangster Sal Marone; in 2010 he appeared alongside Stallone, Lundgren, Statham and Li in The Expendables.
Fans of comics and animation know him as the voice of Mongul in the Justice League cartoons. He’s such a familiar face that he has appeared as himself in 63 productions, often making light of his notoriously chequered movie-star lifestyle. Brother to Julia Roberts and father of teen actress Emma Roberts, Eric is a true Hollywood veteran.
He’s therefore also the perfect guest to kick off festivities for Supanova’s TENTH ANNIVERSARY at the Sydney expo, in addition to the Perth expo the following weekend, with an exclusive Q&A and special appearance at each of our Friday evening Preview Nights which are exclusively for full weekend ticket holders (SUPA FAN PASS), in helping us celebrate a decade of successful Supanova Expos; something we couldn’t have done without your wonderful support.
Eric will then spend the weekends meeting fans, signing autographs and posing for studio portraits. (Supernova)
Nintendo Flies High at Supanova with Kid Icarus: Uprising!...
If you’re heading to Supanova this weekend, Nintendo are hosting a Kid Icarus: Uprising Multiplayer Battle Challenge! Bring along your Nintendo 3DS and copy of Kid Icarus as it’s the perfect opportunity to StreetPass with other Nintendo 3DS owners and enjoy some friendly multiplayer fun with the Nintendo community.
Nintendo 3DS consoles and Kid Icarus: Uprising games will also be available to use on the day so everyone is welcome to join in the fun!
Exclusive Kid Icarus: Uprising AR Cards only available at this event will be a special bonus for those who play. These AR cards are very exclusive and availability is strictly limited so please ensure you are there early to ensure you get your hands on one.
Some 25 years after the original Kid Icarus game for NES captured the hearts and imaginations of gamers worldwide, Kid Icarus: Uprising brings the action and adventure of this beloved series to new heights – and new visual dimensions – on the Nintendo 3DS system. The dark goddess Medusa and her Underworld Army have returned, and they’ve got their sights set on the heroic angel Pit. With the aid of Palutena, goddess of light and guardian of the human race, Pit must fend off this malevolent threat. The richly immersive graphics of the Nintendo 3DS system offer incredible depth as Pit battles enemies by air and by land. (Supernova)
Special guests appearing at Supanova Sydney and Perth include:
Jeffrey ‘Chamba’ Cruz
Street Fighter II: Turbo, Udon Comics,
Stanislav Ianevski
Viktor Krum in Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire
Bevan McGuinness
Slave of Sondelle
Jim Cheung
Scion, New Avengers, Avengers: The Childrens Crusade
Suzie Plakson
Lt. Selar, K'Ehleyr, the Female Q, Tarah, in TNG, Voyager and Enterprise
David Mack
Artist on Kabuki, Daredevil, Avengers
Andrew Constant
Author of Torn.
Wolfgang Bylsma
Gestalt Comics
Juliet Marillier
Author of the 'Seven waters' trilogy.
Yvonne Craig
Batgirl in the 60's Batman Series, Orion Slave girl 'Marta' in Star trek
John Viener
Family Guy, The Cleveland Show.
Garth Nix
Author of Sabriel, Lirael and Abhorsen.
Artists Alley promo...
Supanova is all about supporting the local industry and providing a spotlight for the local comic creators. That spotlight is Artists Alley; the place where the fans can meet the creators and explore worlds they may never have known existed before. Whether its a 25 page self-printed black and white comic, or a full color, fully bound graphic novel, or even stunning computer art prints, you’ll find something to astonish in Artists Alley.
The artists are approachable and always willing to give constructive feedback on artwork. As such, Artists Alley can be a fantastic tool for the emerging artist to improve their skills or make new connections and possibly take their first leap into the professional industry! (Supernova)
Special thanks...
Thank you to all involved in the promotion and success of Supernova. We look forward to seeing you all out there again tomorrow. As Marvel Comics living legend Stan Lee says, Excelsior!
Websites
Supernova Australia
AWF Wrestling
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
Music News Australia
Media Man Entertainment
Media Man International
Australian Sports Entertainment
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Comics Supanova Entertainment Fashion Sci-Fi Marvel Entertainment DC Comics Sydney Australia
The Supanova pop culture expo has returned to Sydney, Australia, and has warmly embraced the pop culture phenom which is taking place at Olympic Park, Homebush, in Sydney's west.
It's a 3 day pop culture mania bringing together fans, actors, game players, information and tons of merchandise and collectables. Make no mistake - this is big business, but also lots of fun. It brings out the kid lurking inside all of us, no matter what our age.
Witnessing the general public dress up as their favourite hero, heroine or monster was just as much fan as the official exhibitions.
Coming to the expo to join in the fun (and big business) are over 40 international stars from various shows, films, franchises and worlds including Christopher Lloyd (Back To The Future’s Doc Brown), Yvonne Craig (the original Batgirl), Natalia Tena (Nymphadora Tonks in the Harry Potter series, Osha in Game Of Thrones) and Verne Troyer (Mini-Me from the Austin Powers films).
Even our favorite real life superheroes of Australian pro wrestling - AWF Wrestling turned up and put on some very solid chain wrestling and brawling to the delight of the crowd. The wrestlers were also a big favorite with the media and the brawlers got somewhat crowd mobbed with famed actor Verne Troyer (Mini-Me) from 'Austin Powers' fame joined in the fun and games.
The Christopher Lloyd question and answer session was very entertaining and educational, and was a much sought after attraction for both news media and fans. Lloyd shared stories from his illustrious acting and show business career, much of which has been pop culture included such as 'Back To The Future' franchise, where he portrayed Dr. Emmett Brown. Lloyd even talked about the cult film fav 'Suburban Commando', which also featured pro wrestling living legend, Hulk Hogan (not known for great acting), but a very entertaining showman, none the less. Lloyd told the crowd of 500 plus that he enjoyed working with Hulk and that he was a really nice guy and didn't pretend to be a great actor. One lucky fan asked Lloyd if he could have a "high five", and the actor obliged, which got a nice reaction from the jam packed crowd.
More news...
Buffy Star also at Supanova Sydney...
Star of Buffy, Mercedes McNab, has come Down Under for Supanova and is loving it.
The blonde is in Sydney for the Supanova Pop Culture Expo at Sydney Showground, Olympic Park.
Best known for playing mean girl Harmony Kendall on 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer', McNab has enjoyed a successful career as a modern day scream queen.
From the popular Hatchet horror movie franchise to spooky shows such as Buffy and Angel, the 32-year-old says she has come to feel comfortable within the genre and loves "a good death scene".
"It’s hilarious. I never thought I’d be considered a scream queen, but I guess I’ll take it.
"I think I gravitate more towards comedy and comedy can sometimes be in a darker vein, like sarcasm."
The edgy stuff started early for McNab, with her big screen debut opposite Christina Ricci's Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family movie and its sequel.
At the age of 16 she auditioned for a supporting role on Joss Whedon's Buffy The Vampire Slayer, a move that would change her life.
"We were on a brand new network and the show was based off a B-movie," she says.
"No one expected a spin-off to come of it or such a great fan reaction. No one could anticipate how welcomed and received the show was.
"In the beginning we never knew whether if we were going to get killed off.
"You’d get the script and skip to the end to make sure you weren’t going to die."
McNab experienced quite a character turn on Buffy when her superficial character was transformed into a vampire and eventually went on to join the spin-off series Angel.
"I was flattered".
"To have Joss call you and have him ask you to be a part of anything he does is pretty awesome."
Now that Whedon has found mainstream and box-office success with the hit of the year - 'The Avengers' - McNab says his loyal friends couldn't be happier.
"He’s such a genius. He's just proved to the industry what he can do."
Supanova Pop Culture Expo is on today and Sunday at Sydney Showground, Olympic Park.
Promo...
Our Hero is no longer Expendable. Eric Roberts is “The Master” of Supanova!
In a career spanning five decades, Eric Roberts has become recognisable to millions of film and TV fans. He has appeared in almost 200 movies and in countless TV shows including Heroes, The Drew Carey Show, Frasier, Oz, Touched By An Angel, Law & Order: SVU and even in a Doctor Who telemovie as the Doctor’s nemesis, The Master.
He has filmed in over 17 countries, including Australia (in The Coca-Cola Kid), and received critical acclaim for his performances in Star 80, It’s My Party and Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood. In 2008, Eric joined the cast of Batman: The Dark Knight as Gotham gangster Sal Marone; in 2010 he appeared alongside Stallone, Lundgren, Statham and Li in The Expendables.
Fans of comics and animation know him as the voice of Mongul in the Justice League cartoons. He’s such a familiar face that he has appeared as himself in 63 productions, often making light of his notoriously chequered movie-star lifestyle. Brother to Julia Roberts and father of teen actress Emma Roberts, Eric is a true Hollywood veteran.
He’s therefore also the perfect guest to kick off festivities for Supanova’s TENTH ANNIVERSARY at the Sydney expo, in addition to the Perth expo the following weekend, with an exclusive Q&A and special appearance at each of our Friday evening Preview Nights which are exclusively for full weekend ticket holders (SUPA FAN PASS), in helping us celebrate a decade of successful Supanova Expos; something we couldn’t have done without your wonderful support.
Eric will then spend the weekends meeting fans, signing autographs and posing for studio portraits. (Supernova)
Nintendo Flies High at Supanova with Kid Icarus: Uprising!...
If you’re heading to Supanova this weekend, Nintendo are hosting a Kid Icarus: Uprising Multiplayer Battle Challenge! Bring along your Nintendo 3DS and copy of Kid Icarus as it’s the perfect opportunity to StreetPass with other Nintendo 3DS owners and enjoy some friendly multiplayer fun with the Nintendo community.
Nintendo 3DS consoles and Kid Icarus: Uprising games will also be available to use on the day so everyone is welcome to join in the fun!
Exclusive Kid Icarus: Uprising AR Cards only available at this event will be a special bonus for those who play. These AR cards are very exclusive and availability is strictly limited so please ensure you are there early to ensure you get your hands on one.
Some 25 years after the original Kid Icarus game for NES captured the hearts and imaginations of gamers worldwide, Kid Icarus: Uprising brings the action and adventure of this beloved series to new heights – and new visual dimensions – on the Nintendo 3DS system. The dark goddess Medusa and her Underworld Army have returned, and they’ve got their sights set on the heroic angel Pit. With the aid of Palutena, goddess of light and guardian of the human race, Pit must fend off this malevolent threat. The richly immersive graphics of the Nintendo 3DS system offer incredible depth as Pit battles enemies by air and by land. (Supernova)
Special guests appearing at Supanova Sydney and Perth include:
Jeffrey ‘Chamba’ Cruz
Street Fighter II: Turbo, Udon Comics,
Stanislav Ianevski
Viktor Krum in Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire
Bevan McGuinness
Slave of Sondelle
Jim Cheung
Scion, New Avengers, Avengers: The Childrens Crusade
Suzie Plakson
Lt. Selar, K'Ehleyr, the Female Q, Tarah, in TNG, Voyager and Enterprise
David Mack
Artist on Kabuki, Daredevil, Avengers
Andrew Constant
Author of Torn.
Wolfgang Bylsma
Gestalt Comics
Juliet Marillier
Author of the 'Seven waters' trilogy.
Yvonne Craig
Batgirl in the 60's Batman Series, Orion Slave girl 'Marta' in Star trek
John Viener
Family Guy, The Cleveland Show.
Garth Nix
Author of Sabriel, Lirael and Abhorsen.
Artists Alley promo...
Supanova is all about supporting the local industry and providing a spotlight for the local comic creators. That spotlight is Artists Alley; the place where the fans can meet the creators and explore worlds they may never have known existed before. Whether its a 25 page self-printed black and white comic, or a full color, fully bound graphic novel, or even stunning computer art prints, you’ll find something to astonish in Artists Alley.
The artists are approachable and always willing to give constructive feedback on artwork. As such, Artists Alley can be a fantastic tool for the emerging artist to improve their skills or make new connections and possibly take their first leap into the professional industry! (Supernova)
Special thanks...
Thank you to all involved in the promotion and success of Supernova. We look forward to seeing you all out there again tomorrow. As Marvel Comics living legend Stan Lee says, Excelsior!
Websites
Supernova Australia
AWF Wrestling
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
Music News Australia
Media Man Entertainment
Media Man International
Australian Sports Entertainment
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Media Man Network accepting approved advertisers and campaigns
Media Man Network accepting approved advertisers and campaigns
Profiles
Advertising Promotions Brands Publicity Media Man
The Media Man Network is currently accepting approved advertisers and campaigns - both online and traditional campaigns.
Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
They were established in 2001 and are a multi-time award winner.
Ranked in the Hitwise Australia top ten (entertainment - personalities category), Google 'Best Of The Web', and AllExperts (TV and Radio).
Campaign portfolio includes WWE, UFC, Messages On Hold, Human Statue Bodyart, PartyCasino, Virgin Games, Marvel Entertainment, Aston Martin, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, PlatinumHD, Ric Drasin, Eva Rinaldi Photography, Music News Australia, Richard Bradley Productions, Gizzi's Cafe, Frank Sinatra Enterprises, Palazzo Versace, IGT and Endemol.
The Media Man website network currently attracts approximately 5 million hits per month.
Media Man is regularly quoted in mainstream media including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Daily Telegraph, B&T, The New York Times blog, Gambling911, Street Corner and News Limited blog websites.
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Profiles
Advertising Promotions Brands Publicity Media Man
The Media Man Network is currently accepting approved advertisers and campaigns - both online and traditional campaigns.
Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
They were established in 2001 and are a multi-time award winner.
Ranked in the Hitwise Australia top ten (entertainment - personalities category), Google 'Best Of The Web', and AllExperts (TV and Radio).
Campaign portfolio includes WWE, UFC, Messages On Hold, Human Statue Bodyart, PartyCasino, Virgin Games, Marvel Entertainment, Aston Martin, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, PlatinumHD, Ric Drasin, Eva Rinaldi Photography, Music News Australia, Richard Bradley Productions, Gizzi's Cafe, Frank Sinatra Enterprises, Palazzo Versace, IGT and Endemol.
The Media Man website network currently attracts approximately 5 million hits per month.
Media Man is regularly quoted in mainstream media including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Daily Telegraph, B&T, The New York Times blog, Gambling911, Street Corner and News Limited blog websites.
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Kid Mac 'No Man's Land' national headline tour of Australia
Profiles
Music Entertainment Sydney Australia
It's about to be announced that Sarah McLeod will be special guest performer at Kid Mac’s national tour launch at the Standard on June 29.
Sarah features on Kid Mac’s debut album on a track called Don’t Look Back which will be the next single release. They are shooting the video clip on Sunday. When Russell Crowe heard the song he tweeted about it a few times saying it was a total hit..
2 weeks ago Kid Mac won Artist Of The Year and Video Of The Year and the MusicOz Awards held at the Sydney Opera House.
The album No Man’s Land has surprised many with it showcasing his ability to cross musical genres of urban/rock/pop. Squashing the perception that he is purely a hip hop artist.
Here is a video bio he recently made for media to get to know him a little better - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MmdSO7jdzE
KID MAC – NO MAN’S LAND TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT
Kid Mac’s No Man’s Land tour kicks off on June 29 to celebrate the release of Mac’s highly anticipated album released on May 4.
Having just won ARTIST OF THE YEAR and BEST VIDEO at the 2012 MusicOz Awards held at the Sydney Opera House, Mac will take his No Man’s Land Tour around the country – see dates and venue details below.
Kid Mac delivered his first track off the album in April - the super punchy ‘SHE GOES OFF’ featuring US artist Mickey Avalon. She Goes Off has already clocked over 130,000 views on youtube and features cameo’s from Snoop Dogg, Steve Aoki and Sarah McLeod. The song is getting airplay on Nova nationally and MTV. It’s just a taste of what’s to come from one of Australia’s emerging talents.
“It's been a long time coming and something I have been working towards for several years. I feel like I've taken my time with it and as a result have found a sound that I am comfortable and proud of. The material in the record is a good representation of me but also something a lot of people will relate to.” Kid Mac
No Man’s Land reviews are starting to pour in with media embracing the album:
Rolling Stone Mag - “Sydney MC impresses on long-awaited debut... The Sydneysider’s gritty, edgy, punk-esque hip hop is not only fraught with pep, but it’s also accessible”.
Rave Magazine: “No Man’s Land is slick and shiny, but most importantly, it’s fresh.”
At the back of an Australian tour with Mickey Avalon, Kid Mac will head off on his headline tour. Details below:
Kid Mac headline shows – NO MANS LAND TOUR
Friday 29th June
The Standard
NSW
Doors open 8pm
Saturday 30th June
The Great Northern Hotel
NSW
Doors open 8pm
Friday 6th July
The Westernport Hotel
Doors open 8pm
Saturday 7th July
The Espy – Gershwin Room
VIC
Doors open 8pm
Friday 13th July
Alhambra Lounge
QLD
Doors open 8pm
Saturday 14th July
The Northern
NSW
Doors open 7.00pm
Friday 20th July
Mojo’s
WA
Doors open 8pm
Saturday 21st July
Settlers Tavern
WA
Doors open 8pm
**END OF TOUR**
Websites
Kid Mac
Kid Mac Music YouTube
Hummingbird PR
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Music Entertainment Sydney Australia
It's about to be announced that Sarah McLeod will be special guest performer at Kid Mac’s national tour launch at the Standard on June 29.
Sarah features on Kid Mac’s debut album on a track called Don’t Look Back which will be the next single release. They are shooting the video clip on Sunday. When Russell Crowe heard the song he tweeted about it a few times saying it was a total hit..
2 weeks ago Kid Mac won Artist Of The Year and Video Of The Year and the MusicOz Awards held at the Sydney Opera House.
The album No Man’s Land has surprised many with it showcasing his ability to cross musical genres of urban/rock/pop. Squashing the perception that he is purely a hip hop artist.
Here is a video bio he recently made for media to get to know him a little better - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MmdSO7jdzE
KID MAC – NO MAN’S LAND TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT
Kid Mac’s No Man’s Land tour kicks off on June 29 to celebrate the release of Mac’s highly anticipated album released on May 4.
Having just won ARTIST OF THE YEAR and BEST VIDEO at the 2012 MusicOz Awards held at the Sydney Opera House, Mac will take his No Man’s Land Tour around the country – see dates and venue details below.
Kid Mac delivered his first track off the album in April - the super punchy ‘SHE GOES OFF’ featuring US artist Mickey Avalon. She Goes Off has already clocked over 130,000 views on youtube and features cameo’s from Snoop Dogg, Steve Aoki and Sarah McLeod. The song is getting airplay on Nova nationally and MTV. It’s just a taste of what’s to come from one of Australia’s emerging talents.
“It's been a long time coming and something I have been working towards for several years. I feel like I've taken my time with it and as a result have found a sound that I am comfortable and proud of. The material in the record is a good representation of me but also something a lot of people will relate to.” Kid Mac
No Man’s Land reviews are starting to pour in with media embracing the album:
Rolling Stone Mag - “Sydney MC impresses on long-awaited debut... The Sydneysider’s gritty, edgy, punk-esque hip hop is not only fraught with pep, but it’s also accessible”.
Rave Magazine: “No Man’s Land is slick and shiny, but most importantly, it’s fresh.”
At the back of an Australian tour with Mickey Avalon, Kid Mac will head off on his headline tour. Details below:
Kid Mac headline shows – NO MANS LAND TOUR
Friday 29th June
The Standard
NSW
Doors open 8pm
Saturday 30th June
The Great Northern Hotel
NSW
Doors open 8pm
Friday 6th July
The Westernport Hotel
Doors open 8pm
Saturday 7th July
The Espy – Gershwin Room
VIC
Doors open 8pm
Friday 13th July
Alhambra Lounge
QLD
Doors open 8pm
Saturday 14th July
The Northern
NSW
Doors open 7.00pm
Friday 20th July
Mojo’s
WA
Doors open 8pm
Saturday 21st July
Settlers Tavern
WA
Doors open 8pm
**END OF TOUR**
Websites
Kid Mac
Kid Mac Music YouTube
Hummingbird PR
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
WWE RAW 1000th Episode To Be Massive; Aiming For Mega Rating And To Rocket WWE Into Future
Promotion: PartyCasino.com Marvel Slots - New players get up to $3000 sign up bonus
Profiles
Casinos Casino Gambling Live Dealer Slots Marvel Entertainment WWE Wrestling Celebrities Movies Hollywood Entertainment Australian Casinos Media Man
WWE RAW 1000th Episode To Be Massive; Aiming For Mega Rating And To Rocket WWE Into Future...
As the Media Man agency has been reporting WWE creative have been advised to treat the July 23rd (U.S date) 1,000th RAW as a major pay-per-view event. The majority of the writing team and officials’ time and effort at the moment is not so much focused on the WWE No Way Out pay-per-view on June 17th but the celebratory RAW that begins a permanent move to three hours.
Wrestling bible, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WWE creative are being pushed hard to come up with a huge angle that will dominate the summer, similar to how the Nexus and CM Punk angles caught on with fans in the past two years. Specifically they have been told to devise a "knock your socks off" type angle that will broaden interest to fans who haven’t watched WWE regularly for the past year.
Many fans are calling for Ric Flair to head up a new breed of Four Horseman clique, as well as a potential DX reunion. Internet chat indicates fans want to see "The Showoff" Dolph Ziggler get a major push, and be managed by "The Nature Boy" (if or when he returns to the WWE). Flair recently left TNA Wrestling under a cloud of controversy, not showing up for bookings.
WWE officials currently feel the current product is stagnant and are concerned about the poor ratings, as well they should be.
Media Man reports that tickets to the live WWE RAW world tour in Australia has been "fairly show", and is a reflection upon things getting stale, as well as longtime fans wanting more mega stars on the international supershow down under, such as The Rock and Brock Lesnar (both of which are not possible at this time). It's unknown if Flair could make the Australian tour, and even if he did, it would be in a non-wrestler capacity. Flair's star power alone would be enough to kick and chop some new life into the current WWE product, plus would offer a massive boost to merchandising.
The Observer's Dave Meltzer also reports that WWE Legends Gene Okerlund, Dusty Rhodes, Roddy Piper, Sgt. Slaughter, Gene Okerlund, Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Jimmy Hart are among those who have been contacted to date about returning for the 1000th episode of RAW. WWE are also looking are other former stars who they haven't used in a long time.
One name that has been mentioned is Bobby "The Brain" Heenan but that would depend on his health. Jesse "The Body" Ventura would also be a hit, even though he's most associated with the Hulk Hogan championship period of WWE, rather than the RAW brand. Unfortunately a number of former RAW legends have passed away such as Randy "Macho Man" Savage, Brian Pillman "The Loose Cannon", Yokozuna and "The Wolverine" Chris Benoit.
WWE are currently planning the an old school production feel to the show. As mentioned previously, The Undertaker is constantly being talked about regarding making a special one-off return appearance on the show in the hopes that it may significantly boost ratings and be the shot in the arm that the RAW brand so urgently needs.
WWE top brass (and rarely seen on screen talent, Vince McMahon and daughter, Stephanie McMahon), are also rumoured. Triple H, husband to Stephanie, almost a lock for the much anticipated show.
WWE are under huge pressure to deliver a strong rating in the three-hour RAW and if they don’t deliver, the switch to a permanent three hours may look like a failure before. To help prevent this from happening, the WWE are looking to follow the formula they use for pay-per-views, i.e. advertising in a three week TV build, announcing a pay-per-view quality line-up ahead of time and ensuring they have a solid card for match quality.
New talent is also likely to appear on the show however the names of who they are interested in introducing are currently unknown.
One thing is for sure - wrestling fans are buzzing about the upcoming 1000th RAW and Australia is buzzing, judging by the internet chat on sites such as the official WWE Facebook.
Marvel Studios Begins Production On Third Installment Of The Blockbuster Franchise "Iron Man"
Marvel's "Iron Man 3" Commences Principal Photography In Preparation for May 3, 2013 Film Release...
BURBANK, Calif., June 4, 2012 - Following in the footsteps of the record-breaking Marvel Studios' release "Marvel's The Avengers," production on the highly anticipated film "Iron Man 3," directed by Shane Black, has commenced production in Wilmington, North Carolina. The production schedule will also include locations in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, Miami, Florida and China.
Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1963, "Iron Man 3" returns Robert Downey Jr. ("Iron Man," "Marvel's The Avengers") as the iconic Super Hero character Tony Stark/Iron Man along with Gwyneth Paltrow ("Iron Man," "Iron Man 2,") as Pepper Potts, Don Cheadle ("Iron Man 2") as James "Rhodey" Rhodes and Jon Favreau ("Iron Man," "Iron Man 2") as Happy Hogan. Set for release in the U.S. on May 3, 2013, Marvel's "Iron Man 3" marks the second feature to be fully owned, marketed and distributed by Disney, which acquired Marvel in 2009.
"Iron Man 3" continues the epic, big-screen adventures of the world's favorite billionaire inventor/Super Hero, Tony Stark aka "Iron Man." Marvel Studios' President Kevin Feige is producing the film. Executive producers on the project include Jon Favreau, Louis D'Esposito, Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard and Dan Mintz.
The creative production team on the film includes two-time Oscar®-winning director of photography John Toll, ASC ("Braveheart," "Legends of the Fall"), production designer Bill Brzeski ("The Hangover," "Due Date"), editors Jeffrey Ford, A.C.E. ("Marvel's The Avengers," "Captain America: The First Avenger") and Peter S. Elliot ("Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer"), and costume designer Louise Frogley ("Quantum of Solace," "Contagion").
Marvel Studios most recently produced the critically acclaimed "Marvel's The Avengers," which set the all-time, domestic 3-day weekend box office record at $207.4 million. The film, which is currently in release, continues to shatter box office records and is The Walt Disney Studios' highest-grossing global and domestic release of all time and marks the studios' fifth film to gross more than $1 billion worldwide.
In the summer of 2011, Marvel successfully launched two new franchises with "Thor," starring Chris Hemsworth, and "Captain America: The First Avenger," starring Chris Evans. Both films opened #1 at the box office and have grossed over $800 million worldwide combined. In 2010 "Iron Man 2," starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson and Mickey Rourke, took the #1 spot in its first weekend with a domestic box office gross of $128.1 million.
In the summer of 2008, Marvel produced the summer blockbuster movies "Iron Man" and "The Incredible Hulk." "Iron Man," in which Robert Downey Jr. originally dons the Super Hero's powerful armor and stars alongside co-stars Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow, was released May 2, 2008, and was an immediate box office success. Garnering the number one position for two weeks in a row, the film brought in over $100 million in its opening weekend. On June 13, 2008, Marvel released "The Incredible Hulk," marking its second number one opener of that summer.
ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT: Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com. SOURCE Marvel Entertainment, LLC
Websites
Media Man Int
WWE website
Marvel Entertainment
Echo Entertainment
Media Man Entertainment
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Wrestling News Media
Profiles
Casinos Casino Gambling Live Dealer Slots Marvel Entertainment WWE Wrestling Celebrities Movies Hollywood Entertainment Australian Casinos Media Man
WWE RAW 1000th Episode To Be Massive; Aiming For Mega Rating And To Rocket WWE Into Future...
As the Media Man agency has been reporting WWE creative have been advised to treat the July 23rd (U.S date) 1,000th RAW as a major pay-per-view event. The majority of the writing team and officials’ time and effort at the moment is not so much focused on the WWE No Way Out pay-per-view on June 17th but the celebratory RAW that begins a permanent move to three hours.
Wrestling bible, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WWE creative are being pushed hard to come up with a huge angle that will dominate the summer, similar to how the Nexus and CM Punk angles caught on with fans in the past two years. Specifically they have been told to devise a "knock your socks off" type angle that will broaden interest to fans who haven’t watched WWE regularly for the past year.
Many fans are calling for Ric Flair to head up a new breed of Four Horseman clique, as well as a potential DX reunion. Internet chat indicates fans want to see "The Showoff" Dolph Ziggler get a major push, and be managed by "The Nature Boy" (if or when he returns to the WWE). Flair recently left TNA Wrestling under a cloud of controversy, not showing up for bookings.
WWE officials currently feel the current product is stagnant and are concerned about the poor ratings, as well they should be.
Media Man reports that tickets to the live WWE RAW world tour in Australia has been "fairly show", and is a reflection upon things getting stale, as well as longtime fans wanting more mega stars on the international supershow down under, such as The Rock and Brock Lesnar (both of which are not possible at this time). It's unknown if Flair could make the Australian tour, and even if he did, it would be in a non-wrestler capacity. Flair's star power alone would be enough to kick and chop some new life into the current WWE product, plus would offer a massive boost to merchandising.
The Observer's Dave Meltzer also reports that WWE Legends Gene Okerlund, Dusty Rhodes, Roddy Piper, Sgt. Slaughter, Gene Okerlund, Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Jimmy Hart are among those who have been contacted to date about returning for the 1000th episode of RAW. WWE are also looking are other former stars who they haven't used in a long time.
One name that has been mentioned is Bobby "The Brain" Heenan but that would depend on his health. Jesse "The Body" Ventura would also be a hit, even though he's most associated with the Hulk Hogan championship period of WWE, rather than the RAW brand. Unfortunately a number of former RAW legends have passed away such as Randy "Macho Man" Savage, Brian Pillman "The Loose Cannon", Yokozuna and "The Wolverine" Chris Benoit.
WWE are currently planning the an old school production feel to the show. As mentioned previously, The Undertaker is constantly being talked about regarding making a special one-off return appearance on the show in the hopes that it may significantly boost ratings and be the shot in the arm that the RAW brand so urgently needs.
WWE top brass (and rarely seen on screen talent, Vince McMahon and daughter, Stephanie McMahon), are also rumoured. Triple H, husband to Stephanie, almost a lock for the much anticipated show.
WWE are under huge pressure to deliver a strong rating in the three-hour RAW and if they don’t deliver, the switch to a permanent three hours may look like a failure before. To help prevent this from happening, the WWE are looking to follow the formula they use for pay-per-views, i.e. advertising in a three week TV build, announcing a pay-per-view quality line-up ahead of time and ensuring they have a solid card for match quality.
New talent is also likely to appear on the show however the names of who they are interested in introducing are currently unknown.
One thing is for sure - wrestling fans are buzzing about the upcoming 1000th RAW and Australia is buzzing, judging by the internet chat on sites such as the official WWE Facebook.
Marvel Studios Begins Production On Third Installment Of The Blockbuster Franchise "Iron Man"
Marvel's "Iron Man 3" Commences Principal Photography In Preparation for May 3, 2013 Film Release...
BURBANK, Calif., June 4, 2012 - Following in the footsteps of the record-breaking Marvel Studios' release "Marvel's The Avengers," production on the highly anticipated film "Iron Man 3," directed by Shane Black, has commenced production in Wilmington, North Carolina. The production schedule will also include locations in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, Miami, Florida and China.
Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1963, "Iron Man 3" returns Robert Downey Jr. ("Iron Man," "Marvel's The Avengers") as the iconic Super Hero character Tony Stark/Iron Man along with Gwyneth Paltrow ("Iron Man," "Iron Man 2,") as Pepper Potts, Don Cheadle ("Iron Man 2") as James "Rhodey" Rhodes and Jon Favreau ("Iron Man," "Iron Man 2") as Happy Hogan. Set for release in the U.S. on May 3, 2013, Marvel's "Iron Man 3" marks the second feature to be fully owned, marketed and distributed by Disney, which acquired Marvel in 2009.
"Iron Man 3" continues the epic, big-screen adventures of the world's favorite billionaire inventor/Super Hero, Tony Stark aka "Iron Man." Marvel Studios' President Kevin Feige is producing the film. Executive producers on the project include Jon Favreau, Louis D'Esposito, Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard and Dan Mintz.
The creative production team on the film includes two-time Oscar®-winning director of photography John Toll, ASC ("Braveheart," "Legends of the Fall"), production designer Bill Brzeski ("The Hangover," "Due Date"), editors Jeffrey Ford, A.C.E. ("Marvel's The Avengers," "Captain America: The First Avenger") and Peter S. Elliot ("Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer"), and costume designer Louise Frogley ("Quantum of Solace," "Contagion").
Marvel Studios most recently produced the critically acclaimed "Marvel's The Avengers," which set the all-time, domestic 3-day weekend box office record at $207.4 million. The film, which is currently in release, continues to shatter box office records and is The Walt Disney Studios' highest-grossing global and domestic release of all time and marks the studios' fifth film to gross more than $1 billion worldwide.
In the summer of 2011, Marvel successfully launched two new franchises with "Thor," starring Chris Hemsworth, and "Captain America: The First Avenger," starring Chris Evans. Both films opened #1 at the box office and have grossed over $800 million worldwide combined. In 2010 "Iron Man 2," starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson and Mickey Rourke, took the #1 spot in its first weekend with a domestic box office gross of $128.1 million.
In the summer of 2008, Marvel produced the summer blockbuster movies "Iron Man" and "The Incredible Hulk." "Iron Man," in which Robert Downey Jr. originally dons the Super Hero's powerful armor and stars alongside co-stars Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow, was released May 2, 2008, and was an immediate box office success. Garnering the number one position for two weeks in a row, the film brought in over $100 million in its opening weekend. On June 13, 2008, Marvel released "The Incredible Hulk," marking its second number one opener of that summer.
ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT: Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com. SOURCE Marvel Entertainment, LLC
Websites
Media Man Int
WWE website
Marvel Entertainment
Echo Entertainment
Media Man Entertainment
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Wrestling News Media
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
PartyCasino VS Virgin Casino iGaming War Continues
Profiles
PartyCasino.com Virgin Casino PartyCasino VS Virgin Casino
PartyCasino.com - Accepts Canadian, Australian and New Zealand players. PartyCasino new players get up to $3000 sign up bonus. Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment is the world's largest and most succesful igaming company.
VirginCasino.com - No US, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand players. £100 sign up bonus. Virgin Games is part of Richard Branson's Virgin Enterprises Limited.
Profiles
PartyCasino.com
Virgin Casino
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
PartyCasino.com Virgin Casino PartyCasino VS Virgin Casino
PartyCasino.com - Accepts Canadian, Australian and New Zealand players. PartyCasino new players get up to $3000 sign up bonus. Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment is the world's largest and most succesful igaming company.
VirginCasino.com - No US, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand players. £100 sign up bonus. Virgin Games is part of Richard Branson's Virgin Enterprises Limited.
Profiles
PartyCasino.com
Virgin Casino
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)