Tag Archives: film and tv

MGM to bring Rocky and Legally Blonde to live concerts with TCG Entertainment

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The film, television, and entertainment production unit, MGM has partnered with TCG Entertainment, a leading producer of touring live productions, to launch a new live Films in Concert Series featuring Rocky and Legally Blonde.

Set for a summer 2021 launch, the partnership will mark the first time that audiences around the world will be able to experience the anthems of Rocky as well as fan-favourite tunes from Legally Blonde, as performed live by a full symphony orchestra and played in sync to the films.

The new partnership with TCG Entertainment is part of MGM’s overall strategy to grow its portfolio of live events and immersive experiences that let fans enjoy and engage with their favourite films and characters beyond the big screen.

The Rocky in Concert series will include six musical events for each of the six films in the original franchise, beginning with Rocky. Audiences will be able to hear the iconic music from the films performed live by a full orchestra, while watching the movies on larger than life screens.

The concert will aim to take the audiences along for the emotional ride of Rocky’s transformation from underdog to champion to his fight in Russia to the finale Rocky Balboa. Each of the events will also feature interactive experiences along with pop-up retails kiosks and exclusive merchandise.

Meanwhile, Legally Blonde in Concert will get fans amped up and inspired as they relive the adventures of Elle Woods while listening to orchestrations of their favorite songs from the soundtrack. Fans will also be able to enjoy pop-up retail kiosks and interactive experiences on site.

Both events are currently scheduled to tour through North America, Europe, and Australia, with additional markets to be added. The concerts are planned to begin in July 2021 and run through the end of June 2024.

Robert Marick, MGM’s executive vice president, global consumer products and experiences, said: “MGM is looking to create additional ways that fans can interact with and enjoy their favorite stories and characters well beyond the end credits of the film.

“The concert events for both Rocky and Legally Blonde are part of our strategy of developing meaningful experiences that fans will love. TCG are true experts in this space and we couldn’t have asked for better partners as we kick off this brand-new initiative.”

Stephen Cook, president of TCG Entertainment, added: “We are excited to be working with MGM on bringing the iconic Rocky film series and Legally Blonde to the concert hall. Both Rocky and Legally Blonde are fantastic films with great music.  These shows will perform in symphony halls, theaters and performing arts centers around the world.”

MGM’s Rocky and Creed spinoff films have generated more than $1.3 billion in worldwide box-office sales, three Academy Awards, and 10 nominations, while the box office smash, Legally Blonde, continues to resonate with new generations of audiences. It was recently announced that Mindy Kaling and Dan Goor have signed on to co-write the script for the film’s third iteration, Legally Blonde 3, which will see Reese Witherspoon reprise her role as Elle Woods.

Aardman and Netflix partner for Chicken Run sequel on 20th anniversary of original feature film

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By today’s standards, 20 years is but a blip in a timeline of waiting for a movie sequel emerge, and exactly two decades on from the release of its first Chicken Run outing, Aardman has declared its intention to deliver the goods.

In partnership with none other than Netflix, the pair have confirmed that work is underway on a follow up feature to 2000’s hit movie, Chicken Run. The news was announced initially at a Making Of panel at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival by the directors at Aardman Animations.

Netflix confirmed the announcement shortly after via a post on its social media platforms.

‘Having pulled off a death-defyng escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream – a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world,’ reads the official line from the feature film’s developers.

‘When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland, the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat. For Ginger and her team, even if it means putting their on hard-won freedom at risk – this time, they’re breaking in.’

In a statement, Aardman Studio’s Peter Lord added: “Fans around the world have waited patiently for a sequel idea worthy of Chicken Run so we’re delighted to announce, on the 20th anniversary, that we’ve found the perfect story.

“Netflix feels like the ideal creative partner for this project too – they celebrate the film-maker, which means we can make the film we want to make – the one we really care about – and share it with a global audience.”

 

Maya the Bee – The Golden Orb trailer lands on YouTube ahead of cinematic release this year

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Studio 100 Film has dropped the first international trailer for Maya the Bee – The Golden Orb on its YouTube channel ahead of the cinematic release of the film later this year and into 2021.

Maya the Bee 3 – The Golden Orb is produced by Studio 100 Media, in co-production with the Australian animation company Studio B Animation and in association with Flying Bark Productions. Munich-based Studio 100 Film is the international sales agency for the worldwide rights.

To date the movie has been sold to Australia, the US, Canada, Brazil, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Ex-Yugoslavia, CIS Territories and the Baltics, Turkey, Israel, the United Kingdom and South Korea.

Tracy Lenon, producer at Studio B Animation, said: “The Australian/German co-production of Maya the Bee – The Golden Orb has provided yet another fantastic opportunity to tell a story with our much-loved, empathetic Maya who bravely accepts the challenge to help others despite being faced with some tricky obstacles.

“Maya’s BFF, Willie, truly shines in this adventure to offer an uplifting, funny tale which will have children and their families laughing out loud. The teams in Australia and Germany have worked incredibly hard to ensure that the loyal Maya audience will be inspired with the highest quality animation of which they have come to expect.”

Thorsten Wegener, producer and head of operations at Studio 100 Media, added: “Maya the Bee’s adventures have delighted audiences around the world and this new film will bring old and new characters together in a fun-filled, comedic story which will appeal to younger and older audiences.

“Recent challenges to working life have led to our Australian and German teams staying at home to work remotely while finishing the film. It’s quite extraordinary that all this could be achieved with only a small delay on delivery.”

The first two theatrical features, Maya the Bee – First Flight and Maya the Bee – The Honey Games, have already been sold to more than 130 countries around the globe. Both have been credited as the most successful German animated film according to the international box office in 2015 and 2018, the dates of their respective release.