Sony Pictures Entertainment News

Twenty-five years ago, when digital entertainment was nascent, George Lucas and University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts Dean Elizabeth Daley envisioned the Entertainment Technology Center @ USC (ETC@USC or ETC) to bridge the divide between technologists and filmmakers. Today, ETC@USC (etcenter.org) is celebrating a quarter century as Hollywood's premiere think tank and research center dedicated to emerging technology's impact on professional content. On June 26, at its annual Studio Technology Leader's Dinner, ETC will commemorate its anniversary and honor Dean Daley with the Bob Lambert Technology Leadership Award.

Everyone's favorite “Concierge of Crime” is back as Raymond “Red” Reddington rebuilds his criminal empire in THE BLACKLIST: SEASON FIVE, debuting on Blu-ray and DVD August 14 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Starring Emmy®-winning actor James Spader (TV's “Boston Legal”) as Red, Season Five finds Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone, TV's “Blue Bloods”) living with the reality that Red is her father, which leaves her caught between her two worlds – the FBI and the criminal underworld. Red is now setting up his new enterprise with Liz by his side in the hopes of making the search for Blacklisters the family business.

The number one new hit of last Fall's television season,THE GOOD DOCTOR is coming to DVD August 7 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Averaging 15.4 million viewers* during its first season, THE GOOD DOCTOR stars Freddie Highmore (TV's “Bates Motel”) as Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, who relocates from a quiet country life to join a prestigious hospital's surgical unit. Alone in the world and unable to personally connect with those around him, Shaun uses his extraordinary medical gifts to save lives and challenge the skepticism of his colleagues.

In anticipation of Ghostbusters Day tomorrow, the anniversary of the classic comedy which released 34 years ago on June 8, 1984, Wizard World, Sony Pictures and Ghost Corps have teamed up to announce an extraordinary live event, the Ghostbusters Fan Fest presented by Wizard World, to be held June 8-9, 2019 at Ghost Corps headquarters on the famed Sony Pictures Studio Lot in Culver City, Calif. Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD), which produces the largest touring pop culture convention series, will produce the Ghostbusters Fan Fest. Ghostbusters Fan Fest presented by Wizard World will be the ultimate celebration of the film, which starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, and Ernie Hudson and was directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. For the 35th anniversary, fans will participate in exclusive panels, meet the Ghostbusters creators, talent and crew and experience Ghostbusters augmented reality and virtual reality games. The celebration is officially on at Wizard World Comic Con Columbus (http://wizd.me/ColumbusPR) this weekend, with any fan cosplaying in Ghostbusters attire receiving a single-day admission to the event, by visiting the Special Guest Registration booth and showing off his/her Ghostbusters attire. Attendees can also take part in themed events such as a 'Slimer' demonstration, trivia and more at Wizard World's eighth annual trip to Columbus. 'Wizard World is proud to team with Sony Pictures and Ghost Corps to celebrate the anniversary of a film which has been the source of enjoyment for so many of our fans over the years,' said John D. Maatta, Wizard World CEO. 'We are honored that these keepers of the Ghostbusters legacy have entrusted us with producing the high-quality events that we are known for, and are pleased to continue our IP collaboration with Sony Pictures in such a significant way. Sony Pictures continues to be creative and innovative in all of our dealing with them.' 'Ghostbusters continues to have a strong fanbase across the world and we are pleased to celebrate the 35th anniversary with a collaboration with Wizard World,' added Jeffrey Godsick, Executive Vice President, Brand Strategy and Global Partnerships for Sony Pictures. 'We know they will create great experiences at all of their conventions, and they are pulling out all the stops in creating the ultimate fan experience for the Ghostbusters Fan Fest next year.' Over the next year, Wizard World will present a touring experience at Wizard World Comic Con events throughout the country featuring a pop-up shop with exclusive Ghostbusters merchandise. Next year, following the Ghostbusters Fan Fest Event, Wizard World will continue to tour the additional elements debuted for the 35th anniversary celebration. Details will be linked at www.wizardword.com. Fans can learn more about the Ghostbusters Fan Fest presented by Wizard World starting tomorrow at www.ghostbusters.com. About Sony Pictures Entertainment Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE's Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html. About Ghost Corps Ghost Corps, Inc., a subsidiary of Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., is focused on expanding the Ghostbusters brand with live-action feature films, animated motion pictures, television, merchandise, and other new entertainment products. Ghost Corps is headquartered on the Sony Pictures Studios lot in Culver City, Calif. About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) Wizard World, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces comic, gaming and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, tech, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming and entertainment takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also teamed with Sony Pictures Entertainment to find the next generation of movies as well as to engage in a number of strategic initiatives. Additional initiatives may include an augmented touring schedule of Wizard World shows, fixed-site installations, curated e-commerce, and the production and distribution of content both in the U.S. and internationally. Fans can interact with Wizard World at www.wizardworld.com and on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services. The 2018 Wizard World convention schedule is available at: http://www.wizardworld.com/comiccon.

In anticipation of Ghostbusters Day tomorrow, the anniversary of the classic comedy which released 34 years ago on June 8, 1984, Wizard World, Sony Pictures and Ghost Corps have teamed up to announce an extraordinary live event, the Ghostbusters Fan Fest presented by Wizard World, to be held June 8-9, 2019 at Ghost Corps headquarters on the famed Sony Pictures Studio Lot in Culver City, Calif. Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD), which produces the largest touring pop culture convention series, will produce the Ghostbusters Fan Fest.

Global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) has named media industry executive Corii Berg, a 20-year Sony Pictures veteran, to be General Counsel, the Company announced today. Berg will be the Company's senior legal and business affairs executive and serve on its Executive Management Committee and senior decision-making team. He will report to Lionsgate Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer and will work closely with Vice Chairman Michael Burns, Lionsgate COO Brian Goldsmith and Lionsgate CFO Jimmy Barge. He starts at the Company next Monday, June 11 th.

Game Show Network's Comedic Family-Submitted Video Show CAROLINE AND FRIENDS

AMC announced today an August 6 premiere date for its original series “Better Call Saul” and “Lodge 49.” Season four of the critically acclaimed and Emmy®-nominated “Better Call Saul,” produced by Sony Pictures Television, will air Monday, August 6 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT immediately followed by the series premiere of “Lodge 49” at 10:00 PM ET/PT. Both series will have a presence at the ATX Television Festival, taking place June 7-10 in Austin, Texas, including a panel with “Better Call Saul” executive producer Vince Gilligan and star Bob Odenkirk, and a sneak peek screening of the “Lodge 49” premiere followed by a panel with stars Wyatt Russell and Brent Jennings and executive producers Peter Ocko and Dan Carey.

Game Show Network, the leader in game shows and competitive entertainment, announced today the premiere of its newest game show, CAROLINE & FRIENDS, hosted by Caroline Rhea (“Sabrina The Teenage Witch”).

Native Voices at the Autry, America's leading Native American theatre company, presents its 24th Annual Festival of New Plays at the Autry Museum of the American West and La Jolla Playhouse. The festival features staged readings of new and in-progress plays by Native writers followed by talkbacks in which each audience member becomes an important part of the collaborative process. 

Goodwill is thrilled to be named the 2018 Silver Halo Award winner in the Best Social Media Activation Initiative category for its social impact initiative with Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Do you have an original idea for a movie? And do you plan on attending Wizard World Comic Con Columbus? This could be your day. Wizard World, Inc. and Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., an affiliate of Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., today began accepting content ideas online, with potential pitch sessions to be scheduled during Wizard World Comic Con Columbus on Friday and Saturday, June 8-9, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. This marks the third activation of the recently announced collaboration between the pop culture convention producer and leading studio, following a successful debut last month in Portland, Ore. and last weekend at Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia. Whether a paid attendee, artist or exhibitor, anyone who plans on attending Wizard World Comic Con Columbus and can be available on Friday and/or Saturday, June 8-9, may submit an idea now through June 1 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT via Wizard World's dedicated Website at https://wizardworld.com/2018-columbus-pitchfest. Any submissions which are selected in Columbia Pictures' sole discretion will participate in a pitch session to take place at designated dates/times during the event. One idea submission is permitted per person; In order to be considered, submissions must be a fully-owned original idea and must not infringe on any copyrighted material. Anyone participating in the pitch must be a registered Wizard World Comic Con Columbus attendee, artist or exhibitor, and must be 18 years of age or older and a legal U.S. resident. 'After such positive feedback in our first sessions at Wizard World Comic Con Portland and Philadelphia, we are excited to team up with Columbia Pictures on identifying outstanding original ideas from our creative attendees, artists and exhibitors in Columbus,' said John D. Maatta, CEO of Wizard World. 'We look forward to seeing a variety of submissions and see this as an important step in a broad-based relationship with Columbia Pictures as Wizard World furthers its lead role in the pop culture industry.' Full information, including Wizard World's and Sony Pictures' respective Privacy Policies, submission guidelines and terms and conditions are available on the submission form at https://wizardworld.com/2018-columbus-pitchfest. Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The seventh event scheduled on the 2018 Wizard World calendar, Columbus show hours are Friday, June 8, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, June 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids 10 and under are admitted free with paid adult. Wizard World Comic Con Columbus is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character - and some never before dreamed - will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday evening. For more on the 2018 Wizard World Columbus, visit http://wizd.me/ColumbusPR. About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) Wizard World, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces comic, gaming and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, tech, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming and entertainment takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also teamed with Sony Pictures Entertainment to find the next generation of movies as well as to engage in a number of strategic initiatives. Additional initiatives may include an augmented touring schedule of Wizard World shows, fixed-site installations, curated e-commerce, and the production and distribution of content both in the U.S. and internationally. Fans can interact with Wizard World at www.wizardworld.com and on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services. The 2018 Wizard World convention schedule is available at: http://www.wizardworld.com/comiccon. About Sony Pictures Entertainment Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE's Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.

Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) continues its 2018 schedule with its inaugural trip to Boise Centre West at Wizard World Comic Con Boise, July 13-15. William Shatner ('Star Trek,' 'Boston Legal'), Ron Perlman (Hellboy, 'Sons of Anarchy,') Jewel Staite ('Firefly,' 'Stargate,' 'Atlantis'), Sean Maher ('Firefly,' 'Serenity'), the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' duo of James Marsters ('Smallville') and Charisma Carpenter ('Angel'), Jason David Frank ('Mighty Morphin Power Rangers') and Thomas Ian Nicholas ('Rookie of the Year,' 'American Pie') headline the roster of celebrity guests scheduled to attend the comic con and pop culture extravaganza. Shatner and Perlman will appear on Sunday, July 15; Staite, Maher, Carpenter and Frank will attend on Saturday and Sunday; Marsters and Nicholas are schedule for all three days. Other celebrities will be announced closer to the event. Wizard World Comic Con Boise will also feature non-stop live entertainment, gaming, exclusive Q&A sessions with top celebrities, movie screenings hosted by stars and directors and more. Details to follow soon. Wizard World is the home of the most creative comics artists and writers on the planet. Artist Alley in Boise will feature Joe Rubenstein ('Wolverine,' 'Warlock'), Ben Templesmith ('30 Days of Night,' 'The Nightmare Factory'), Tom Cook ('Smurfs,' 'Masters of the Universe'), Levi Craig ('Watercolor Chaos'), Jeffery H. Haskell (Unstoppable Arsenal, Fallen Empire) and more. Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The eighth event scheduled on the 2018 Wizard World calendar, Boise show hours are Friday, July 13, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, July 14, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, July 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids 10 and under are admitted free with paid adult. Wizard World Comic Con Boise is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character - and some never before dreamed - will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday evening. For more on the 2018 Wizard World Boise, visit http://wizd.me/BoisePR. About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) Wizard World, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces comic, gaming and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, tech, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming and entertainment takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also teamed with Sony Pictures Entertainment to find the next generation of movies as well as to engage in a number of strategic initiatives. Additional initiatives may include an augmented touring schedule of Wizard World shows, fixed-site installations, curated e-commerce, and the production and distribution of content both in the U.S. and internationally. Fans can interact with Wizard World at www.wizardworld.com and on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services. The 2018 Wizard World convention schedule is available at: http://www.wizardworld.com/comiccon.

Rovio Entertainment is thrilled to announce its new multi-year content roadmap for partners, led by the September 2019 theatrical release of The Angry Birds Movie 2, the much anticipated sequel to the 2016 blockbuster The Angry Birds Movie which generated $352 million at the global box office.

Rogue Initiative, a leading cross-medium digital entertainment studio and technology company, has partnered with Emblematic Group, one of the world's premiere producers of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality, to create and produce cross-medium content through both existing slates and future collaborative idea generation.

Jonathan Glapion ('Wonder Woman,' 'Batgirl'), Simon Fraser ('2000AD,' 'Doctor Who'), Ron Marz ('Silver Surfer,' 'Batman: Aliens'), Joe Rubinstein ('Wolverine,' 'Warlock'), Clayton Henry ('Black Lightning,' 'X-Men'), Darryl Banks ('Legion of Superheroes,' 'Green Lantern'), Shawn Coss ('Cyanide & Happiness'), Steve Geiger ('Punisher,' 'Spider-Man') and Tom Cook ('Masters of the Universe,' 'Smurfs') are among the leading comic artists and writers scheduled to attend the 2018 Wizard World Comic Con in Columbus, June 8-10 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. This marks the eighth consecutive year that Wizard World takes over the Greater Columbus Convention Center, with a weekend that will feature many demonstrations and discussions at the Creative Stage. Artist Alley in Columbus will also feature such notable creators as Kurt Lehner ('Gargoyles,' 'Marvel Action Hour'), Mostafa Moussa ('Superman,' 'Fantastic Four'), Jeremy Clark ('Grimm Fairy Tales,' 'Day of the Dead'), Dirk Manning ('Tales of Mr. Rhee,' 'Nightmare World'), K. Lynn Smith ('Plume,' 'Garfield'), Martin Egeland ('Aquaman,' 'Alpha Flight'), Mike Watson (Freestyle Komics, UpperDeck) and others. Wizard World Comic Con Columbus will also feature non-stop live entertainment, gaming, exclusive Q&A sessions with top celebrities such as Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War standout Winston Duke, Mike Colter ('Marvel's Luke Cage,' 'The Defenders'), Billy Boyd (Lord of the Rings), John Barrowman ('Arrow,' 'Torchwood'), Matt Ryan ('Constantine,' 'Assassin's Creed: Black Flag'), Jewel Staite ('Firefly,' 'Stargate: Atlantis'), Sean Maher ('Firefly') and Holly Marie Combs ('Angel,' 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer') and many others, a dedicated kids zone and more, along with Wizard World's Master of Ceremonies, Kato Kaelin. Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, Sci-Fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The seventh event scheduled on the 2018 Wizard World calendar, Columbus show hours are Friday, June 8, 4 - 9 p.m.; Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday, June 10, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Kids 10 and under are admitted free with paid adult. Wizard World Comic Con Columbus is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character - and some never before dreamed - will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday evening. For more on the 2018 Wizard World Columbus, visit http://wizd.me/ColumbusPR. About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) Wizard World, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces comic, gaming and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, tech, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming and entertainment takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also teamed with Sony Pictures Entertainment to find the next generation of movies as well as to engage in a number of strategic initiatives. Additional initiatives may include an augmented touring schedule of Wizard World shows, fixed-site installations, curated e-commerce, and the production and distribution of content both in the U.S. and internationally. Fans can interact with Wizard World at www.wizardworld.com and on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services. The 2018 Wizard World convention schedule is available at: http://www.wizardworld.com/comiccon.

Game Show Network, the leader in game shows and competitive entertainment, has added actor John Michael Higgins ('Great News,' 'Pitch Perfect') as host of its new survey-matching game show, AMERICA SAYS. The new half-hour series will premiere June 18 at 5 pm ET and will air Monday through Friday.

Game Show Network, the leader in game shows and competitive entertainment, has added actor John Michael Higgins (“Great News,” “Pitch Perfect”) as host of its new survey-matching game show, AMERICA SAYS. The new half-hour series will premiere June 18 at 5 pm ET and will air Monday through Friday.

Moviegoers will go totally wild when 'Jumanji Double Feature' comes to cinemas nationwide this summer for two days only, bringing together the groundbreaking original 1995 adventure 'Jumanji' and 2017's blockbuster comedy-adventure 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.'

Casting is set for the Celebration Theatre production of 'Die, Mommie, Die!' which Center Theatre Group is remounting at the Kirk Douglas Theatre as part of the second annual Block Party: Celebrating Los Angeles Theatre. Written by Charles Busch and directed by Ryan Bergmann, 'Die, Mommie, Die!' will begin previews May 10, open May 12 and close May 20.