| PorchLight Home Entertainment Acquires U.S. DVD Rights to Together Again for the First Time From Brownie Films |
August 11 2008
LOS ANGELES — August 11, 2008 — For Immediate Release — PorchLight Home Entertainment (PHE) has acquired U.S.DVD rights to the feature film Together Again for the First Time from Brownie Films, it was announced today by Robert Yu, vice president, feature films acquisitions, PorchLight Entertainment. Additionally, worldwide distribution rights in all mediums were acquired by parent company PorchLight Entertainment.
The holiday-themed comedy will be released on PHE’s newly launched Ocean Park label, which spotlights cutting-edge, independent films with diverse appeal.
Together Again for the First Time stars Julia Duffy (TV’s Newhart, Drake and Josh), David Ogden Stiers (TV’s M*A*S*H, The Dead Zone), Kelly Stables (The Ring, The Ring Two), Joey Lawrence (Blossom, Master of Dance, Rest Stop) & Larisa Oleynik (10 Things I Hate About You, TV’s 3rd Rock From the Sun). The film was written, produced, and directed by Jeff Parkin and was based on a play by Reed McColm , who also co wrote the script and was a producer on the project.
In Together Again for the First Time, the Wolders-Frobisher family hasn’t been in the same house since their parents marriage seven years before. The long awaited reunion this holiday season would normally be cause to celebrate, if they could only stand each other’s company…but they can’t. Matters only get worse with the unexpected arrival of an ex-boyfriend, an unannounced television broadcast, and the revelation of a dark family secret. Together Again for the First Time reminds us of the importance of family, even when you don’t like each other very much.
Pre-order date is Sept. 10. Street date is Oct. 14 and the suggested list price is $24.98
Commented Yu, “Together Again for the First Time is an engaging, light-hearted comedy with universal appeal and soul. This film is a shining addition to the PorchLight Home Entertainment/Ocean Park library.”
Executive Producer James Huntsman, Brownie Films, added, “We’re thrilled to work with PorchLight on this title. They’re synonymous with family entertainment and have built a terrific brand. Their team has a strong track record of getting product into the marketplace.”
The acquisition was brokered by Todd Slater on behalf of Brownie Films.
About Brownie Films:
Brownie Films is an independent film production company created in 2006 by James Huntsman and shortly thereafter acquired the film rights to the play Together Again for the First Time. Company is based on Los Angeles.
About PorchLight Home Entertainment:
Launched in early 2007, PorchLight Home Entertainment (PHE) is a division of PorchLight Entertainment. PHE emphasizes positive family values, informing as well as entertaining.
Among the titles being distributed by PHE are: LeapFrog’s holiday special, A Tad of Christmas Cheer; The Family Holiday; the award-winning Wheels on the Bus series; Little Playdates series; Travel With Kids series; and the upcoming release of the classic PBS series Adventures From the Book of Virtues. In spring 2008, PHE launched the Porchlight INSPIRE label, featuring inspirational and faith-based children’s and family entertainment, and Ocean Park Home Entertainment, showcasing cutting-edge, independent films with diverse appeal. PHE
is headed by Gary Jones.
About PorchLight Entertainment:
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has built a large and diverse distribution library of nearly 200 movies, over 1,000 episodes of children’s programs and a growing non-fiction and music programming library. PorchLight has produced more than 40 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including Tutenstein, the multiple Emmy Award-winning series, for Discovery Kids; Jay Jay the Jet Plane for PBS; Adventures From The Book of Virtues for PBS; and a direct-to-video series for LeapFrog, the leading electronic toy company. The company is currently co-producing Animalia for PBS; The Tutenstein Movie for Discovery Kids; and The Secret Adventures of Zak Saturday for Cartoon Network. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
Contact:
Vicki Greenleaf
Greenleaf & Associates — 323-660-5800
vicki@greenleafandassociates.com
|
| PorchLight INSPIRE Proudly Presents Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Faith |
August 1 2008
“… these lessons are listener-friendly and easily swallowed. In fact, they’re downright imaginative!”
— The Hollywood Reporter
LOS ANGELES — Aug. 1, 2008 — For Immediate Release — Enlightening, inspiring and sparking the imagination of families everywhere, Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Faith shines on DVD for the first time ever Aug. 12 from PorchLight INSPIRE.
Based on the #1 bestseller The Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett (over 5 million copies sold), Adventures From the Book of Virtues reaches out to children to teach important life lessons and morals. Illustrating a central theme through classic international heroes and stories, the DVDs illuminate the core virtues of honesty, compassion, responsibility, courage, self-discipline, work, friendship, loyalty, perseverance and faith. Stories are seen through the eyes of young Zach and Annie, who live in Spring Valley and deal with the same pressures and situations faced by kids everywhere.
Adventures in Faith includes the episodes “The Good Samaritan,” “Androcles and the Lion,” “Harriet Tubman” and “Daniel and the Lion’s Den.” Presented in full frame 4 x 3 (1.33:1). Special features include a Spanish-language dub track.
Also available Aug. 12 from PorchLight Home Entertainment: Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Honesty and Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Courage (SRP $12.98 each. Catalog #1057 and #1058). All three titles will be available in the Adventures From the Book of Virtues: The Box Set (SRP $29.98, Catalog #1064).
About PorchLight Home Entertainment:
Launched in early 2007, PorchLight Home Entertainment (PHE) is a division of PorchLight Entertainment. PHE emphasizes positive family values, informing as well as entertaining. Among the titles being distributed by PHE are: LeapFrog’s holiday special, A Tad of Christmas Cheer; The Family Holiday; the award-winning Wheels on the Bus series; Little Playdates series; Travel With Kids series; and the upcoming release of the classic PBS series Adventures From the Book of Virtues. In spring 2008, PHE launched two specialty labels, PorchLight INSPIRE, distributing inspirational and faith-based children’s and family entertainment, and Ocean Park Home Entertainment, featuring cutting-edge, independent films with diverse appeal. PHE is headed by Gary Jones.
About PorchLight Entertainment:
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has built a large and diverse distribution library of nearly 200 movies, over 1,000 episodes of children’s programs and a growing non-fiction and music programming library. PorchLight has produced more than 40 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including Tutenstein, the multiple Emmy Award-winning series, for Discovery Kids; Jay Jay the Jet Plane for PBS; Adventures From The Book of Virtues for PBS; and a direct-to-video series for LeapFrog, the leading electronic toy company. The company is currently co-producing Animalia for PBS; The Tutenstein Movie for Discovery Kids; and The Secret Adventures of Zak Saturday for Cartoon Network. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Faith
PorchLight INSPIRE
Genre: Children’s/Inspirational
Not Rated
Format: DVD Only
Running Time: Approx. 50 Minutes
Suggested Retail Price: $12.98
Pre-Order Date: July 9, 2008
Street Date: August 12, 2008
Catalog #: 1035
UPC Code: 810863010357
Contacts:
Greenleaf & Associates — 323-660-5800
Vicki Greenleaf — vicki@greenleafandassociates.com
For screeners or artwork, please call or e-mail:
Karen Brundage — karen@greenleafandassociates.com
|
| PorchLight INSPIRE Proudly Presents Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Honesty Adventures From he Book of Virtues: Adventures in Courage |
August 1 2008
“… these lessons are listener-friendly and easily swallowed. In fact, they’re downright imaginative!”
— The Hollywood Reporter
LOS ANGELES — Aug. 1, 2008 — For Immediate Release — Reaching out to children through a remarkable cast of characters to teach important life lessons and morals, Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Honesty and Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Courage come to DVD for the first time ever Aug. 12 from PorchLight Home Entertainment.
Based on the #1 bestseller The Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett (over 5 million copies sold), Adventures From the Book of Virtues reaches out to children to teach important life lessons and morals. Illustrating a central theme through classic international heroes and stories, the DVDs illuminate the core virtues of honesty, compassion, responsibility, courage, self-discipline, work, friendship, loyalty, perseverance and faith. Stories are seen through the eyes of young Zach and Annie, who live in Spring Valley and deal with the same pressures and situations faced by kids everywhere.
Adventures in Honesty features the episodes “The Frog Prince,” “George Washington and the Cherry Tree,” “The Indian Cinderella,” “Diamonds and Toads,” “The Bell of Atri,” “The Emperor’s New Clothes” and “Phaeton.”
Adventures in Courage includes the episodes “Icarus and Daedalus,” “King Alfred and the Cakes,” “William Tell,” “The Minotaur,” “Ulysses and the Cyclops” and “Scarface.” Both DVDs are presented in full frame 4 x 3 (1.33:1). Special features include a Spanish-language dub track.
Also available Aug. 12 from PorchLight INSPIRE is Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Faith (SRP $12.98, Catalog #1035). All three titles will be available in the Adventures From the Book of Virtues: The Box Set (SRP $29.98, Catalog #1064).
About PorchLight Home Entertainment:
Launched in early 2007, PorchLight Home Entertainment (PHE) is a division of PorchLight Entertainment. PHE emphasizes positive family values, informing as well as entertaining. Among the titles being distributed by PHE are: LeapFrog’s holiday special, A Tad of Christmas Cheer; The Family Holiday; the award-winning Wheels on the Bus series; Little Playdates series; Travel With Kids series; and the upcoming release of the classic PBS series Adventures From the Book of Virtues. In spring 2008, PHE launched two specialty labels, PorchLight INSPIRE, distributing inspirational and faith-based children’s and family entertainment, and Ocean Park Home Entertainment, featuring cutting-edge, independent films with diverse appeal. PHE is headed by Gary Jones.
About PorchLight Entertainment:
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has built a large and diverse distribution library of nearly 200 movies, over 1,000 episodes of children’s programs and a growing non-fiction and music programming library. PorchLight has produced more than 40 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including Tutenstein, the multiple Emmy Award-winning series, for Discovery Kids; Jay Jay the Jet Plane for PBS; Adventures From The Book of Virtues for PBS; and a direct-to-video series for LeapFrog, the leading electronic toy company. The company is currently co-producing Animalia for PBS; The Tutenstein Movie for Discovery Kids; and The Secret Adventures of Zak Saturday for Cartoon Network. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Honesty
Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Courage
Adventures From the Book of Virtues: The Box Set
PorchLight Home Entertainment
Genre: Children’s
Not Rated
Format: DVD Only
Running Time:
Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Honesty – Approx. 75 Minutes
Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Courage – Approx. 75 Minutes
Adventures From the Book of Virtues: The Box Set – Approx. 200 Minutes
Suggested Retail Price:
Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Honesty – $12.98
Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Courage – $12.98
Adventures From the Book of Virtues: The Box Set – $29.98
Pre-Order Date: July 9, 2008
Street Date: August 12, 2008
Catalog #:
Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Honesty – 1057
Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Courage – 1058
Adventures From the Book of Virtues: The Box Set – 1064
UPC Code:
Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Honesty – 810863010579
Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Courage – 810863010586
Adventures From the Book of Virtues: The Box Set – 810863010647
Contacts:
Greenleaf & Associates — 323-660-5800
Vicki Greenleaf — vicki@greenleafandassociates.com
For screeners or artwork, please call or e-mail:
Karen Brundage — karen@greenleafandassociates.com
|
| PorchLight Home Entertainment Acquires DVD Rights to Dear Me, A Blogger’s Tale DVD Rights to Dear Me, A Blogger’s Tale From Shutter Star Pictures |
July 28 2008
Romantic Comedy to be Released on Newly Launched Ocean Park Label, Which Spotlights Cutting-Edge, Independent Films With Diverse Appeal
LOS ANGELES — July 28, 2008 — For Immediate Release — PorchLight Home Entertainment (PHE) has acquired U.S. DVD rights to the feature film Dear Me, A Blogger’s Tale from Shutter Star Pictures, it was announced today by Robert Yu, vice president, feature films acquisitions, PorchLight Entertainment.
The romantic comedy will be released on PHE’s newly launched Ocean Park label, which spotlights cutting-edge, independent films with diverse appeal.
In Dear Me, A Blogger’s Tale, Samantha Billows wants nothing more than to be a copywriter at The Hunt Advertising Agency. But, riddled with anxiety, Samantha somehow always finds just the wrong thing to say. No therapist is able to help her move beyond her invisible life as a plant maintenance person. But then a miracle happens … By typing away the anxiety into her blog, “Dear Me,” she gains control of her life and her creativity shines through. Her career and love life blossom until “Dear Me” is discovered and devilishly exploited by a co-worker. Now it may destroy her and everything around her ...
Dear Me, A Blogger’s Tale, featuring original music, stars Sarah Thompson (the upcoming Break with Michael Madsen, Charles Durning and Chad Everett, 7th Heaven, Angel), David DeLuise (the upcoming Route 30 with Dana Delaney, Wizards of Waverly Place, 3rd Rock From the Sun), Felicia Day (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Guild, the hit web musical Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog). David O’Donnell (Dirty Love, Thirteen Days, Air Force One), Michael Bowen (Kill Bill Vol.1, Magnolia, ABC’s Lost) and Dan Lauria (The Wonder Years). The film was produced by April Sugarman and Steven Weiss-Smith, who also co-wrote the screenplay, and directed by Mike Feifer.
Pre-order date is Oct. 1, street date is Nov. 4 and suggested list price is $24.98.
Said Yu, “Dear Me, A Blogger’s Tale is exemplary of the type of innovative and captivating independent filmmaking that PorchLight Home Entertainment is seeking for the Ocean Park label.”
Added the film’s Producer, Steven Weiss-Smith, Shutter Star Pictures, “We are thrilled that Dear Me, a Bloggers Tale is among the exceptional films being released on PorchLight’s newly formed label Ocean Park. As our distributor, Porchlight’s family atmosphere and hip attitude make them a laudable creative partner.”
About Shutter Star Pictures:
Shutter Star Pictures prides itself on merging the latest filmmaking technology with timeless stories never before told to create studio-style universal messages that captivate and inspire. Whether it is the story of an introverted blogger whose therapy becomes an Internet sensation or a 12,000-year-old discovery that will solve a health mystery eluding scientists for centuries—all carry a unique message that stands apart from anything previously filmed. These independently financed and professionally produced films will capture audiences world wide with their unique story line and creative flair.
About PorchLight Home Entertainment:
Launched in early 2007, PorchLight Home Entertainment (PHE) is a division of PorchLight Entertainment. PHE emphasizes positive family values, informing as well as entertaining. Among the titles being distributed on DVD by PHE are: Animalia, based on the bestselling books and now
seen on Animania HD and PBS; the award-winning 64 Zoo Lane, based on the bestselling books, airing on Nickelodeon Jr.’s Noggin network; and the classic PBS series Adventures From the Book of Virtues. In spring 2008, PHE launched two specialty labels, PorchLight INSPIRE, distributing inspirational
and faith-based children’s and family entertainment, and Ocean Park Home Entertainment, featuring cutting-edge, independent films with diverse appeal, including such titles as Outsourced and Pope Dreams. PHE is headed by Gary Jones.
About PorchLight Entertainment:
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has built a large and diverse distribution library of nearly 200 movies, over 1,000 episodes of children’s programs and a growing non-fiction and music programming library. PorchLight has produced more than 40 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including Tutenstein, the multiple Emmy Award-winning series, for Discovery Kids; Jay Jay the Jet Plane for PBS; Adventures From The Book of Virtues for PBS; and a direct-to-video series for LeapFrog, the leading electronic toy company. The company is currently co-producing Animalia for PBS; The Tutenstein Movie for Discovery Kids; and The Secret Adventures of Zak Saturday for Cartoon Network. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
Contact:
Vicki Greenleaf
Greenleaf & Associates — 323-660-5800
vicki@greenleafandassociates.com
|
| PorchLight Home Entertainment Proudly Presents 64 Zoo Lane - 64 Zoo Lane |
July 1 2008
When Night Falls, Dreams & Adventures Begin …Visit a Place Where Animals and Imagination Run Wild
Based on the Best-Selling Books, Award-Winning Children’s Program Roars Onto DVD For the First Time Ever July 29th
LOS ANGELES — July 1, 2008 — For Immediate Release — Children ages 2-5 will have a g-r-r-r-eat time with their new animal friends at 64 Zoo Lane, roaring onto DVD July 29 from PorchLight Home Entertainment.
From the award-winning Belgium television producer and best-selling author An Vrombaut, 64 Zoo Lane follows the adventures of a little girl named Lucy who lives at 64 Zoo Lane, next door to a zoo. Every night, she climbs out of her window, slides down the long neck of Georgina the giraffe and listens to one of the animals at the zoo tell her a story.
Georgina, Nelson the elephant, Zed the zebra, Tickles and Giggles the monkeys, Henrietta the hairy hippopotamus, Joey the kangaroo, Snowbert the polar bear and Kevin the crocodile entertain as children explore social and emotional issues (like responsibility, friendship, helping and caring) and learn about language and vocabulary.
64 Zoo Lane, which currently airs on Nickelodeon Jr.’s Noggin network for preschoolers in the U.S. and the BBC in the U.K., has won the 2002 British Animation Award for Best Pre-School Series and the 2000 Pulcinella Prize for Best Series for Children at the international television festival Cartoons on the Bay. Six new 64 Zoo Lane books were released April 28 from Hodder and Stoughton.
Episodes included on this feature-length DVD include “Nelson the Elephant,” “Adam the Armadillo,” “Herbert the Warthog,” “Pauline the Pelican,” “Toby the Tortoise,” “Doris the Duck,” “Wally the Wombat” and “Melanie the Moose.”
With timeless picture book quality, 64 Zoo Lane is presented in full frame 4 x 3 (1.33:1).
About PorchLight Home Entertainment:
Launched in early 2007, PorchLight Home Entertainment (PHE) is a division of PorchLight Entertainment. PHE emphasizes positive family values, informing as well as entertaining.
Among the titles being distributed by PHE are: LeapFrog’s holiday special, A Tad of
Christmas Cheer; The Family Holiday; the award-winning Wheels on the Bus series; Little Playdates series; Travel With Kids series; and the upcoming release of the classic PBS series Adventures From the Book of Virtues. In spring 2008, PHE launched the Porchlight INSPIRE label, featuring inspirational and faith-based children’s and family entertainment, and Ocean Park Home Entertainment, showcasing cutting-edge, independent films with diverse appeal.
PHE is headed by Gary Jones.
About PorchLight Entertainment:
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has built a large and diverse distribution library of nearly 200 movies, over 1,000 episodes of children’s programs and a growing non-fiction and music programming library. PorchLight has produced more than 40 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including Tutenstein, the multiple Emmy Award-winning series, for Discovery Kids; Jay Jay the Jet Plane for PBS; Adventures From The Book of Virtues for PBS; and a direct-to-video series for LeapFrog, the leading electronic toy company. The company is currently co-producing Animalia for PBS; The Tutenstein Movie for Discovery Kids; and The Secret Adventures of Zak Saturday for Cartoon Network. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
64 Zoo Lane
PorchLight Home Entertainment
Genre: Children’s, Ages 2-5
Not Rated
Format: DVD Only
Running Time: 88 Minutes
Suggested Retail Price: $14.98
Pre-Order Date: June 25, 2008
Street Date: July 29, 2008
Catalog #: 1055
UPC Code: 810863010555
Contacts:
Greenleaf & Associates — 323-660-5800
Vicki Greenleaf — vicki@greenleafandassociates.com
For screeners or artwork, please call or e-mail: Karen Brundage — karen@greenleafandassociates.com
|
| Loopdidoo - Loopiness, Laughter & Little Life Lessons |
June 1 2008
LOS ANGELES — June 1, 2008 — For Immediate Release — Full of loopiness, laughter and little life lessons, Loopdidoo barrels onto DVD June 24, from PorchLight Home Entertainment.
Based upon the popular comic books Grabouillon by Alexis Nesme, Loopdidoo, an animated program for children ages three to five, premiered March 1 on U.S. television on Animania, the children’s channel of VOOM HD Networks.
In Loopdidoo, a goofy dog named Loopdidoo and his five-year-old owner and best friend, Petunia, find everyday life to be just one big adventure. Seemingly harmless situations soon turn into breakneck adventures, especially when Loopdidoo throws his well meant enthusiasm in the balance.
Join Petunia, Oodles, Basil and the greatest dog in the world for the first time on DVD! Episodes on Loopdidoo include: “Wet Paint,” “Chef’s Surprise!,” “The Party!,” “A Smokin’ Idea,” “The End of the World,” “Grumble-Bee,” “Spring Cleaning,” “Just What the Doctor Ordered,” “The Crazy Kite,” “High and Dry,” “No Swimming,” “Nonsense Network” and “A Very Dangerous Cake.”
Loopdidoo is presented in widescreen with an aspect ratio of 16 x 9 (1.78:1).
About PorchLight Home Entertainment:
Launched in early 2007, PorchLight Home Entertainment (PHE) is a division of PorchLight Entertainment. PHE emphasizes positive family values, informing as well as entertain-ing. Among the titles being distributed by PHE are: LeapFrog’s holiday special, A Tad of Christmas Cheer; The Family Holiday; the award-winning Wheels on the Bus series; Little Playdates series; Travel With Kids series; and the upcoming release of the classic PBS series Adventures From the Book of Virtues.
About PorchLight Entertainment:
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has built a large and diverse distribution library of nearly 200 movies, over 1,000 episodes of children’s programs and a growing non-fiction and music programming library. PorchLight has produced more than 40 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including Tutenstein, the multiple Emmy Award-winning series, for Discovery Kids; Jay Jay the Jet Plane for PBS; Adventures From The Book of Virtues for PBS; and a direct-to-video series for LeapFrog, the leading electronic toy company. The company is currently co-producing Animalia for PBS; The Tutenstein Movie for Discovery Kids; and The Secret Adventures of Zak Saturday for Cartoon Network. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
Loopdidoo
PorchLight Home Entertainment
Genre: Children’s
Not Rated
Format: DVD Only
Running Time: Approx. 85 Minutes
Suggested Retail Price: $14.98
Pre-Order Date: May 21, 2008
Street Date: June 24, 2008
Catalog #: 1054
UPC Code: #810863010548
Contacts:
Greenleaf & Associates — 323-660-5800
Vicki Greenleaf — vicki@greenleafandassociates.com
For screeners or artwork, please call or e-mail:
Karen Brundage — karen@greenleafandassociates.com
|
| PORCHLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES ANIMA ESTUDIOS QUIRKY ANIMATED KIDS FILMS "WIZARDS & GIANTS" AND "IMAGINUM" |
June 1 2008
Cannes, France - April 2, 2006 - PorchLight Entertainment, a leading producer and distributor of animated series, movies and specials, has just completed negotiations with Mexico City′s highly recognized animation house, Anima Estudios to distribute its latest animated films, "Imaginum" and "Wizards and Giants" at this year′s MIP TV.
In making today′s announcement, Zac Reeder, PorchLight′s Head of Acquisitions said, "These are stand-out productions that can capture their audiences with unique storylines and strong character development among vivid and imaginative animated settings."
"We are excited to be working with such a prestigious animation house as Anima Estudios and are confident that this is just the beginning of what will be a long and lucrative relationship for both companies," added William Baumann, PorchLight′s COO. "They have a keen sense of what will work with the global audience and exceptional animation skills to bring it to the forefront."
"Imaginum" - 82 minutes
When goofball aliens (escapees from a galactic nuthouse) need a restroom break, they find Earth - the perfect planet to conquer. Of course, they don?t count on young Dante, a kid that figures out how to use one of their kooky devices and turn everything he comes in contact with into incredible living objects. With the help of his friends, the power of Dante?s imagination launches a looney battle for the future of the planet. PorchLight holds worldwide rights excluding Mexico and Internet.
"Wizards & Giants" - 84 minutes
When an evil Wizard named Titan Coldface is disqualified from the biggest magic tournament of the Magic Realm, he seeks revenge by hatching an elaborate plan to steal the magical powers from all the inhabitants. Three unlikely heroes?Giant (a ?vertically challenged? giant), Fury (a bad-tempered fairy who hasn?t got her wings) and Trafalgar (a little wizard who knows too much magic for his own good)?decide to stop Titan themselves. Their decision launches a wacky, but definitely magical, adventure. PorchLight holds worldwide broadcast rights excluding Latin America.
About Anima Estudios:
Anima Estudios is a pioneering animation production house based in Mexico City. Founded in 2002, Anima Estudios boasts top-level talent and has produced the feature-length films "Wizards and Giants" (Magos y Gigantes) and "Imaginum", as well as the animated TV series "Cascaritos", "Espinito" and "Poncho Football". The studio is currently in production on its third animated feature, "Macaw" and an animated series based on the famous long-running live action series, "El Chavo" created by Roberto Gomez Bola Chespirito.
About PorchLight Entertainment:
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality family entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children?s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has produced the Emmy Award-winning animated series, Tutenstein, for Discovery Kids and Jetix Europe, Jay Jay The Jet Plane for PBS, and the animated children′s series Adventures from The Book of Virtues for PBS, as well as more than 30 live action and animated movies. PorchLight is currently producing Four Eyes for France 3, Nickelodeon Asia, Nickelodeon Australia and Disney Channel Italy, as well as a series of direct-to-videos for LeapFrog, the leading electronic toy company, among other productions. The company distributes a library of over 175 movies and over 500 episodes of children?s programs. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
For more information contact:
Georgia Scott
Global Strategies, Ink
(818) 432-1434
mktingmaven@att.net
William Baumann
PorchLight Entertainment
(310) 477-8400
wbaumann@porchlight.com
While at MIP TV, visit PorchLight at: R34.03
Market contact: Anja Bosch
Booth telephone: 04 9299 8804
|
| The Lampies: Light Up Your Life (and Your Living Room) With ‘The Lampies!’ |
June 1 2008
LOS ANGELES — June 1, 2008 — For Immediate Release — What a bright idea! Light up your life (and your living room) with The Lampies, electrifying DVD June 24, from PorchLight Home Entertainment.
On every street corner in every town, there’s a lamp post. And in every lamp post, you’ll find the irrepressible and charming Lampies, who keep the world illuminated come what may. That usually involves them preventing the evil Roons from getting their hands on the lamps and plunging the world into darkness …
The Lampies: Dustywuppy — Episodes on this feature-length DVD include “Captain Who?,” “Dustywugg Space Marine,” “Walkabout,” “The Inspection,” “Flash By Name,” “Dustywuppy,” “Bird’s Nest Oops” and “A Bit of a Jam.”
The Lampies: Bikey — Episodes include “Bikey,” “Thunder and Frightening,” “Bouncer,” “Boris” and “Decoy.”
The Lampies is presented in full screen format, aspect ratio 4 x 3 (1.33:1).
About PorchLight Home Entertainment:
Launched in early 2007, PorchLight Home Entertainment (PHE) is a division of PorchLight Entertainment. PHE emphasizes positive family values, informing as well as entertain-ing. Among the titles being distributed by PHE are: LeapFrog’s holiday special, A Tad of Christmas Cheer; The Family Holiday; the award-winning Wheels on the Bus series; Little Playdates series; Travel With Kids series; and the upcoming release of the classic PBS series Adventures From the Book of Virtues.
About PorchLight Entertainment:
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has built a large and diverse distribution library of nearly 200 movies, over 1,000 episodes of children’s programs and a growing non-fiction and music programming library. PorchLight has produced more than 40 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including Tutenstein, the multiple Emmy Award-winning series, for Discovery Kids; Jay Jay the Jet Plane for PBS; Adventures From The Book of Virtues for PBS; and a direct-to-video series for LeapFrog, the leading electronic toy company. The company is currently co-producing Animalia for PBS; The Tutenstein Movie for Discovery Kids; and The Secret Adventures of Zak Saturday for Cartoon Network. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
The Lampies: Dustywuppy
The Lampies: Bikey
PorchLight Home Entertainment
Genre: Children’s
Not Rated
Format: DVD Only
Running Time: The Lampies: Dustywuppy – Approx. 88 Minutes
The Lampies: Bikey – Approx. 55 Minutes
Suggested Retail Price: The Lampies: Dustywuppy – $14.98
The Lampies: Bikey – $9.98
Pre-Order Date: May 21, 2008
Street Date: June 24, 2008
Catalog #: The Lampies: Dustywuppy – #1051
The Lampies: Bikey – #1052
UPC Code: The Lampies: Dustywuppy – #810863010517
The Lampies: Bikey – #810863010524
Contacts:
Greenleaf & Associates — 323-660-5800
Vicki Greenleaf — vicki@greenleafandassociates.com
For screeners or artwork, please call or e-mail:
Karen Brundage — karen@greenleafandassociates.com
|
| PORCHLIGHT PRESENTS LEADING BRANDS AT INTERNATIONAL LICENSING SHOW INCLUDING ANIMALIA, JAY JAY THE JET PLANE, FARMKIDS,GOFRETTE, GIRL AUTHORITY®, AND ADVENTURES FROM THE BOOK OF VIRTUES |
May 27 2008
Los Angeles, CA – May 27, 2008 – PorchLight Entertainment, recognized for its family-friendly properties, continues to expand its worldwide branding and licensing activities. PorchLight will be presenting the new animated children’s series FARMkids, Animalia, and Gofrette, and the pop girl group Girl Authority, as well as the longstanding keystone brands Adventures From the Book of Virtues and Jay Jay The Jet Plane at the Licensing International Expo 2008.
FARMkids
Debuting at the International Licensing show is FARMkids, a wacky and entertaining take on City Slickers meets Old MacDonald. As well as being entertaining, FARMkids also contains positive themes and messages for children. Created by children′s educational expert, Scott Strachan, FARMkids (season one: 26 x 12) is about a quirky collection of pampered, petting-zoo animals who don′t have a clue how to survive in the country when they are unexpectedly relocated to Dude Ranch. FARMkids is licensed to Animania in the US, Disney Channel in Latin America, ABC Australia, and ITV in the United Kingdom among other leading networks worldwide. The Season 1 DVDs were released March 2008 by PorchLight Home Entertainment.
William Baumann, PorchLight′s President & COO said, "We′re thrilled to debut FARMkids at the Licensing Show. It′s a fabulously funny kid′s series with wonderful characters, clever story lines and state-of-the-art CGI animation. This series will definitely connect with kids and has incredible licensing potential."
ANIMALIA
Animalia, a high-quality, CGI animated series consisting of forty half-hour episodes, is one of the first children’s series to launch virtually simultaneously in the major English speaking countries worldwide. As such, it offers a unique, strategic multi-level marketing campaign for global licensees. Networks currently airing the series include PBS and Animania in the United States; CBC in Canada; CBBC in the UK; Network Ten and Nickelodeon in Australia; France 5; RTP in Portugal and Canal 4 in Spain. Penguin is the worldwide publishing licensee and PorchLight Home Entertainment is the North American DVD distributor.
According to Bruce Johnson, PorchLight’s President/CEO and series executive producer, “Our goal with Animalia is to expand the global awareness for this brand by maximizing the extensive recognition and appeal already generated by Graeme Base’s classic picture book which has sold over three million units worldwide.”
GOFRETTE
Next up, Gofrette (52 x 12 minutes) features one highly enthusiastic, inquisitive, endlessly optimistic, somewhat eccentric and definitely happy cat, and his friends, Fudge (with “bad ear days”), Ellie Copter (a leggy bird with a propeller on her head), Red (a “talking” refrigerator) and many other highly unusual and colorful characters who set off into the land of Zanimo on an adventure that goes from one thing to another in the most unexpectedly silly and surprising fashion also teaches children that even when it seems that things haven’t gone exactly as planned, if you give it a chance, take another look . . . around the corner could be something even better! The series seen on CBC and Société Radio-Canada in Canada, is jointly produced by the award winning, Canadian-based Zoe Mae Productions and Subsequence Entertainment. Excluding Canada, PorchLight holds worldwide distribution and licensing and merchandising rights.
GIRL AUTHORITY
PorchLight will also be presenting Girl Authority, the tween girl group singing sensation that continues to make great inroads among tweens and parents alike. Girl Authority features nine multi-talented girls (ages 10-15) -- each with a different look and personality – all tied together with friendship, talent and optimism. This past year, Girl Authority toured nationally and recently appeared on The Saturday Early Show (CBS). Their self-titled debut album, released in April 2006 on Rounder Zoë Records, reached No. 5 on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers chart and No. 9 on Billboard’s Top Kid Audio chart. Road Trip, the group’s second album, released in March 2007, was awarded the iParenting media award.
PorchLight’s President & COO, William Baumann, said, “This is an exceptional property with distinct branding and marketing attributes. Word of mouth, their CD’s and special appearances have generated their popularity among tweens. Capitalizing on this growing fan base, we plan to bring Girl Authority to a broader audience with TV and DVD programming featuring the group. We’re excited to present Girl Authority to the licensing industry at the New York Licensing Show in June.”
ADVENTURES FROM THE BOOK OF VIRTUES
After the recent announcement of the DVD release of Adventures From the Book of Virtues: Adventures in Faith under PorchLight’s new PorchLight Inspire label, the classic property will be offered at the Licensing Show. Applauded by parents, educators and media organizations for its ability to communicate positive values and foster character education in a highly entertaining fashion, Adventures from the Book of Virtues has been endorsed by Action for Children’s Television, Viewers for Quality Television, Excellence in Media, the Family Channel/USA Today Seal of Approval, the National Parenting Publications Association, and National Catholic Association for Broadcasters and Communicators, among others.
JAY JAY THE JET PLANE
Lastly but never least, PorchLight will continue to focus on its flagship property, the award-winning preschool favorite, Jay Jay the Jet Plane. Jay Jay is currently seen on PBS and daily on the PBS KIDS Sprout network. Each Jay Jay episode includes valuable life lessons for young children. They learn important lessons about cooperation, teamwork, responsibility, and science and nature. Today, the Jay Jay brand is on shelves worldwide as DVD’s, apparel, toys, games, early reading and activity books to name a few.
About PorchLight Entertainment:
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality family entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has produced more than 30 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including the Emmy Award-winning series, Tutenstein, for Discovery Kids and Jetix Europe, Jay Jay The Jet Plane for PBS, Four Eyes for France 3, Nickelodeon Asia and Nickelodeon Australia; and Adventures from The Book of Virtues for PBS, and a series of direct-to-videos for Leapfrog, the leading electronic toy company. The company is currently co-producing Animalia for the BBC, PBS, Nickelodeon and Network Ten in Australia and CBC in Canada; Secret Saturdays for Cartoon Network; A Tad of Christmas Cheer for Leapfrog, and a line-up of live-action and animated movies for the international television and DVD market. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
Contact:
Georgia Scott
Global Strategies, Ink
(818) 432-1434
georgia@theagency.tv
William Baumann
PorchLight Entertainment
(310) 477-8400
wbaumann@prochlight.com
|
| PORCHLIGHT AND CONDOR ACQUIRE THREE FILMS IN ADVANCE OF THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL: WAR CHILD, THE TRIBECA AUDIENCE AWARD WINNER, RUNNING THE SAHARA, AND GOOBY |
May 6 2008
Los Angeles, May 6, 2008: PorchLight Entertainment continues to diversify its slate as it heads into Cannes. PorchLight’s President of Worldwide Distribution, Ken DuBow, announced today the acquisition of worldwide rights (ex-North America) to GOOBY, from director/writer/producer Wilson Coneybeare (Monster Warriors, Timeblazers), in a deal brokered by Ken DuBow and Coneybeare. PorchLight also acquired international rights to EMMANUEL JAL: WAR CHILD, which just won the prestigious Audience Award at the Tribeca Film Festival; and has acquired international rights to James Moll’s acclaimed documentary, RUNNING THE SAHARA, executive produced by Matt Damon.
GOOBY is the charming story of Willy, a boy with an overactive imagination who is scared of everything until Gooby, his favorite childhood plaything, comes to life to teach Willy essential life lessons. GOOBY stars a who’s who of comedy talents, including Robbie Coltrane (Harry Potter films, James Bond films, Cracker), who plays the voice of Gooby, and Eugene Levy (Bringing Down the House, American Pie, Ghostbusters) who plays Willy’s flummoxed teacher. In addition, James David Elliot (J.A.G., The Rainbow Tribe), co-stars as Willy’s dad. “GOOBY is where Harvey meets Harry and the Hendersons,” said DuBow. “It’s not only an endearing film for children of all ages, but a film that will amuse and enlighten audiences as well – it has a tremendous heart.” Said Coneybeare, “It’s truly a dream come true for me to see this project come to life, and we have a distribution partner that’s a perfect fit.”
One of the other high-profile films acquired by PorchLight is the Tribeca Audience Award winner, the heart-rending documentary WAR CHILD, which tells the story of how Emmanuel Jal turned his life around after being a child soldier in the war in Sudan to become an internationally renowned hip hop recording artist. Jal will be performing at a private party in Cannes to celebrate the film’s international launch with PorchLight. DuBow brokered the deal with the film’s director and producer, Karim Chrobog.
DuBow brokered the deal for the inspirational documentary, RUNNING THE SAHARA with the film’s producers, Rick Eldridge and Jim Van Eerden. The film follows the trials and triumph of three long-distance runners as they traverse one of the most inhospitable landscapes to find out more about the world and themselves than they ever imagined. “It’s a joy to be associated with a film that moves so many people,” said DuBow. “To have Matt Damon involved and Wyclef Jean to compose and perform the film’s signature song is illustrative of the emotional scope of the film.”
“It’s great to celebrate my first year anniversary with PorchLight in Cannes with these three wonderful films added to our already great line-up in spacious new offices in the Lerins, and with a private party to honor our films,” said DuBow. “It’s a testament to the exponential growth of PorchLight over the last year, and very gratifying to be a part of the team that made it possible.”
About PorchLight Entertainment:
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality family entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has built a large and diverse distribution library of nearly 200 movies, over 1,000 episodes of children’s programs and a growing non-fiction and music programming library. PorchLight has also produced more than 40 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including Tutenstein, the multiple Emmy Award-winning series, for Discovery Kids and Jetix Europe; Jay Jay the Jet Plane for PBS; Four Eyes for France 3, Nickelodeon Asia and Nickelodeon Australia; and Adventures from The Book of Virtues for PBS, and a series of direct-to-videos for Leapfrog, the leading electronic toy company. The Company is currently co-producing Animalia for the BBC, PBS, Nickelodeon and Network Ten in Australia and CBC in Canada; Secret Saturdays for Cartoon Network; A Tad of Christmas Cheer for Leapfrog, and a line-up of live-action and animated movies for the international television and DVD market. Condor Releasing is the company’s newest worldwide distribution division and home entertainment label that will handle content in all media which falls outside the family entertainment profile. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
|
| PorchLight Entertainment Promotes Shea Fontana to Manager, Children’s Programming |
May 5 2008
Los Angeles, CA May 5, 2008 – Shea Fontana has been named Manager, Children’s Programming, it was announced today by Bruce Johnson, company President and CEO. Her responsibilities will include the development of preschool programming, in addition to focusing on girl-related children’s program development and sales.
“Shea has been working on most of the animation projects that have come through PorchLight over the past two years, including “early stage” development on several properties as well as assisting in various stages of production. She has made a great contribution to our team,” said Johnson.
Ms. Fontana joined PorchLight in 2006 as an assistant. She quickly moved into the animation production process and has been deeply involved in the production of PorchLight’s slate of animated programming. During most of 2007, she served as Production Coordinator and ADR voice director on 40 half-hour episodes of ANIMALIA, the critically acclaimed CGI animated series playing on PBS, CBC and BBC. In addition to her work on ANIMALIA, she has been involved with THE SECRET SATURDAYS (Cartoon Network), TUTENTSTEIN (Discovery Kids) and LeapFrog’s A TAD OF CHRISTMAS CHEER (PorchLight Home Entertainment).
“Shea has excellent taste in material and has already made a great contribution to our overall development efforts,” added Fred Schaefer, PorchLight’s senior vice president, animation. “I look forward to working with her as she expands her areas of responsibility.”
Apart from PorchLight, Ms. Fontana’s industry experience includes producing a short film adaptation of the DEAD@17 comic book, writing for Sushi Pack (CBS), and production work for The Jim Henson Company, where she worked with the innovative Henson digital puppetry animation system.
About PorchLight Entertainment:
PorchLight Entertainment is a multifaceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality family entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has produced more than 40 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including the multiple Emmy Award-winning series, Tutenstein, for Discovery Kids and Jetix Europe; Animalia for PBSKIDS GO!; Jay Jay The Jet Plane for PBS KIDS; Four Eyes for France 3, Nickelodeon Asia and Nickelodeon Australia; and Adventures from The Book of Virtues for PBS KIDS, and a series of direct-to-videos for Leapfrog, the leading educational toy company. The Company is currently producing Secret Saturdays for Cartoon Network; A Tad of Christmas Cheer for Leapfrog and a line-up of live-action and animated movies for the international television and DVD markets. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
For more information contact:
William Baumann
PorchLight Entertainment
310-477-8400
|
| PorchLight Launches North American Licensing Program for ANIMALIA at New York Licensing Show |
May 2 2008
Los Angeles, CA May 2, 2008 – Following the successful premiere of ANIMALIA on PBS, CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) and Animania in the first quarter of 2008, PorchLight will be presenting the critically acclaimed CGI series at the New York Licensing Show from June 9 to June 12. The 40 episode series, which brings Graeme Base’s international best-selling picture book Animalia to life, is airing weekly on PBS stations reaching more than 80 million households.
Bruce Johnson, President & CEO of PorchLight Entertainment said, “With the growing exposure and increasing popularity of Animalia, we are pleased to announce the publishing, educational DVD and retail DVD plan for 2008/2009.”
Grosset & Dunlap, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group is preparing to launch an array of products based on the spectacular animated property in Spring 2009, including storybooks, activity and coloring books, readers and novelty books. “The quality of the TV series is amazing and we’re excited about the opportunity to bring this wondrous world to life,” said Penguin’s Director of Publishing, Bob Sessions. “Given the enduring success of Graeme Base’s work, we are confident that young readers everywhere will gravitate to the enchanting universe of ANIMALIA through these engaging new titles.” Penguin also will publish educational books that expand on the curriculum material developed for the PBS KIDS GO! broadcast.
ANIMALIA’s first set of educational DVDs will be available from PorchLight Learning this fall. The educational edition will have the teacher’s materials available on the disc fully correlated to the National Standards for the teaching of language arts in the US. In addition, the website will offer additional games and print based materials to support the integration of this series into the classroom. The language arts skills curriculum was provided by noted educational consultants Harvey Daniels and Elaine Daniels. The initial roll-out of the educational marketing effort started in mid May 2008, with product availability in time for the start of the 2008-2009 school year. With more than 3,000,000 books of the Graeme Base bestseller in use in the more than 150,000 elementary schools across the US, this series is destined to become a favorite of librarians and teachers across America.
The initial ANIMALIA DVD release will be available to the mass market September 2008. The first title in the series scheduled for release is Animalia: Welcome to the Kingdom, which includes the episodes “Hello, We Must be Going,” “Goodbye, We Must be Staying,” “The Mist of Time” and “Forget-Me-Not.” The ANIMALIA DVDs will be released by PorchLight Home Entertainment. “Animalia, based on the beloved children’s book, is an incredibly charming, animated adventure for children ages 6-9,” said Gary Jones, President of PorchLight Home Entertainment. “But the series also promotes good character traits and literacy in each episode, which is why the program is so popular with kids, as well as both parents and educators.”
With DVD and publishing underway, a variety of licensing opportunities exist for ANIMALIA. “Having such strong DVD and publishing partners on board is key for the success of the ANIMALIA licensing program. We are planning to cross promote and support efforts on retail shelves as well as directly into the schools. These two categories filled with such strong partners will act as the springboard to expanding the licensing program. I have been in discussion with a number of very interested partners across all product categories and I look forward to expanding the licensing program in the coming weeks,” said Stefanie Friedman, PorchLight Licensing Consultant.
ANIMALIA features two contemporary kids, Alex and Zoe (whose names are a wink to the A-to-Z format of Mr. Base’s book), who are mysteriously transported to the sophisticated and magical world, Animalia. The spectacular, civilized land is populated with intriguing talking animals: zebras in zeppelins, hogs on bikes, media mice delivering news bulletins on blue butterflies’ wings, dynamic dragons, unicorns and elephants with their own eatery! The series’ leading “cast” members are the gentle Animalia ruler, Livingstone T. Lion, Keeper of the Core; enormous, teenage rock ‘n’ roll lovin’ G’bubu Gorilla; Allegra Alligator, a swamp-dwelling pop diva superstar (in her own mind, at least!); the small, but heroic Iggy D’Iguana; and the sly, smooth-talking Tyrannicus Tiger. When a mysterious force weakens the Core and threatens the future of Animalia and | |
]