Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Virgin America Goes to the Dogs in 'Operation Chihuahua'

Virgin America crew welcomes Maximus, one of fifteen Chihuahua pups
flown to New York so they can be adopted into loving homes. Jan. 6, 2010 at SFO


VIRGIN AMERICA GOES TO THE DOGS
in 'Operation Chihuahua'

Too much time is spend covering negative news stories when really, we should give recognition to and applaud those positive heart-warming stories that surface from time-to-time. Okay. . . this may be old news for some but a must read for animal-lovers everywhere!

The overpopulation of Chihuahuas in California has forced the San Francisco Animal Care and Control to look to the ASPCA on the East Coast for help. Virgin America volunteered to fly the pups in Operation Chihuahua airlift and tracked their cross-country journey via in-flight WiFi.

“We’re pleased to help San Francisco Animal Care and Control fly these little guys out to the East Coast so they can be placed in adoptive homes,” said Ross Bonanno, Vice President of Airports and Guest Services at Virgin America. “As the only airline headquartered here in San Francisco, we take a great interest in our community – and many of our teammates and guests are dog lovers, so of course, we just had to do this.”

Virgin America pilots welcome Rebecca Katz of San Francisco's
Animal Care and Control (SF ACC) & Chihuahua pups being flown to New York.

Virgin America sent the dogs off in high-style with a red carpet departure from a San Francisco International Airport gate, complete with champagne cocktail “Chi-mosas” and cupcakes for flight guests and doggie treats and toys for the Chihuahuas. While onboard, the dogs were treated to a glimpse of the service named the best in America in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards and Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards. Virgin America offers guests and Chihuahuas alike a unique flying experience, complete with mood-lit cabins, touch-screen entertainment and Gogo® In-flight Internet on every flight. Dog-lovers got to find out what the Chihuahuas were up while in-flight by visiting Virgin America's Facebook Page which featured videos and photos posted from 35,000 feet via in-flight WiFi between 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ET.

“We are glad to be given this opportunity to help meet demand for these dogs in New York and at the same time help find loving homes for San Francisco’s homeless animals,” said Gail Buchwald, Senior Vice President of the ASPCA Adoption Center. The public can learn more about the Chihuahuas by visiting ASPCA or calling 212-876-7700 ext 3210.”

Since its launch in August 2007, Virgin America has won a list of industry best-in-class awards for its topnotch service and fun, tech-savvy amenities. Virgin America offers more than 100 flights a day with service to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Boston, Orange County and Fort Lauderdale. The airline currently offers daily flights from: SFO to LAX, SFO to JFK, SFO to SAN, SFO to IAD, SFO to LAS, LAX to JFK, LAX to IAD, SFO to SEA, SEA to LAX, JFK to LAS, BOS to LAX, BOS to SFO, SFO to SNA and LAX to FLL and SFO to FLL.

Fabulous fares to fly by!

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Source: Virgin.com ,

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

'Darling Spuds' North American Launch at Starbucks Today | Queen Elizabeth II on Tour Across Canada

Darling Spuds are hand-cooked creations from UK crisp connoisseur
co-founders Dave & Judy Willis at Salty Dog Brands Ltd



Darling Spuds have been invited to North America by Starbucks! Salty Dog Brands Ltd co-founder Dave Willis emailed me with the stellar news this morning. Today is the official Starbucks launch day in US and Canada for the lovingly hand-cooked, high class vegetarian friendly/gluten free option at the posh end of the crisp market. Regal crisps fit for a Queen!


THE DARLING HISTORY

It was towards the back end of the C16th that Devon’s most dashing buccaneer, explorer, poet and royal favourite, Sir Walter Raleigh, returned to England’s shores and wowed Queen Elizabeth I and her entourage with a big sack of spuds, the ‘hot’ staple crop from South America (papas criollas) that was taking North American taste buds by storm.

How curious therefore, that some four hundred years later in the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, Buckinghamshire-based barge farers, Judy and David Willis have introduced their beloved Darling Spuds crisps (in exclusive to Starbucks packs) to the fine snacking fixture of some 5,700 Starbucks stores throughout North America today.

It would seem that Seattle’s favourite fine coffee virtuoso fell in love with Darling Spud’s good looks and simple, ‘Make the potato the hero’ philosophy. Intrigued by the brand’s unashamedly quirky English personality, they applauded the family business’s premium, hand-cooked positioning that champions discerning, vegetarian-friendly flavours that are all-natural and gluten-free.

According to co-founder Judy Willis, ‘Although it’s too early to say whether this is yet another example of the ‘special relationship’ that exists between our two nations, it’s really rather nice that our distinctly delicious brand of crisps now has the opportunity to return to its roots.’



As in the UK, North American Crisp connoisseurs will enjoy Darling Spuds in 40g (1.41oz) bags.

Darling Spud’s US offering will be produced in Phoenix as part of a very deliberate strategy to keep the company’s carbon footprint to a minimum

In the first instance Starbucks will embrace the Sea Salt and Sour Cream with a hint of Mexican Chili variants in Starbucks branded bags although Darling Spuds intend launching their full portfolio state side in 2010.

As a bastion of magnificent premium British snackery, Darling Spuds also flourishes abroad, especially in Spain, Mexico, Poland, Japan and North America.

In the UK Darling Spuds is stocked in Fenwicks, Budgens, Massarella’s, Puccinos, Harrods, Thorntons Cafes, Wholefoods and a nationwide network of discerning delis, classy hotels, thoughtful independents and top-notch gastro pubs.

Darling Spuds is a leading branded light within the ‘Free From’ fraternity, providing a high class vegetarian friendly/gluten free option at the posh end of the crisp fixture

Darling Spuds is a proud ‘independent only’ offering which helps the brand distinguish itself further from those brands willing to gatecrash the major multiples snacking fixture.


QUEEN ELIZABETH II ARRIVES IN CANADA


Queen Elizabeth II is greeted by Prime Minister Stephen Harper (Montreal)

"The 'Crisp' Connection" . . . Darling Spuds hit North American Starbucks locations today, just in time for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Canada.

"It is very good to be home," the queen told hundreds of Canadians standing in blustery rain in hopes of catching a glimpse of Canada's titular head of state, according to Yahoo News.

Her Majesty is currently on a cross Canada tour and will be visiting the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg on Saturday, July 3rd to present it with a stone from Runnymede, UK, the birthplace of the Magna Carta.

"Stellar 'Crisps' fit for a Queen". . . We hope Her Majesty has some Darling Spuds tucked away in her handbag to snack on during those long flights and limousine rides on the 9-Day Royal Canadian Tour.

Official Sites
Salty Dog: www.saltydog-grrr.com
Darling Spuds: www.darlingspuds.co.uk


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Saturday, June 26, 2010

Guillermo Del Toro's Update From the Saturn Awards | Win a Trip to Meet GDT

Guillermo del Toro at the 36th Annual Saturn Awards.
He'll be "shopping"the SDCC floor all 3 days!

Guillermo del Toro updated Collider on all projects including Hellboy III, Death: The High Cost of Living, Frankenstein and at the Mountains of Madness while backstage at the 36th Annual Saturn Awards.

The 20 minute video interview with GDT reveals the following highlights:

Frankenstein is still in the works and Doug Jones will play the monster. Sculpting is done and testing will be done with Doug soon.

Hellboy III will only happen after his next project.

Doesn't reveal what his next project is
but says he wants to make something a bit smaller this time. He has narrowed his list of projects to 3 and they all have scripts much further along. The script he really wants to do he started 15 years ago!

He said that leaving The Hobbit was "the hardest decision he has made", and when asked if MGM sorted out their troubles, would it be a possibility he would get back on board, he said "it hurts me to even speculate".

A Death: The High Cost of Living movie still very much holds his interest, but both he and the other potential producers are convinced that the only director should be Neil Gaimen.


He'll be promoting Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark at Comic Con where he will be announcing a project he will be writing, producing and maybe directing. He'll be at San Diego Comic-Con for 3 days to do some "shopping" for his man cave (his second home).

He says that since he has come home from New Zealand, he has been approached to direct a lot of projects by various studios. He doesn't say anything specific, but reveals that there is "a lot of neat stuff cooking", and a lot of the films would be "geekgasms for everyone".

Talks Splice.

Says his brother is making for him the car from the movie The Car (1977) starring James Brolin! He’ll be driving around Los Angeles in 3 months in it. Love it! Director Sean McConville's (Deadline) latest supernatural film is by the same name, The Car. Ryan Davies is haunted by a ghost chick who convinces him to hunt down and kill her abductors while restoring his Pontiac Gto Le Manns.

Watch the hilarious interview with GDT below after the jump to discover more cool details.

Guillermo del Toro Talks THE HOBBIT, HELLBOY 3, FRANKENSTEIN, AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS, SATURN AND THE END OF DAYS from ColliderVideos on Vimeo.


Win a Grand Prize Trip to Meet Guillermo del Toro in Los Angeles!

Enter online today at Fandango.com


GRAND PRIZE:


* Round-trip airfare for 2 to Los Angeles

* A 3 night hotel stay

* A meet and greet with Guillermo Del Toro

3 RUNNER-UP PRIZES:

* 1 copy of each of the 3 novels in The Strain Trilogy, signed by both authors, Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan.

*No purchase necessary. See official rules for details, including how to enter by mail without making a purchase.

Fandango’s “Meet Guillermo Del Toro” Sweepstakes ("Sweepstakes”) is open only to legal residents of the forty-nine (49) United States or the District of Columbia (void in Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, all U.S. territories and possessions and all overseas military installations) who are at least eighteen (18) years of age or older as of June 11, 2010.

Good luck!

For all the latest news on Guillermo del Toro join the GDT Facebook Fan Page.
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Friday, June 25, 2010

'Never Let Me Go' is Already Generating Oscar Buzz | Trailer Online Now

Never Let Me Go is a science fiction movie for adults! The film was generating Oscar buzz before the trailer was even released.

In his highly acclaimed novel Never Let Me Go, Kazuo Ishiguro (Remains of the Day) created a remarkable story of love, loss and hidden truths. In it he posed the fundamental question: What makes us human? Now director Mark Romanek (One Hour Photo), writer Alex Garland and DNA Films bring Ishiguro's hauntingly poignant and emotional story to the screen.

Kathy (Carey Mulligan), Tommy (Andrew Garfield) and Ruth (Keira Knightley) live in a world and a time that feel familiar to us, but are not quite like anything we know. They spend their childhood at Hailsham, a seemingly idyllic English boarding school. When they leave the shelter of the school and the terrible truth of their fate is revealed to them, they must also confront the deep feelings of love, jealousy and betrayal that threaten to pull them apart.



Never Let Me Go opens in limited release in the U.S. on October 1. No Canadian or U.K. release dates have been announced.

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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

'The Green Hornet' - Starring Christoph Waltz & Seth Rogan: First Trailer & Images

The first theatric trailer and images have just been released for Sony Pictures' The Green Hornet starring Seth Rogen, Christoph Waltz, Jay Chou, and Cameron Diaz. Waltz plays the lead villain.



SYNOPSIS
Britt Reid (Seth Rogen) is the son of LA’s most prominent and respected media magnate and perfectly happy to maintain a directionless existence on the party scene – until his father (Tom Wilkinson) mysteriously dies, leaving Britt his vast media empire. Striking an unlikely friendship with one of his father’s more industrious and inventive employees, Kato (Jay Chou), they see their chance to do something meaningful for the first time in their lives: fight crime. But in order to do this, they decide to become criminals themselves – protecting the law by breaking it, Britt becomes the vigilante The Green Hornet as he and Kato hit the streets.

Using all his ingenuity and skill, Kato builds the ultimate in advanced retro weaponry, The Black Beauty, an indestructible car equal parts firepower and horsepower. Rolling in a mobile fortress on wheels and striking the bad guys with Kato’s clever gadgets, The Green Hornet and Kato quickly start making a name for themselves, and with the help of Britt’s new secretary, Lenore Case (Cameron Diaz), they begin hunting down the man who controls LA’s gritty underworld: Benjamin Chudnofsky (Christoph Waltz). But Chudnofsky has plans of his own: to swat down The Green Hornet once and for all.

The movie is scheduled to hit 3D and 2D theaters on January 14th, 2011.

See the trailer below after the jump.


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Become a Fan on Facebook
'The Green Hornet' on IMDB

Monday, June 21, 2010

Christoph Waltz to Team Up with Guillermo del Toro in 'Wizard of Oz' Remake? Van Helsing?

Christoph Waltz and Guillermo del Toro are two of the hottest names in entertainment today.

Are these two huge talents teaming up on a project? Totally believable! A Wizard of Oz remake Guillermo del Toro style starring Christoph Waltz? Sound believable? Hmmm. So then just what might that project be? Maybe we'll find out at this year's San Diego Comic Con, July 21-25.

Christoph Waltz portrays August Rosenbluth
in 'Water for Elephants'
Photo Credit: Bauer Griffin


Waltz in currently in Filmore filming Water for Elephants. He portrays a cruel circus animal trainer for The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. He then moves onto his role as Cardinal Richelieu in Paul Anderson's remake of The Three Musketeers which is currently in pre-production.

Multihyphenate Guillermo del Toro recently quit The Hobbit which is stuck in development hell indefinitely. According to internet sources he is rumoured to be attached to many projects including a remake of the Wizard of Oz, a very dark version.

The latest internet rumour, first reported by Pajiba.com, is that he will write and produce a Van Helsing project.

Universal Pictures is developing another Van Helsing movie. Van Helsing is a 2004 American action horror film about vigilante monster hunter Gabriel Van Helsing, written, produced, and directed by Stephen Sommers. The film stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale. The film opened on May 7, 2004.

The titular character was inspired by Abraham Van Helsing from Irish author Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. Distributed by Universal Pictures, the film includes a number of monsters such as Count Dracula and the Frankenstein's monster in a way similar to the multi-monster movies that Universal produced in the 1940s, such as Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man and House of Dracula.

Del Toro's project is not a remake. It’s simply based upon the same fictional vampire hunter character from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, a great character who was, by all accounts, given an unfair shake in Stephen Sommers’ awful 2004 Van Helsing movie.

The movie, which is being developed at del Toro productions, will be based on a forthcoming treatment written by Guillermo del Toro himself, which is being described as an “action horror story.”

Read Guillermo's official statement (below) from DelToroFilms.com

"Van Helsing (writing and producing) is still in talks and not quite certain. Even then, I would like to share my plans only at COMICON. I am taking it slowly and marking very, very carefully the calendar of projects that I will be involved as producer, writer, etc I will not announce the project I intend to direct until then . I am very happy to say that all the projects and partnerships being considered are both quite surprising and, I hope, powerful. Much as I want, I cannot say much more at this time but I anxiously await to share these with you. I will be shopping on the floor in San DIego for several days. See you there!!"

Don't expect to hear anything for certain about Guillermo's next project until the San Diego Comic Con, July 21-25.

Any collobaration between Guillermo del Toro and Christoph Waltz would be UberStellar! You heard it here first on Schmoozequeen.TV!

Christoph is "Feeling Blue" . . . until the news hits! Check out the video after the jump.

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Thursday, June 10, 2010

Banff World TV to Award 'The Cove' Director Louis Psihoyos with Green Grand Prize Award

Director Louis Psihoyos, The Cove

The Banff World Television Festival announced the recipients in three special achievement categories being awarded at the Alberta Film Awards Lunch on June 14, The Green Grand Prize to Oscar Winner and director of The Cove, Louie Psihoyos, The Lionsgate/Maple Pictures Innovative Producer will be presented to Temple Street Productions, and the Deluxe Outstanding Technical Achievement Award to Panavision.

“It gives us great pleasure to recognize such outstanding talent at this year’s awards. Each recipient has shown exceptional creative edge and insight in their respective categories.” says Peter Vamos, Executive Director of the Banff World Television Festival.
More about the award recipients:

Green Grand prize award is being given to Louis Psihoyos, Oscar Winner and director of The Cove. The prize recognizes outstanding achievement in creating public awareness and understanding of environmental issues through the use of visual media. Psihoyos was selected as a result of nominations received from all around the world, honoring his tremendous impact on a global level. Dr. David Suzuki, president of the Banff Green Jury, will present the award to Mr. Psihoyos.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized not only for our documentary The Cove but also for my nonprofit’s ongoing commitment to exploring all of the critical issues facing our oceans worldwide,” said Louie Psihoyos, Executive Director of the Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS). “We are fortunate to have a group of passionate supporters at the grassroots level, and given the mainstream popularity of “The Cove” we were also given the unique opportunity to testify at a Congressional Subcommittee hearing, bringing with it the potential to affect top-down policy change as well. We look forward to continuing our mission of inspiring people to save the oceans."



Temple Street Productions is being honoured with the Lionsgate/Maple Pictures Innovative Producer Award for its incredible achievement in television and digital media. This award recognizes the entrepreneurial excellence and achievements of an independent producer within the Canadian television industry. Temple Street are proven industry leaders, having produced an array of programming including prime-time television dramas and reality television, Projects include Being Erica (CBC), Wingin It (Family Channel)Canada’s Next Top Model (CTV) .

"Temple Street Productions truly embodies the spirit in which we created this award,” says Lionsgate President of Television, Kevin Beggs. "Since its inception, David and Ivan have used innovative means to grow their company, creating partnerships and collaborations at every turn."

Maple Pictures Co-President Brad Pelman adds, "Temple Street is respected by its peers and customers and we are pleased to present them this accolade this year."

Panavision, an innovator in the research and development of film, is the recipient of this year’s Deluxe Outstanding Technical Achievement Award. Celebrating over 50 years of enabling clients to bring their creative vision to the screen, Panavision is an international supplier, designer, and manufacturer of high precision film and digital camera systems for the motion picture and television industries.

"It is a great accomplishment for Panavision to be recognized and appreciated in Canada by our industry and peers, including leaders like Deluxe, for our ongoing efforts as we strive to enhance our products and client service experience through innovation, technology and the hard work of our extremely knowledgeable staff,” says Bill Zacharuk, president, Panavision.

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Source: ItNewsLink.com



Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Christoph 'August' Waltz on the Set of 'Water for Elephants'

Christoph Waltz portrays August Rosenbluth
in 'Water for Elephants'
Photo Credit: Bauer Griffin

Austrian star Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz has joined Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon on the set of the dramatic film Water for Elephants in Los Angeles, California on Monday, June 7th, 2010.

Waltz is tackling the character named August Rosenbluth, husband to Witherspoon's character Marlena. He is also the head animal trainer and is known in the historical novel the film is based on.
The film, which began shooting in Los Angeles on May 22, also stars Hal Holbrook. The story follows Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) a veterinary student who abandons school and joins a traveling circus called The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth after his parents are killed.

More photos of Waltz can be seen at WFE.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

New Fall Buzz Shows 'Haven', 'Rookie Blue' and 'Shattered' to Preview at Banff 2010


Banff 2010 delegates will get the opportunity to be the first to see a sneak peek of three new shows Haven, Rookie Blue and Shattered that will generate big buzz this Fall at the E1: New Show Preview Panel on Monday June 14th. Delegates will hear the inside story on why these Canadian-produced shows will be seen around the world.

The panel will be moderated by Robert Montgomery, CEO - Achilles Media/ First Maximilian Associates

Speakers include:
Peter Emerson, President - E1 Television International
Martin Irusta, Senior Vice President, Global Programming and Acquisitions - Universal Networks International
John Morayniss, CEO - E1 Television
Christine Shipton, SVP Drama & Factual - Canwest

ROOKIE BLUE
Canwest and ABC police crime drama (formerly 'Copper')

Rookie Blue follows the lives of five cops, all fresh out of the academy ala Grey's Anatomy.

Rookie Blue features a stellar lineup of Canadian talent including Missy Peregrym (Reaper, Heroes) as eager Andy McNally; Gregory Smith (Everwood) as thrill-seeker Dov Epstein; Charlotte Sullivan (M.V.P.) as ambitious Gail Peck; Enuka Okuma (24) as feisty Traci Nash; and Travis Milne (My Green House) as police poster-boy Chris Diaz.

The series also stars Ben Bass (Would Be Kings) as Detective Sam Swarek; Eric Johnson (Smallville) as Detective Luke Callaghan; Matt Gordon (Rent-A-Goalie) as Oliver Shaw; Noam Jenkins (Flashpoint) as Jerry Barber; and Melanie Nicholls King (The Wire) as Noelle Williams.

In this sexy, high-stakes drama, the young group of 20-something officers carry big guns and even bigger emotional baggage. Rookie Blue examines the trials and triumphs, competition and camaraderie of this rookie family who are about to learn that no amount of training can prepare them for this job – or for life. At the core of the group is Andy McNally (Peregrym), an ambitious rookie who was raised by her cop father. Andy’s unstable childhood left her searching for a family, which she finds in her fellow rookies. Despite her strong instincts and convictions, few see Andy for who she really is: a vulnerable girl who is trying too hard to appear invincible for the sake of her fellow officers, her father and for herself.

Shot entirely on location in Toronto, Rookie Blue is executive produced by award-winning Tassie Cameron (Flashpoint), Ilana Frank (The Eleventh Hour, Would Be Kings), Noreen Halpern (Hung, Haven), John Morayniss (Hung, Haven) and David Wellington (The Eleventh Hour, Would Be Kings).

Rookie Blue premieres on June 24th.





SHATTERED

Showcase and NBCU's police crime drama

Shattered star Ben Sullivan (Callum Keith Rennie) is a tough, smart homicide detective with Dissociative Identity Disorder, also known as Multiple Personality Disorder. In the first moments of the series, Ben is bonded in blood to his tough, beautiful partner Amy Lynch (Camille Sullivan). Ben copes with the fascinating complexities of his secret disorder, and the uncertainty of never knowing which alternate personality will surface, or when. While they work to solve the brutal and twisted murder cases these partners go together on a journey deep into Ben's psyche, where decades of buried memories are protected by Ben's alters, including the secret of what happened to Ben's son, abducted five years earlier.





HAVEN

Syfy, Canwest, and NBCU's supernatural thriller

Haven's Audrey Parker (Emily Rose) a shrewd FBI agent with a lost past arrives in the small town of Haven, Maine, to solve the murder of a local ex-con only to discover that the curious enclave is a longtime refuge for people with supernatural powers that holds a lot of secrets, including to her own past. Haven is based on The Colorado Kid written by Stephen King. King has nothing to do with the series and it is more 'in the flavor' of King. Some of the writing team from The Dead Zone is involved.

People with supernatural abilities have migrated to Haven for generations because it mutes their powers, allowing them to lead normal lives. At least, until recently. When hot-shot FBI agent Audrey Parker catches the killer she uncovers a much deeper mystery about this town.

Each week, as the town-peoples' dormant powers begin to express themselves, Audrey will try to keep these supernatural forces at bay while unraveling the many mysteries of Haven - including one surrounding her own surprising past in this extraordinary place.

Haven was shot in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Haven, from E1 Entertainment in association with Pillar, Segan and Shepherd, will be the first property to be produced for Syfy in the US and NBCU Pay channels around the globe (excluding Canada and Scandinavia). Haven premieres Friday, July 9, at 10PM (ET/PT)



Banff + nextMEDIA 2010 conference runs June 13th to 16th. Limited space is still available. Register now.
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Source: E1 Entertainment

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Guillermo del Toro's 'Splice' LA Premiere | Delphine Chaneac's 'Dren' Interview | New Trailer

Vincenzo Natali, Delphine Chaneac, Guillermo del Toro
"Splice" LA Premiere
© Adriana M. Barraza / WENN

Guillermo del Toro's Splice premiered on Wednesday, June 2nd at the Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California. The black carpet event welcomed cast and crew as well as celebrities Robert Downey Jr., Kenny G, Mehcad Brooks and Hollywood producer mogul Joel Silver.

Robert Downey Jr. and Adrien Brody
"Splice" LA Premiere
© Adriana M. Barraza / WENN

Along with the Los Angeles premiere, one new sneak peek for Splice has also been released in form of an internet trailer (after the photo jump).

Vincenzo Natali and Guillermo del Toro
"Splice" LA Premiere
© Adriana M. Barraza / WENN



Delphine Chaneac (Dren), "Splice" LA Premiere
© Adriana M. Barraza / WENN

Delphine Chaneac plays the grown-up creature Dren, the moral heart of the sci-film film about the gene splice creation of new forms of life.

Delphine Chaneac, "Splice" LA Premiere
© Adriana M. Barraza / WENN

The stunning French actress and model has been compared to a French version of Angelina Jolie. She has only appeared in one English-speaking film, The Pink Panther.

This demanding role required her to convincingly portray a creature made in a lab by an ambitious geneticist couple. 'Dren' is part lizard, part bird, a dash of what-the-heck-is-that and a big dollop of human DNA.




Joel Silver and guest, "Splice" LA Premiere
© Adriana M. Barraza / WENN

Producer Joel Silver was blown away by Splice at the Sundance Film Festival screening and convinced Warner Bros. to pick up the film. A Splice sequel may be in the works! Splice opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, June 4.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Splice Opens June 4th: 4 New Clips | Guillermo del Toro Bids Farewell to 'The Hobbit'


The Guillermo del Toro executive produced Splice, starring Adrian Brody and Sarah Polley opens in theaters Friday, June 4, 2010.

The sci-fi thriller is about two genetic engineers who Splice DNA from different animals to create new species. When they secretly use human DNA to create a highly intelligent creature, they risk losing control over the entire experiment.

The film is rated R for disturbing elements including strong sexuality, nudity, sci-fi violence and language.

Check out 4 new Splice clips after the jump.









Behind the scenes interview with Guillermo del Toro, Vincenzo Natali, Sarah Polley and Adrien Brody



Official Site

Previous Splice Coverage:

Two New 'Splice' TV Spots


New 'Splice' Full Length Movie Trailer & Official Website

'Splice' Hits Theatres This Summer

Silver Dark Castle 'Splice' Sundance Deal Going Down

'SPLICE' F--KS With Sundance Midnight Screening Audience In A Good Way

Vincenzo Natali & Guillermo del Toro's 'Splice' Premieres at Sitges Today | Watch Clip

Guillermo del Toro 'Spliced': Vincenzo Natali's SPLICE To Premiere In Sitges



Guillermo del Toro Bids Farewell to The Hobbit

By now you may have heard the sad news that Guillermo del Toro has departed The Hobbit due his frustration over the fact the project has not yet received the green light to film. This three year commitment, turned into a six year commitment. The two Hobbit scripts he co-wrote are finished. Creatures, wardrobe and makeup have been finalized. The team is awaiting the green light from the studio to start shooting. The sale of MGM studios has to happen before the film can get green lit. Who knows when that will be!

In a press release posted by TORN GDT had this to say . . .

“In light of ongoing delays in the setting of a start date for filming “The Hobbit,” I am faced with the hardest decision of my life”, says Guillermo. “After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien’s Middle Earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures. I remain grateful to Peter, Fran and Philippa Boyens, New Line and Warner Brothers and to all my crew in New Zealand. I’ve been privileged to work in one of the greatest countries on earth with some of the best people ever in our craft and my life will be forever changed. The blessings have been plenty, but the mounting pressures of conflicting schedules have overwhelmed the time slot originally allocated for the project. Both as a co-writer and as a director, I wish the production nothing but the very best of luck and I will be first in line to see the finished product. I remain an ally to it and its makers, present and future, and fully support a smooth transition to a new director”.

Peter Jackson made it perfectly clear: Guillermo has other long term commitments for other projects and just could not continue to wait. “We feel very sad to see Guillermo leave the Hobbit, but he has kept us fully in the loop and we understand how the protracted development time on these two films, due to reasons beyond anyone’s control – has compromised his commitment to other long term projects”, says Executive Producer Peter Jackson. “The bottom line is that Guillermo just didn’t feel he could commit six years to living in New Zealand, exclusively making these films, when his original commitment was for three years."

The good news is that GTD can get back to working on this great slate of films in various stages of development: AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS, HATER, CHAMPIONS, SATURN AND THE END OF DAYS, PINNOCHIO, DEATH: THE HIGH COST OF LIVING, THE WITCHES, DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE, FRANKENSTEIN and DROOD. Its anyone's guess what project will go next. Welcome home Guillermo!

Previous The Hobbit Coverage:

Guillermo del Toro Reveals the Reasons Behind 'The Hobbit' Delays

'The Hobbit' News: WETA's Richard Taylor on 3D Hobbit | Time-Warner Tops MGM Bids

Production on THE HOBBIT Pushed to Mid-Summer 2010

MGM on the Verge of Bankruptcy |'The Hobbit' & James Bond in Jeopardy

'THE HOBBIT' (Part I): MGM Studios CASTING information in New Zealand, LA and London

Production on THE HOBBIT Pushed to Mid-Summer 2010


Guillermo Del Toro's Monster Cameo Appearance in 'The Hobbit'


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For the latest Guillermo del Toro news join the Guillermo del Toro Facebook Group.