August 2003

PR: ADV Films launches anime toy line
Posted Friday, August 22, 2003, 7:23PM CDT by Franklin Harris
PRESS RELEASE: HOUSTON — A.D. Vision, Inc. today formally announced the founding of ADV Toys, the firm's new merchandise division and the latest major initiative of the Houston-based international multimedia concern. Initially announced in a far-reaching July 4, 2003 panel discussion at Anime Expo (Anaheim, California), the division will create toys and collectible merchandise based upon the firm's extensive film, manga (graphic novel) and original content holdings.

"We are launching ADV Toys at an opportune moment," said A.D. Vision, Inc. President and CEO John Ledford. "Consumers who came to love Japanese animation, manga and other genre forms in their childhood and adolescence now have the resources to acquire and collect high-quality toys and models based on their favorite titles. And for younger age groups, we've identified extensive opportunities in age- and budget-appropriate toys and collectibles."

"As with all of this firm's divisions and major strategic initiatives, our cross-promotional capability is key to our launch of ADV Toys," continued Ledford. "We're able to reach consumers and potential consumers through ADV Films, ADV Manga, the monthly magazine Newtype USA, and via the Anime Network as well; it's an example of synergy at its best."

Depp in negotiations for Willy Wonka
Posted Wednesday, August 20, 2003, 5:13AM CDT by Franklin Harris
Variety reports that Johnny Depp is in negotiations to play Willy Wonka in director Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

Kevin Smith to helm 'Fletch' sequel, sci-fi movie
Posted Thursday, August 14, 2003, 9:25AM CDT by Franklin Harris
After years of delays, Kevin Smith ("Clerks") has finally received the green light to direct "Fletch Won," the sequel to the two "Fletch" films starring Chevy Chase, reports Variety.

Also, Smith will direct "Ranger Danger and the Danger Rangers," a sci-fi/adventure film in the style of "Flash Gordon." Shooting on the Miramax production will begin in fall 2004.

Future Comics abandons monthlies for trades
Posted Friday, August 8, 2003, 6:43AM CDT by Franklin Harris
Future Comics, a small, independent publisher of superhero comics, has become the first superhero-centric publisher to abandon the monthly, 22-page format. Beginning in October, the publisher will release only graphic novels.

"In the last year, revenues from the mass market have eclipsed that of the entire direct market with a 30 percent growth projected for 2004," said Future Comics President and Editor-in-Chief Bob Layton.

Source: ICv2.com

'Hellboy' movie moves to April
Posted Friday, August 8, 2003, 6:37AM CDT by Franklin Harris
Sony Pictures has moved up the release of "Hellboy," based on the comic book of the same name, to April 2 to avoid the crowded release schedule in May.

Source: Cinescape

'Indiana Jones' DVD release pushed up
Posted Friday, August 8, 2003, 6:33AM CDT by Franklin Harris
Paramount's long-awaited DVD release of the "Indiana Jones" trilogy has been moved up to Oct. 21, according to various sources.