Lucas film Announces Global Promotion for "Rogue One":
With the success of the global promotion of "The Force Awakens," Lucasfilm announced today the global promotion plan of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." For "Rogue One" Lucasfilm is teaming up with five well-known brands in Duracell, General Mills, Gillette, Nissan, and Verizon. Together they will launch an extensive global promotional plan for the film that soars into theaters December 16.
Lynwen Brennan, General Manager of Lucasfilm said, "We are extremely pleased to be working such a remarkable group of promotional partners for Rogue One. This first in a series of Star Wars standalone films represents an exciting new era for both Star Wars and Lucasfilm, and for the partners joining us on this exciting journey have each designed a stellar campaign capturing the spirit and camaraderie of Rogue One."
Here is a rundown about each brand that is joining the promotional campaign:
Duracell:
Founded in the 1920s, the Duracell brand has grown to be the leader in the single-use battery market in North America. Its iconic brand is known the world over. Its products are trusted in the devices that keep people connected, protect their families, entertain them, and simplify their increasingly mobile lifestyles. The Duracell Company is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, a $210B holding company owning subsidiaries that engage in diverse business activities. Visit www.duracell.comfor more information. General Mills:
General Mills is a leading global food company that serves the world by making food people love. Its brands include Cheerios, Annie’s, Yoplait, Nature Valley, Fiber One, Haagen-Dazs, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Old El Paso, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills had fiscal 2016 worldwide sales of US $17.6 billion, including the company’s US $1.0 billion proportionate share of joint-venture net sales.
Gillette:
For over 110 years, Gillette has delivered precision technology and unrivalled product performance – improving the lives of over 750 million men around the world. From shaving and body grooming, to skin care and sweat protection, Gillette offers a wide variety of products including razors, shave gel (gels, foams and creams), skin care, after shaves, antiperspirants, deodorants and body wash. For more information and the latest news on Gillette, visithttp://www.gillette.com/.
Nissan Motor Co.:
Employing more than 37,000 team members in U.S., Canada and Mexico, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan leads the world in zero-emission mobility, dominated by sales of the LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle. It is the best-selling EV in history. More information on the complete line of Nissan vehicles, our services and commitment to sustainable mobility can be found online at NissanNews.com.
Verizon:
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York City, has a diverse workforce of nearly 162,700 and generated nearly $132 billion in 2015 revenues. Verizon operates America’s most reliable wireless network, with 113.2 million retail connections nationwide. The company also provides communications and entertainment services over mobile broadband and the nation’s premiere all-fiber network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers worldwide.
Wheelchairs No Longer Free at Disney Water Parks:
Beginning today, August 22, wheelchair at both Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will no longer be complimentary. Instead guests will be able to rent the wheelchairs for $12 plus a full refundable deposit of $100. They will also be transferable to both water parks as well as all 4 theme parks with a receipt (upon availability).
ECV rentals will continue to be available for $50 with a $100 refundable deposit. The $100 deposit is required to ensure return of the wheelchairs and ECV's. The deposit is fully refundable upon return of the rental.
Walt Disney World said the reason for the discontinuation of complimentary wheelchairs is due to "better align the Guest services and operations at Disney's Water Parks with those at Disney Parks, Disney Springs, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports."
Win a Chance to Visit Food & Wine from ABC's The Chew:
ABC's The Chew is returning to this year's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and they want you to join them. The Chew's Magical Culinary Adventure Sweepstakes Presented by Hidden Valley will give one lucky winner along with three guests for a trip to Walt Disney World for the week of October 5-9, the same week ABC's The Chew will be taping shows live from Epcot.
The winner will enjoy and attend a live taping of the show, sip and savor food and drink from the more than 30 global marketplaces during the event, including one inspired from the show in The Chew Collective in the Next Eats area of Future World. Here are more details on the sweepstakes released in a video:
You have until 11:59 p.m. on September 2 to enter.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes ends at 11:59 PM ET on 9/2/16. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 years of age or older. Winner must travel between October 5 – 9, 2016. Limit one (1) entry per person per day. See Official Rules for full details including entry requirements, eligibility restrictions, odds of winning, prize description and limitations. Void where prohibited. Introducing The Star Wars After Show Presented by Verizon:
We all have been loving The Star Wars Show, but now we will be getting even more insider info into the saga and Lucasfilm with The Star Wars After Show presented by Verizon. The show debuted today and will be released every Thursday at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT on Verizon's YouTube channel.
The show will offer a deeper inside look and perspective of the news and content that is presented weekly on The Star Wars Show. Featuring our favorite hosts from The Star Wars Show and experts from Lucasfilm. The discussions will be lively, fun geek outs over everything happening in a galaxy far, far away. Here is the first show that was released today:
Note: It feels like forever since I've been able to post, thank you all for your patience while I was away. The internet is now fixed and I am back. Since I was gone Star Wars Launch Bay, Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, Holiday Happens Here Dance Party, and Club Disney all opened successfully yesterday at Hollywood Studios. Now to the news of the last few days.
New Jakku Spy Google Cardboard Launches on Star Wars App:
Jakku Spy, a Google Cardboard Experience that is presented by Verizon, officially launched today on the Star Wars app. The new experience was developed by Lucasfilm's ILMxLAB studio. Jakku Spy thrusts you into the role of a Resistance secret agent on the planet of Jakku, as it envelopes you in a stunning virtual reality, and unfolds in a series of story-driven installments. It will all lead into "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and there's never been Star Wars storytelling like it ever before.
“ILMxLAB’s whole foundation and mission is about creating immersive entertainment, and that includes virtual reality,” Rob Bredow, Lucasfilm’s head of New Media/VP, Advanced Development Group, tells StarWars.com in an exclusive interview. “We think a lot of people are going to get to experience virtual reality in Google Cardboard for the first time with Jakku Spy. It’s a great opportunity because there’s this familiar content — characters and vehicles that you’ve seen in trailers — but you’re seeing it in a completely new way.”
How new? A Jakku Spy experience goes something like this: Up in the distance is wreckage from a starship; turn around and there’s a speeder blazing past, engines roaring; turn back around and a certain soccer-ball-looking droid is quickly approaching, bleeping and blooping to get your attention. Jakku and Star Wars, visually and aurally, are all around you. It’s truly a completely new way of seeing. “When we pitched this idea,” adds Bredow, “it was really about, ‘Can we not only tell people a story that’s legitimately connected to the film, but can we also make them feel like they’re in Star Wars?’” Along with the video above as seen through the eyes of BB-8, three other 'Force Awakens' themed viewers will be available including Kylo Ren, First Order Stormtrooper, and R2-D2 will be available exclusively at Verizon stores. Ultimately this is just the beginning of a virtual world being developed by Lucasfilm into the world of Star Wars. Bredow said, "I hope that people really feel like they're immersed in this new location in a way they couldn't even imagine. Getting to experience it in a first-person way, right up close, is fun. For sure."
Behind the Magic: Snow White Special to Air on ABC:
On Sunday, December 13, we will get a behind the scenes behind the Disney classic "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." It will air at 8 p.m. on ABC and will be narrated by Ginnifer Goodwin (Once Upon a Time, Zootopia), and feature Walt Disney & Pixar Animation Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter, Disney Legend/Songwriter Richard Sherman, and Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck (directors of Frozen). Here is the press release by ABC:
An All-New Special and Unprecedented Look at Walt Disney’s Journey to Create the Historic First Full-Length Animated Feature Film, Airing Sunday, December 13 at 8 pm on ABC
Narrated by Ginnifer Goodwin (Actress, ABC’s “Once Upon a Time,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia”) and Featuring John Lasseter (Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney & Pixar Animation Studios), Disney Legend/Songwriter Richard Sherman (Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book), and Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck (Directors, Frozen)
In 1934, the up-and-coming filmmaker Walt Disney decided to take a big creative, financial and personal risk: he put his small animation studio – until now dedicated to turning out comedy shorts – to work adapting a fairy tale into a full-color, full-length animated feature film. No one ever made a full-color feature length cartoon before, and it seemed far-fetched. Who would want to watch a cartoon for 90 minutes? Most people, including the two most important in Walt’s life, his wife and brother, believed it would be his undoing. And they were almost right. From the seemingly insurmountable creative challenges, to an expanding budget and looming deadlines, to an exhausted and all-consumed Walt Disney, the production of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” became a harrowing journey, one that almost destroyed the man who conceived it. “Behind the Magic: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” airs Sunday, December 13, (8:00 pm ET) on the ABC Television Network.
“Behind the Magic: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” explores the moment where folklore met filmmaking. With dynamic visuals including clips from the 1937 movie, film and audio recordings, and snapshots from Disney’s own personal archive, the special creatively showcases how the team at Disney stayed true to the message of the original story while tackling the creative and technical challenges of putting this humble fairy tale on the silver screen, creating history.
The special also features live action moments based on the original tale, shot with dramatic special effects treatments, as well as some cut scenes and characters from the animated film, uniquely transporting viewers to the making of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The hour also explores how Walt Disney was possessed with making the film – leveraging everything, including his relationships and reputation, as well as mortgaging his home, smack dab in the middle of the Great Depression.
“Behind the Magic: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is narrated by Ginnifer Goodwin (Actress, ABC’s “Once Upon A Time,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia”) and features extensive interviews with John Lasseter (Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney & Pixar Animation Studios), Frozen directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, Byron Howard (Director, the upcoming Zootopia and Tangled), Alan Menken, Richard Sherman, and Disney supervising animators Eric Goldberg and Mark Henn, as well as some of the original talent from the 1937 film, and historians/experts from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, Walt Disney Archives, and beyond.
An XCON Production for Lincoln Square Productions, “Behind the Magic:Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is executive produced by Christine Connor. Jeremiah Crowell is the director.
--ABC—
D23 Announces Lineup of Events for 2016:
Yesterday, D23 announced its lineup of events all across the country for 2016. It will be expanding member events with even more experiences on the East Coast and new twists on current favorite D23 events. Here is the list:
January 29
D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience
Burbank, California
February 20
Alice in Wonderland
Burbank, California
March 18
Lunch with a Disney Legend: Charlie Ridgway
Walt Disney World Resort
March 19
Alice in Wonderland
Walt Disney World Resort
April 8
Lunch with a Disney Legend
Burbank, California
April 9
D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives
Burbank, California
April 20
D23 Member Night atNewsies—On Tour
Portland, Oregon
May 21
Finding Nemo
Walt Disney World Resort
June 4
Finding Nemo
Burbank, California
June 8
D23 Member Night atNewsies—On Tour
Salt Lake City, Utah
June 25
D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives
Burbank, California
July 18
D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience
Burbank, California
August 20
The Reluctant Dragon 75th anniversary screening event
Burbank, California
September 23
Lunch with a Disney Legend
Walt Disney World Resort
September 24:
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Walt Disney World Resort
Fall
D23 Disney Fanniversary Celebration: Beauty and the Beast
(More information coming in 2016)
October 8
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Burbank, California
October 22
Sip & Scream
Walt Disney World Resort
November 18
Lunch with a Disney Legend
Burbank, California
November 19
D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives
Burbank, California
*All events and dates are subject to change.
For more information on any of the events check the release on D23.com.
Disney Parks Blog to Live Stream Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party:
The Disney Parks Blog will be continuing its holiday live stream of events with its live stream of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on Sunday, December 6. During the live steam which will begin at 8:15 p.m. with the broadcast of "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade." The stream will then continue on with "Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season" live from the party at Magic Kingdom. The fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. EST. Will you be tuning into the Disney Parks Blog live stream of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
First Look at Disney/Pixar "Inside Out" Animated Short Riley's First Date:
In a Good Morning America exclusive this morning "Inside Out" fans got a first look at a clip of the new animated short "Riley's First Date." The new short see's Riley one year later after the happenings of "Inside Out." It will be released as an exclusive bonus feature when "Inside Out" hits shelves with the October 13 digital release and the Blu-Ray release on November 3.
The emotions are back as Joy, Anger, Fear, Disgust, and Sadness help 12-year Riley with the emotions of dating. The exclusive clip shows Riley hanging out with her Mom and Dad in San Francisco when a boy shows up and asks if Riley is home.
It also takes a look at the parent's emotions as Riley's fathers emotions go on red alert that his daughter begins dating. Riley's mothers' emotions take a much calmer approach as they discuss how best to handle the situation and ask Riley what is going on. The clip can be seen here in the exclusive article from Good Morning America.
Star Wars Launches Promotional Campaign for The Force Awakens:
Lucasfilm and Star Wars announced today that is launching a promotion campaign in advance of Episode VII "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" along with 7 major companies. CoverGirl, Max Factor, Duracell, FCA US, General Mills, HP, Subway, and Verizon are all collaboration to promote the film that opens on December 18.
Lynwyn Brennan, General Manager of Lucasfilm had this to say on the announcement:
"We are thrilled to be working with such a stellar roster of promotional partners. The 'Star Wars' brand has endured over the years, across generational audiences because it connects with people in a very special way. Our partners have all delivered original, stand-out campaigns that capture the familiar fun and excitement of our galaxy far, far away that we hope will delight fans as they get ready to experience 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens.'"
Here is a little more information on the seven global partners with Lucasfilm as they prepare for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens":
COVERGIRL & MAX FACTOR
Easy, breezy, beautiful from the start, COVERGIRL now holds an iconic position in the world of beauty and pop culture: the brand that has been empowering women to rock their beautiful for more than 50 years. Throughout its history – and still today – COVERGIRL has been known as a cosmetics category leader and innovator, with first-to-market technologies, famous faces, and on-trend marketing campaigns. Whether how to get the look, or how to get behind-the-scenes access to the hottest celebrity event, COVERGIRL has got it covered. Recently, the brand committed $5MM over five years to enable women and girls to break boundaries at school, at work, and in entrepreneurial endeavors via its #GirlsCan initiative. Visit www.covergirl.com or find @COVERGIRL in social media for more information.
Max Factor is the make-up of make-up artists. The story begins from the founding days of Mr. Max Factor, a true make-up artistry icon and pioneer, who created a world full of glamour. The make-up products and techniques he created for the movie industry and his Hollywood clients, Marilyn Monroe being just one of his many famous clients, earned him an Academy Award, but his guiding philosophy was that any woman could be glamourous given the right tools and make-up artistry skills. From mascara to foundation, eye shadow to lip gloss – Max Factor put the transformative tools for make-up artistry into the hands of every woman, enabling her to create her own personal glamour statement every day. Today, the Max Factor brand continues to empower women to look and feel glamorous via its talented Network of Make-up Artists, headed by the make-up visionary Pat McGrath (Max Factor and COVERGIRL Global Creative Design Director), sophisticated diagnostic tools and artistry, and an ever expanding range of tools and tips. Visit www.maxfactor.com or find @MaxFactor in social media for more information.
DURACELL
Duracell is the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of high performance alkaline batteries. As the leader in the personal power category, Duracell has a rich history of innovation continuously introducing batteries that are more compact, more powerful and longer lasting than competitor brands. Since 1973, the Duracell Bunny has been at the heart of the brand demonstrating Duracell’s longer lasting power. Today Bunny is one of the most recognised brand icons in the world. Duracell batteries power many devices across the globe, including toys such as the Hasbro Lightsaber. In addition to its alkaline batteries, the company sells primary lithium, zinc air, and rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries as well as a line of flashlights.
FCA US
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker with a new name and a long history. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. FCA US designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles under the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brands as well as the SRT performance vehicle designation. The company also distributes the Alfa Romeo 4C model and Mopar products. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler, the innovative American automaker first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925; and Fiat, founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli.
FCA, the seventh-largest automaker in the world based on total annual vehicle sales, is an international automotive group. FCA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FCAU” and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol “FCA.
GENERAL MILLS General Mills is one of the world’s leading food companies, operating in more than 100 countries around the world. Its brands include Cheerios, Fiber One, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Yoplait, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., USA, General Mills had fiscal 2015 worldwide sales of US $18.8 billion.
HP
HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. With the broadest technology portfolio spanning printing, personal systems, software, services and IT infrastructure, HP delivers solutions for customers’ most complex challenges in every region of the world. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.
SUBWAY®
Customers in 110 countries have easy access to a fresh line-up of vegetables for their made-to-order sandwiches and salads at any of the more than 44,000 franchised locations. The company, founded 50-years-ago by then-17-year-old Fred DeLuca and family-friend Dr. Peter Buck, is still a family-owned business with thousands of dedicated franchisees/entrepreneurs in neighborhoods around the world, providing easy access to vegetables, detailed nutrition, dietary, and healthy lifestyle information. This has been a priority for the SUBWAY® chain for many years. To learn more information about us, visit www.subway.com, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/subway and follow us on https://twitter.com/subway. SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor’s Associates Inc.
VERIZON
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is one of the largest communication technology companies in the world. Verizon operates America’s largest, most reliable 4G LTE wireless network with 109.5 million retail connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America’s most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers worldwide. A Fortune 15 company with more than $127 billion in 2014 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of 178,500. For more information, visit www.verizon.com/news/.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" releases in US theaters on December 18, 2015.
