Oprah Winfrey Leads Voice Cast Of Quirky Camels In “The Star”

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No less than legendary Queen of Talk and humanitarian Oprah Winfrey leads the voice actors of not-so-wise camels in Sony Pictures Animation‘s The Star, a family film about the events leading up to the very first Christmas.

Tyler Perry (Gone Girl) lends voice to Cyrus, the know-it-all camel, Felix (Tracy Morgan) is not sure if he knows anything, and Deborah (Winfrey) is the one actually paying attention. These three will do more than just carry the Wise Men.

“Watching this cast work was really inspiring. The thing that really surprised me was how each of these artists approached their particular roles,” says director Timothy Reckart. Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and Tracy Morgan all became the perfect counterpoints to each other as the camels – Tyler as the self-appointed leader who thinks he’s smarter than he actually is; Tracy as his belligerent, hilarious brother; and Oprah as the wise camel who is the only one who may actually see what’s going on.

In the film, a small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day he finds the courage to break free, and finally goes on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a loveable sheep who has lost her flock and Dave, a dove with lofty aspirations. Along with three wisecracking camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become unlikely heroes in the greatest story ever told – the first Christmas.

“The Star is one of the coolest ways of telling this story, because it’s so fun,” says Perry. “Just when I thought there was no other way to be able to tell the story of Christmas and the birth of Christ, here comes this incredibly genius idea to tell it through the eyes of a camel. It’s very true to the scripture, but approaches the story in a fresh, fun way that will make it entertaining and inspiring for audiences of all ages.”

“What makes this movie so unique is that it’s told with such humor it is delightful,” says Winfrey. “I grew up going to Sunday school and know all of these stories very well, but I’ve never seen it expressed this way. If nothing else, I think it’s wonderful for families to be able to come together for an experience of being with each other and being inspired through joy and laughter.”

Winfrey and Perry both say they were inspired to join the cast by being part of a trio with Morgan. “The three of us playing these roles, playing off each other, worked well because it was great chemistry,” says Perry. “Who doesn’t love Tracy Morgan? He’s hysterical. And Oprah’s one of the funniest people she’s always so serious, but she’s very funny. I’m telling you, she could have been a stand-up comedian – she is that funny.”

The film also stars the voices of Steven Yeun, Keegan-Michael Key, Kelly Clarkson, Anthony Anderson, Aidy Bryant, Ving Rhames, Gabriel Iglesias, Patricia Heaton, Kristin Chenoweth, and Christopher Plummer.

In Philippine cinemas December 6, “The Star” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

AMAZING RACE RUNS INTO THE DIGITAL AGE ON ITS 28TH EDITION

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In one of its wisest moves yet, Amazing Race 28 stays relevant to its audience by featuring 11 teams of YouTube, Vine and Instagram stars in pursuit of the $1 million pot.

See your favourite online celebrities cross over to traditional “boob tube” as they begin the race from the symbolic spot of Monumento ala Revolucion in Mexico City and travel around the world.

The 28^th installment of this iconic reality show franchise began filming last November 15, 2015, with host Phil Koeghan live streaming a blow by blow account of what was happening (in true digital age style).

Known to be one of the pioneers of the revolutionary reality show genre, Amazing Race has won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program more than any of its competition in that category.

Jerry Bruckheimer, Bertram van Munster, Jonathan Littman, Elise Doganieri and Mark Vertullo are the executive producers for Jerry Bruckheimer Television and Earthview Inc. in association with ABC Studios and Amazing Race Productions. THE AMAZING RACE was created by Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri.

The cast is composed of Internet celebrities and their relatives or friends. Including:

·       YouTubers and friends Tyler Oakley and Korey Kuhl

·       Dating YouTubers and Rooster Teeth hosts Burnie Burns and Ashley Jenkins

·       YouTubers, Clevver hosts and best friends Erin White Robinson and Joslyn Davis

·       Vine personality Cole LaBrant and mother Sheri LaBrant

·       Vine personality Zach King and wife Rachel King

·       Engaged YouTubers and choreographers Dana Borriello and Matt Steffanina

·       Instagram models and friends Jessica Versteeg and Miss Florida USA Brittany Oldehoff

·       Viral video star Marty Cobb and daughter Hagan Parkman

·       YouTuber Blair Fowler and father Scott Fowler

·       Vine personalities and brothers Cameron Benson and Darius Benson

·       YouTuber and professional frisbee player Brodie Smith and teammate Kurt Gibson

The Amazing Race 28 premieres February 13, Saturday at 7:55pm (within 12 hours of the US broadcast).

AXN is seen on Cable Link Channel 38, Cignal Digital TV Channel 61, Global Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Channel 20, Gsat Channel 12, SKYCable Channel 49.

About AXN

AXN is Asia’s leading general entertainment channel featuring exclusive top-rated drama series, blockbuster features, reality programs and ground-breaking original productions. The channel appeals to a discerning audience seeking content that is smart, intriguing and unexpected, and all delivered close to U.S telecasts. From The Blacklist and Quantico, to The Voice and The Amazing Race Asia, AXN is defined not by a genre, but by an attitude that truly redefines action.

Launched first in Asia in 1997, AXN is a global channel brand with a presence in Latin America, Africa and Europe. In Asia, the channel is enjoyed in 85 million households across 20 territories.

AXN Asia is wholly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and managed by Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, which also operates leading channels including Animax, Sony Channel, ONE and GEM.

www.AXN-Asia.com

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks launched global environmental responsibility campaign called "Picture This"

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Campaign Launched in 177 Countries

Sony Pictures Television Networks launched a worldwide campaign across their channels in 177 countries, engaging viewers in environmental issues, it was announced today by Andy Kaplan, president, worldwide networks for Sony Pictures Television (SPT). The effort, titled Picture This, will utilize the channels’ storytelling expertise to engage viewers around environmental issues important to each market. Picture This will then combine these local efforts into a worldwide voice to bring awareness to everyday efforts that can help protect our natural resources. 

“With the reach of our global networks and the passion of our storytelling, our networks will both engage the community and energize people to action by picturing a better environment,” said Kaplan. “Collectively we can make noise heard around the world on behalf of issues that are central to everyone’s well-being and do it in an entertaining way.”

In Asia, SPT Networks, which includes leading channels Animax, AXN, Gem, ONE and Sony Channel will present a three minute on air spot encouraging viewers to reduce the use of plastic bags in their daily lives. To communicate the message, SPT Networks enlisted the support of “El Gamma Penumbra”, the mesmerizing shadow play group who won the first season of Asia’s Got Talent on AXN earlier this year. 

“The over-use of plastic bags in territories across Asia is a growing concern given the negative impact it has on our land, waterways, marine life and oceans. Through our Picture This campaign, we want to remind viewers to think twice before using, and then quickly discarding, their plastic bags. Partnering with El Gamma Penumbra, who is known for their compelling environmental performances, was a natural choice and their inspiring storytelling for Picture This is sure to make a big difference,” said Hui Keng Ang, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.

Picture a world without litter. Picture an urban oasis. Picture a beautiful forest. Picture This.

See Picture This and El Gamma Penumbra in action here: 

http://www.axn-asia.com/programs/picture?img=8135&title=photo-8135

More information about Picture This can be found at the global website: www.sptpicturethis.com. Links to local efforts can also be found there, as well as assets that can be used to join the conversation on social media.

 #sptpicturethis

Philippines is now HOOQ’d , in partnership with Globe Telecom

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HOOQ, Asia’s video-on-demand service, debuts in the Philippines in partnership with Globe Telecom. HOOQ offers over 10,000 blockbuster movies & TV series.

HOOQ, Asia’s video-on-demand service, announced that it will kick off in the Philippines from late February in partnership with Globe Telecom. 

HOOQ, a start-up joint venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros. Entertainment, will enable customers of Globe Telecom to enjoy unlimited online streaming access and an offline viewing option to top Hollywood and Filipino movie and television content, via any device including computers, smartphones and tablets.

Filipinos first in Asia to get access to extensive Hollywood and local content with Globe Telecom and HOOQ: Asia’s first video-on-demand service HOOQ has arrived in the Philippines, making Filipinos the first in the region to gain access to a library of over 10,000 international and local movies and TV shows with its partnership with leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom. A start-up joint venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros. Entertainment, HOOQ is set to change the way people in emerging markets consume and enjoy entertainment by allowing customers to enjoy online streaming access and an offline viewing option of movies and TV shows across smartphones, computers, and tablets. Speaking at a panel discussion during the Philippine launch of HOOQ held at The Green Sun in Makati are [L-R] Warner Bros. Digital Distribution Vice President for Business Strategy Anuraj Shavantha Goonetilleke, HOOQ CEO Peter Bithos, Globe Telecom President and CEO Ernest Cu, Globe Telecom Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan and Sony Pictures Executive Vice President for Networks George Chung-Chi Chien.

Extensive Hollywood and local content

Filipinos can look forward to more than 10,000 movies and television episodes and TV shows including titles from partners Sony and Warner Bros. Customers can watch Hollywood movies such as Harry Potter, Spider-Man and Inception, while enjoying popular TV series such as Gossip Girl, Friends and Smallville. 

Local film and TV content will also be available through partnerships with the country’s top studios, such as GMA, Viva Communications, Regal Entertainment, and ABS-CBN. Customers can watch local high-grossing films such as Metro Manila, A Secret Affair, Shake Rattle and Roll and Ang Tanging Ina, as well as classics including Dyesebel, Bagets and Bituing Walang Ningning. Highly-rated TV shows like My Husband’s Lover, Mulawin, Tayong Dalawa and Mara Clara will also be available anytime and anywhere.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=973uDXgtVG4&list=UU7hmtK8Y6jT1z13JKrrTyzw

‘Across the emerging economies, people have amazing stories and love stories. However, a few billion people have no quality way of seeing the best stories from Hollywood or their local market. HOOQ will change that. HOOQ will change the way people in emerging markets consume and enjoy entertainment,’ said HOOQ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Peter G. Bithos. 

‘The Philippines is a natural first market for us. Filipinos’ dual love of local and Hollywood content combined with their digital savviness makes the Philippines a perfect place for us to start,’ he added. 

The former Globe Telecom Chief Operating Advisor, Mr Bithos also announced its first distribution partnership. ‘Our partnership with Globe Telecom, the leader in digital partnerships in the Philippines, helps us bring Philippine customers a premium video service and new form of entertainment that combines the best of Hollywood, Asian and Philippine video content across all devices,’ Mr Bithos said.

Globe Telecom’s customers first to get HOOQ at P199 per month

According to a Nielsen report in 2014, viewing online video content has become a pastime for digital consumers in the Philippines, with 85% watching at least weekly, the second highest in the region. The same report also revealed that 7 in 10 digital consumers in the country report watching TV content and movies via online sources such as video-on-demand, the second highest penetration of internet TV in the region at 71%. 

‘Now more than ever, Filipinos consider connectivity as an essential part of their daily lives. Our customers, whether prepaid, postpaid, or broadband, are increasingly embracing an always-on world where they expect a wonderful experience from innovative and engaging data and content offers. Right now, we are in the best position to offer this type of service as the leader in enabling the digital lifestyle of Filipinos and the number one network for smartphones. To meet their needs, we see the video-on-demand services offered by HOOQ as a critical offering representing the future of the industry. Now that consumers have access to a variety of international and local content, entertainment will now be more personal, and with Globe, this means experiencing it with the highest quality.’ said Mr Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe Telecom. 

Recognising the value that video-on-demand services deliver to consumers, Globe Telecom will provide its customers with the ability to download HOOQ, which will soon be available to customers on a plan-based service for Philippine Peso 199 per month for access to thousands of movies, far more affordable than buying a ticket for just one movie. It will also be offered as a bundled service with the telco’s GoSURF and Tattoo broadband services.

HOOQ enhances digital lifestyles

‘Following the launch in the Philippines, HOOQ will be rolled out across Asia soon. The rapid adoption of connected devices means more people in Asia are able to access the Internet anywhere and at any time, driving demand for compelling content that enhances their digital lives,’ said Mr Jonathan Auerbach, Singtel CEO Group Digital Life. ‘HOOQ is set to change the way people across the region consume and enjoy entertainment.’ 

Mr George Chien, Executive Vice President, Networks at Sony Pictures Television, said: ‘We share the excitement of offering entertainment fans across Asia access to high quality video services directly to their mobile devices. HOOQ provides a unique combination of Hollywood and local favorites while providing a high-quality viewing experience they’ve come to expect in today’s digital world.’

Mr Anuraj Goonetilleke, Vice President Corporate Business Development and Strategy at Warner Bros. Digital Distribution said: 'We’re very excited about the launch of our joint video-on-demand business across Asia, starting with the Philippines. Providing world-class content to Asia’s entertainment fans will meet a voracious appetite for new and classic videos and TV episodes on-demand.’

The service will also be accessible to all customers in the Philippines through its website – http://HOOQ.tv. Through HOOQ.tv, customers can watch videos of their choice and pay for the subscription by credit card.

About HOOQ

HOOQ is a regional video-on-demand subscription service by Singtel, Sony and Warner Bros. HOOQ will deliver over 10,000 Hollywood blockbusters and popular local programmes to customers anytime, anywhere by enabling them to stream and download their favourite shows on their device or platform of choice. For more information, visit www.hooq.tv. 

About Globe Telecom

Globe Telecom is a leading full service telecommunications company in the Philippines, serving the needs of consumers and businesses across an entire suite of products and services including mobile, fixed, broadband, data connections, internet and managed services. Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel who are acknowledged industry leaders in the country and in the region. For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Follow Globe Telecom on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GlobePH and Tatoo at www.facebook.com/GlobeTattoo as well as on Twitter @enjoyglobe and @choosetattoo and Instagram at @enjoyglobe and @choosetattoo. 

About Singtel

Singtel is Asia's leading communications group providing a portfolio of services including voice and data solutions over fixed, wireless and Internet platforms as well as infocomm technology and pay TV. The Group has presence in Asia and Africa with over 500 million mobile customers in 25 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. It also has a vast network of offices throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com

About Warner Bros. Entertainment

Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. is a global leader in all forms of entertainment and their related businesses across all current and emerging media and platforms. A Time Warner Company, the fully integrated, broad-based studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD, digital distribution, animation, comic books, video games, product and brand licensing, and broadcasting.

You blink and you'll miss something! Watch "How to Get Away with Murder" premieres October 15

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You can now meet your new TV obsession. Sony Channel announced today that “How To Get Away With Murder”, executive produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers (“Grey’s Anatomy”, “Scandal”) will premiere on October 15, 2014 at 9:05 p.m. on the Sony Channel.

Academy-Award nominee Viola Davis stars as the brilliant, charismatic criminal law professor who is everything you hope your Criminal Law professor would be. She teaches a course she boldly refers to as “How To Get Away With Murder”, choosing the brightest students in her class to join her at her firm. 

"I don’t know what terrible things you’ve done in your life up to this point, but clearly your karma’s out of balance to get assigned my class. I’m Professor Annalise Keating and this is Criminal Law 100, or as I prefer to call it, How to Get Away with Murder."

The students vying for this coveted position include Wes Gibbins (Alfred Enoch), a wide-eyed, likable boy-next-door recently accepted off the waitlist; Michaela Pratt (Aja Naomi King), a confident, ambitious overachiever born knowing how to "lean in;" Connor Walsh (Jack Falahee), a sly, sophisticated heartbreaker used to getting any prize he lays his eyes on; Laurel Castillo (Karla Souza), a quiet, sensitive idealist who's easy to underestimate and Asher Millstone (Matt McGorry), an entitled know-it-all born into a world of Ivy League educations and country club memberships. 

The students all work under two of Annalise's dedicated associates: Frank Delfino (Charlie Weber), a local Philly boy done good, and Bonnie Winterbottom (Liza Weil), a sweet, observant team-player with a hidden edge. 

"How to Get Away with Murder" is created and executive-produced by Pete Nowalk ("Scandal," "Grey's Anatomy"). Shonda Rhimes ("Scandal," "Grey's Anatomy"), Betsy Beers ("Scandal," "Grey's Anatomy") and Bill D'Elia ("Grey's Anatomy," "The West Wing") also serve as executive producers. "How to Get Away with Murder" is produced by ABC Studios. 

We have seen this exclusive first look at this season's #1 new show from Sony Channel. This is something I can't miss to watch! Super exciting, mysterious, suspenseful, with lots of turns and twists, these characters and what their doing is such a great job with the chemistry between them.

Some celebrities and friends spotted during Blue Carpet Special Screening of How To Get Away With Murder" held at Century City Mall Cinema 1.

Celebrities Brent Javier, Vanessa Matsunaga , Shamsey Supsup and Marco Lobregat

Chef Jackie Laudico

Actress/TV Host/Singer Julia Clarete with son Sebastian

“How To Get Away With Murder” premieres Wednesday, October 15 at 9.05pm, on Sony Channel (Double Episodes Premiere). 

Sony Channel offers an exciting mix of dramas, comedies, lifestyle and reality programming. It will also showcase some of Hollywood’s most celebrated movies. See more details of Sony Channel Philippines.

"Heaven is for Real"

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"Heaven is for Real" movie, based on the No.1 New York Times best-selling book of the same name - HEAVEN IS FOR REAL, brings to the screen the true story of a small-town father who must find the courage and conviction to share his son's extraordinary, life-changing experience with the world.

The movie Heaven Is For Real, a family drama starring Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly, Connor Corum, Margo Martindale, Thomas Haden Church and directed by Randall Wallace. Screenplay by also Randall Wallace and Christopher Parker.

"Heaven Is For Real" stars Academy Award® nominee and Emmy® award winning actor Greg Kinnear as Todd Burpo and co-stars Kelly Reilly as Sonja Burpo, the real-life couple whose son Colton (newcomer Connor Corum) claims to have visited Heaven during a near death experience, an emergency surgery.

Colton recounts the details of his amazing journey with childlike innocence and speaks matter-of-factly about things that happened before his birth. Those are the things he couldn't possibly know. 

Todd is called upon by his congregation to explain the meaning of Colton's revelations, and he and his family are challenged to examine their faith and draw meaning from this remarkable event.

"Heaven Is For Real" movie hits theaters on April 16, 2014.

I have always faith in God. Life is not always easy but having faith gives me hope always. I believe that there is something beautiful out there for us all. I believe in God with all my heart and with all my soul.

That's true -  Heaven is for Real.

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."

--- John 14:2-4

 #HeavenIsForRealMovie

ICON Manila with its first Entertainment and Design Conference in the Philippines

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Top design artists from major animation studios such as Disney Animations, Universal Studios, and Warner Brothers are coming to Manila in July this year to break down the design process for students and professionals working in the entertainment design industry.

ICON Manila announces its International Entertainment and Design Conference 2014. It will be the first event of its kind in Asia, featuring top professionals in animation and concept design for feature film, television and games. 

Speakers at the conference have decades of tenure and are esteemed members in their fields of expertise. All have relevant experience working with industry giants such as Walt Disney, Universal Studios, Nickelodeon, Warner Brothers, Sony Animation Pictures, and Marvel Productions among the others.

“The conference targets students and professionals alike,” shares Armand Serrano, Entertainment and Design Conference organizer, who has worked on animations like Lilo and Stich, Brother Bear and Mulan. “With our impressive line-up of top industry leaders, our objective is to present a progressive view through the entertainment design process and impart new ideas that will ultimately strengthen Asia’s impact on the industry.”

ICON Manila is a paid conference under ICON for Missions, a newly formed non-profit organization based in Eastvale, California. “By hosting various conferences all over the world, its purpose is to raise money to fund their Christian mission and humanitarian aid in needy communities,” says Sam Tanner, Executive Director of ICON for Missions.

The Entertainment and Design Conference will be held on July 3, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center. 

For more details on the conference speakers, schedule, and tickets, visit www.iconmanila.com. 

Media partners are Adobo Magazine, Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI), FleishmanHillard, ABS-CBN, Lifestyle Network, Hero, ANC, Portfolio MNL, Silver Drawing Academy, Ideal Media Entertainment, Online CG Master Academy, CTN Animation eXpo, Schoolism Education Evolved, and CHAVO Animation Studios.

ICON's ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN CONFERENCE 2014 is a conference for professionals and students in the entertainment design industry. This conference details the design process for those working in animation, film, games, advertising, fine arts and other forms of visual media. Conference speakers have decades of proven experience in their fields of expertise. Their combined knowledge in this one event will help further Asia's impact on the entertainment design industry.

“Arthur Christmas" 3D

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The 3D, CG-animated family comedy “Arthur Christmas,” an Aardman production for Sony Pictures Animation, at last reveals the incredible, never-before-seen answer to every child's question: “So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?” The answer: Santa's exhilarating, ultra-high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. But at the heart of the film is a story with the ingredients of a Christmas classic – a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero: Santa’s youngest son, Arthur. When this amazing operation misses one child out of hundreds of millions, the least capable Claus embarks on a hilarious, exciting rogue mission against the clock to deliver the last present before Christmas morning dawns.

“The movie is really funny and very clever – in just the way that all Aardman material is,” James McAvoy says, who provides the voice of Arthur. “It’s ingenious, inventive, irreverent, different, and funny – I suppose that’s what drew all of us to do it.”

The film also stars Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, and Ashley Jensen. Directed by Sarah Smith. Produced by Peter Lord, David Sproxton, Carla Shelley and Steve Pegram. Written by Peter Baynham and Sarah Smith. Co-Producers are Chris Juen and Peter Baynham. Co-Director is Barry Cook.

Opening across the Philippines in December, “Arthur Christmas” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.