WEP News
UTA to represent iconic adventure series, Voltron
10/1/2009
BEVERLY HILLS (October 1, 2009) ---- St. Louis-based World Event Productions (WEP) today announced that it has engaged leading Hollywood talent and literary agency United Talent Agency (UTA) to represent and expand the brand of its popular and world-renowned adventure series, Voltron. WEP has also hired the entertainment law firm of Liner Grode Stein Yankelevitz Sunshine Regenstreif & Taylor, LLP. The announcement comes as Voltron celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the franchise's launch in the U.S.
UTA and the Liner firm will guide the Voltron franchise in a number of entertainment categories including film, television, publishing, video games, toys and other consumer products.
Based on the Japanese anime television series, Voltron first appeared in the U.S. in 1984 as a first-run syndication animated television series and ran for two seasons. Over the past 25 years the property has maintained a large and loyal following, and more recently, a resurgence in popularity. In the past several years alone, the company has sold over 300,000 DVDs, established numerous apparel and other consumer product deals, and has been a top-selling download through a variety of VOD services.
The renewed interest in Voltron has already spurred the development of film and television projects. Announced in Summer of 2009, Atlas Entertainment's Charles Roven, Richard Suckle and Steve Alexander, along with Kickstart Entertainment's Jason Netter, are attached to produce a live-action tentpole feature film based on the Voltron property, which will be packaged and presented to studios and financiers this Fall. Netter is also working with WEP on a new animated television series, which is scheduled to debut in the U.S. as early as Fall 2010.
There could not be a better way to expand our fantastic team than to join forces with UTA and Liner, said WEP founder Ted Koplar. Together with Atlas and Kickstart, this team will be the catalyst to bring the legendary Voltron story to a whole new generation of fans.
Voltron tells the story of five space explorers who, after being attacked by an alien race, come upon the war-torn world of Arus. In working to defend this once peaceful world, the explorers ultimately discover the keys to five mysterious and battle-ready robot lions, who join together to form the giant warrior Voltron: Defender of the Universe. While sharing some familiar elements with its '80s brethren such as Transformers, what sets Voltron apart is the focus on human characters.
Founded and operated by Ted Koplar, World Events Productions is an American-based animation and distribution company in St. Louis, Missouri, best known for releasing the anime titles Voltron, Defender of the Universe and Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs as well as producing the original animated series Denver, the Last Dinosaur.
United Talent Agency is one of the entertainment industry's premier talent and literary agencies, representing many of world's most widely-known figures in every current and emerging area of entertainment, including motion pictures, television, books, music, digital media and live entertainment. Collectively, UTA agents represent a significant cross-section of today's most acclaimed artists and entertainers, including winners and nominees of Academy, Emmy, Grammy, Screen Actors Guild, Directors Guild, Writers Guild, Producers Guild, Golden Globe, People's Choice and Webby awards. The agency is also globally recognized in the areas of film finance, film packaging, corporate consulting, branding & licensing, endorsements and the representation of production talent. UTA also operates New York City-based United Entertainment Group, a joint venture firm focusing on branded entertainment for Fortune 500 companies.
Liner Grode Stein Yankelevitz Sunshine Regenstreif & Taylor, LLP is a full-service law firm with offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, practicing in the areas of intellectual property litigation, business and entertainment litigation, products liability, real estate, business and financial crimes defense, mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy and creditors, rights, tax and estate planning, and financial services litigation. The firm was recently named one of the best places to work in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal.
Atlas ventures into a new galaxy with 'Voltron'
6/1/2009
ATLAS VENTURES INTO A NEW GALAXY WITH 'VOLTRON'
World Events Productions and Kickstart Productions partner with Charles Roven's Atlas Entertainment on a live-action version of the classic sci-fi animated series
LOS ANGELES, JULY XX, 2009 Atlas Entertainment announced today that they are developing a big screen adaptation of the legendary robot action hero "Voltron". Atlas' Charles Roven, Richard Suckle and Steve Alexander will produce the feature along with Kickstart's Jason Netter and World Events Productions' (WEP) Ted Koplar.
A combination of fantasy, magic and mechanics, the famed transformation sequence of Voltron fused itself into the fabric of social and pop culture history and to this day, continues to be a part of the current zeitgeist.
“We are extremely excited about the prospect of a Voltron live-action movie, said Tod Koplar. “Unlike other robotic action movies, Voltron is the personification of the human spirit, a quality that will set this movie apart. We are thrilled that Chuck and his partners at Atlas have come aboard to help us expand the legacy of Votron into a new franchise.“
Added Roven, “It's undeniably impressive that Voltron has sustained itself globally for a quarter of a century, and Rich, Steve and I are excited to be a part of finally realizing it to the big screen.'
2009 marks the 25th anniversary of "Voltron", which since its debut in 1984 continues to be viewed in more than 50 countries worldwide.
ABOUT ATLAS ENTERTAINMENT
Atlas Entertainment, led by Co-Founder Charles Roven, is built on a stellar reputation of creative collaboration, innovation and fiscal responsibility, and its films have generated billions of dollars in revenues. Atlas Entertainment has developed a unique expertise in that it is equally comfortable producing tentpole films such as last summer's The Dark Knight and Get Smart, while never losing sight of its mission to make critically-acclaimed, independent films such as The Bank Job. The Dark Knight has become the second highest grossing movie of all-time generating over a billion dollars worldwide, and received eight Academy Award nominations and two wins for Best Performance by and Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Achievement in Sound Editing.
Atlas principals include a team of hands-on filmmakers led by Roven, his producing partner Alex Gartner and producers Richard Suckle, Steve Alexander and William Green. Executive Vice President Alan Glazer oversees the day-to-day operations of Atlas Entertainment. Atlas has a joint venture, Ace Media, with Steven Chasman, for film production and talent management. Atlas Entertainment recently signed a multi-year, first-look deal with Sony Pictures as well as a second-look, 6 picture deal with Relativity Media.
In 2008, Roven was honored with the ShoWest Producer of the Year award for his prolific contributions to the film industry. Roven's diverse credits include the Oscar®-nominated Twelve Monkeys, the $200-million fantasy romance City Of Angels, as well as the highly-acclaimed post-Gulf War tale Three Kings.
dditional credits include: Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins, which grossed over $370-million worldwide and features an all-star cast including Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Katie Holmes, Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman and Ken Watanabe; Universal/HBO Films' musical Idlewild starring Outkast's Andre Benjamin (Andre 3000) and Antwan Patton (Big Boi); Terry Gilliam's Brothers Grimm starring Matt Damon and Heath Ledger; and the $275-million-plus worldwide box office hit Scooby-Doo, and its sequel Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.
Atlas is currently in post-production on the Roven and Gartner produced Season of the Witch starring Nicolas Cage. The Relativity film will be released by Lionsgate on March 19, 2010. Atlas's film, The International directed by Tom Tykwer, produced by Roven and Suckle and starring Clive Owen and Naomi Watts is currently available on DVD.
Voltron Joins the Fight
3/26/2009
Privateer Press Announces VOLTRON: Defender of the Universe
Edition of MONSTERPOCALYPSE
Seattle WA. March 26, 2009-Privateer Press, Inc. and World Event Productions, Ltd. are proud to announce an agreement giving Privateer Press rights to license the widely popular Voltron Defender of the Universe for Privateer's hit collectible miniatures game Monsterpocalypse. The new set is expected to release in early 2010 and will feature iconic characters from the classic Voltron animated series.
Matt Wilson, Privateer Press' Chief Creative Officer and Monsterpocalypse creator, said about the agreement, Monsterpocalypse was created with the goal of being able to feature guest stars from our favorite films and TV shows that have done so much to inspire the creation of the game. Along with millions of other fans since Voltron hit our airwaves in the 80s, we at Privateer have all been in love with that indomitable Defender of the Universe, and we couldn't be more thrilled to see Voltron as the very first media celebrity to be featured in Monsterpocalypse.
Tiffany Ilardi, Managing Director of World Events, added, WEP is excited to bring fans of both Monsterpocalypse and Voltron together exclusively to further immerse themselves in the mythology and magic of Voltron. It's a perfect fit.
Jeremy Corray, Creative Director for WEP and head geek, concluded, Privateer Press' passion for play and devotion to detail will deliver, for the first time ever, a Voltron-themed tabletop game that will allow anyone behind the Lion to 'Form Blazing Sword' on wild new Robeast creations that fit perfectly in the Monsterpocalypse world. We can't wait!
The announcement comes as Voltron celebrates its 25th anniversary as a global animated icon and the brand builds towards new entertainment announcements, including a big-budget live-action movie on the scale of Transformers. Join the celebration at www.voltron.com
More information regarding pricing and release dates, as well as news regarding the Monsterpocalypse: Voltron set, will be announced as it becomes available on www.monsterpocalypse.com.
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About the Monsterpocalypse Collectible Miniatures Game
Monsterpocalypse, the collectible miniatures game (CMG), brings the giant-monster genre a pop culture favorite to the tabletop in the form of a fast-paced, action-packed game. Designed by Matt Wilson, the award-winning creator of WARMACHINE and HORDES, Monsterpocalypse leverages the critically acclaimed abilities of Privateer Press as a leading miniatures manufacturer to enter a new category of product with a property that appeals to a worldwide fan base of all ages. Players can visit www.monsterpocalypse.com for game previews and updates.
About Privateer Press, Inc.
Privateer Press, Inc. is a privately held producer of entertainment and hobby brands based in the Seattle area. Its products include the newly released Monsterpocalypse collectible miniatures game, the award-winning WARMACHINE and HORDES hobby miniatures games, the award-winning Iron Kingdoms property, Bodger Games, the full-color No Quarter Magazine, and the Formula P3 hobby line. To learn more about Privateer Press, visit www.privateerpress.com or contact the president, Sherry Yeary, at (425) 643-5900 or sherry@privateerpress.com.
About World Event Productions
World Events Productions (WEP) is a St. Louis-based Koplar Communications International Company specializing in the international licensing, production, and distribution of animated television entertainment and the sole licensor of all Voltron properties worldwide. World Events Productions properties are licensed throughout the world with presence in more than 60 countries. More information on other WEP properties can be found at www.wep.com.
©2009 Privateer Press, Inc. Privateer Press, WARMACHINE®, HORDES, Iron Kingdoms, No Quarter Magazine, Bodger, Formula P3, and Monsterpocalypse® and their logos are trademarks of Privateer Press, Inc. Voltron, Voltron: Defender of the Universe, and their logos are registered trademarks of World Event Productions, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Used under license.
Denver on DVD
3/15/2008
Last week we gave you the details about WEP's (World Events Productions) plans for Denver, the Last Dinosaur - Volume 1 as an exclusive online release with 10 episodes and a few extras. At the time we knew that it would ship on October 8th, and sell exclusively through WEP's online store at Voltron.com, but it wasn't ready for pre-order and the price wasn't available just yet. Now that's changed, and you can order your copy for $24.95 right away. What's more, this is a VERY limited run of only 1000 copies, so hurry up and get yours lined up, before the Dinosaur disappears once more!
Voltron Vol 5: Black Lion now on DVD.
3/13/2008
When it was announced that Voltron would be released on DVD I have to admit that I did a little jump for joy. Well, ok, it was more of a hop but the point is I was pretty excited about this classic series finally being available. Scratch that, Voltron goes beyond classic. This was a staple of adolescent males growing up in the 80's no matter if you lived in Japan or America.
Originally known as GoLion in Japan, Voltron was the revision that kids here in the United States received. It doesn't really matter if the version we got in the States was edited because for better or worse the show was damn popular. A toy line, comic books, sequel series, and a rumored movie (upcoming) are all an example of the show's success
