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Plus: MGM secures new $1bn credit facility; Digimon Adventure gets Us release; and more…

Disney Pixar’s Finding Dory has become the fastest animated feature to pass $300m in North American box office, according to Disney.

The Finding Nemo sequel, released in the Us on June 17, passed the box office benchmark in 12 days, reaching $311.2m by the end of Tuesday (June 28). That made the film the eleventh animated feature to pass $300m domestically and beat the 18 days that Shrek 2 and Toy Story 3 took to reach the mark.

Globally, Finding Dory has taken $433m, including $121.8m from international markets. It opens in Brazil and the Netherlands this weekend and has openings in Korea, Mexico, Japan, the UK, Italy and Germany still to come.

• MGM has secured a new $1bn five-year revolving credit facility arranged by J P Morgan Chase with a syndicate of lenders. The new facility replaces MGM’s existing $665m facility.

• Eleven Arts and [link...

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Fringe, Supernatural, Bob's Burgers... zombies pop up in all kinds of surprising places. Remember that time Ramsay Street was invaded?

Back in the 80s and 90s, the only groups regularly enjoying zombie movies were habitually stoned students, young lads looking to prove their mettle by lobbing VHS grenades of gore at each other's minds, and great sweating giants with mutton-chops corseted into two-sizes-too-small Iron Maiden T-shirts. Very few couples partook of the genre; liver-ripping and eye-gouging was rarely seen as the essential romantic complement to an evening entwined on the couch.

Aside from George A Romero’s satirical side-swipes at society, the majority of zombie movies were gloriously nasty, schlocky yuck-fests, with names like ‘Return Of The Great Zombie Intenstine Carnival III’, 'Zombies! Zombies, Oh, Christ Zombies, They're Eating My Eyes!' and ‘I Claw-hammered My Zombie Grandma’S Head Off’. Anyone with access to a video camera,...

Featuring: Pat Mills, Grant Morrison, Neil Gaiman, Kevin O’Neill, David Bishop, John Wagner, Dave Gibbons, Dan Abnett, Alan Grant | Directed by Paul Goodwin

The latest in a long-line of pop-culture documentaries that capture the zeitgeist of their particular subject matter, Future Shock! The Story of 2000Ad tells the story of the UK science-fiction comic that changed the face of the industry – a comprehensive overview of its history, a warts-and-all. A peek inside the creative process of its most famous creators, and a funny, moving and passionate chronicle of how a band of talented eccentrics assembled to create a visionary and extraordinary comic that’s still a game-changer 36 years on.

First published in 1977, 2000Ad was violent, anti-authoritarian, blackly funny and above all, idiosyncratically British… and was – at its birth – seen as a dangerous, anarchic and totally anti-establishment. Yet it’s hard to comprehend, as someone who grew up seeing 2000Ad on the shelves of newsagents,...

Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars season three is going to be filled with drama, drama, drama! When the We-tv series returns for a third season in May, the cast is going to give Boot Camp Directors Jim and Elizabeth Carroll, who are joined by co-directors Ilsa Norman and David Bishop, a run for their money. And E! News has your exclusive first look at the couples who are about to get broken down so they can build their relationship back up. This season's couples include Kendra Wilkinson & Hank Baskett from Kendra on Top, Jersey Shore's  Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino & Lauren Pesce, Celebrity Apprentice and Making the Band's Aubrey O'Day & Travis Garland, Basketball...

Exclusive: There is anxiety in Culver City today as word gets around on the Sony lot that significant layoffs are coming as soon as Monday. “You wouldn’t be wrong to describe it as a high state of panic over here,” said one. I will disclose the layoff specifics when I learn them, but it’s not a surprise that this is happening; it was considered an eventuality when Sony hired Bain & Company to figure out a way to cut $100 million in operating costs across movies, TV and the music operations. Staffers from that consulting company have made their presence felt on the lot. This attempt to run more efficiently came out of the discussions that Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton had with Kazuo Hirai after minority shareholder Daniel Loeb ragged on the studio after a string of flop films that included After Earth and White House Down. My sources...

Man Jit Singh has been named president of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, replacing David Bishop. Bishop is set to depart his post in March after the expiration of his contract. He had been with the company since 2006. Singh will report to Michael Lynton, CEO of Sony Entertainment, and Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment. Singh, who was previously CEO of Multi Screen Media Pvt. Ltd., the operating company that manages Sony Pictures Television’s TV networks in India, will continue as non-executive chairman at Msm while transitioning from his role in the television division to his new

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The management shake-up at Sony continues with the news that David Bishop, president of home entertainment, will leave the studio in March 2014. Sony chose not to renew Bishop's contact. He had been with the studio since 2006. "It's been a rewarding run at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and I am extremely proud of the organization and all we have accomplished in an exciting, evolving marketplace," said Bishop in a statement. Story: What's Really Behind Sony Pictures' Hiring of Michael De Luca The news about Bishop comes on the heels of several other high-profile firings, including the

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Breaking: David Bishop, president of Sony‘s Home Entertainment division, is leaving when his current contract expires in March, the company said today. No replacement has been named, but it’s the latest big move at Sony which has been making news of late with its restructuring activities in the Sony Pictures Entertainment realm that includes a renewed focus on its TV biz while paring down its annual film slate after weak results on the movie side. That revamp includes swapping out marketing chief Marc Weinstock for digital marketing head Dwight Caines and the departure of longtime Sony Pictures media relations topper Steve Elzer. “During his tenure, David played a tremendous role in building the home entertainment organization we have in place today: an innovative business that can compete aggressively in the evolving digital marketplace.” Spe boss Michael Lynton said today. “We appreciate his many contributions to the company and...

David Bishop will step down as president of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, the studio said Wednesday. His departure comes as the studio is shaking up its ranks and cutting back on staff and overhead costs following a lackluster summer, marred by the release of box office duds such as “White House Down,” “After Earth” and “Elysium.” Bishop will leave Sony Pictures in March 2014 after his contract expires. An insider said a replacement is expected to be named soon. “During his tenure, David played a tremendous role in building the home entertainment organization we have in place today: an innovative business that can.

I have emails out to several parties regarding this news as the Home Media Magazine article announcing a deal between Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (Sphe) and the Criterion Collection isn't entirely clear. Word is, however, Sony and Criterion have reached a multi-year distribution and administrative deal that would have Sony handling "distribution, replication, inventory management, shipping and accounts receivable for Criterion." What does this meanc Does this mean a distribution deal for all of Criterion's upcoming catalogc Does it mean a deal to handle Criterion releases of Sony owned titlesc Whatc Criterion CEO Jonathan Turell says of the deal, "We're proud to release many great films from Sony's library in Criterion and very much look forward to continuing our long relationship. We think they are an ideal partner as we look forward to expanding our direct relationships with our key customers." This doesn't really give us too many answers, but...

The La-based Digital Entertainment Group marked its 17th year as the home entertainment industry’s leading association by promoting Amy Jo Smith to President. In addition to promoting Smith, the Deg realigned its Steering Committee positions for the 2013-14 fiscal year. Vice Chairs will be David Bishop, President, Sony Pictures Worldwide Home Entertainment, Craig Kornblau, President, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Mike Dunn, President, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Steve Beeks, Co-Chief Operating Officer & President, Motion Picture Group, Lionsgate remains Chief Financial Officer. Robert Rose, Deg’s General Counsel, also takes over the responsibility of Corporate Secretary. Board Members include Bill Sondheim of Gaiaim Vivendi Entertainment, Sofia Chang of HBO Home Entertainment, Tom McDonough of Intel Media Services, Blair Westlake of Microsoft, Gene Kelsey of Panasonic, Dennis Maguire of Paramount Home Media Distribution, Darren Stupak of Sony Music Entertainment, Jim Belcher of Universal Music Group and Lori MacPherson of Walt Disney Studios.

We tv has ordered a 10th season of popular reality series Bridezillas, along with a new spinoff, Marriage Bootcamp: Bridezillas, which follows five bridezillas trying to save their marriages — all while living under one roof. We tv also has picked up a sixth season of celebrity wedding and event planner David Tutera’s My Fair Wedding With David Tutera, now titled David Tutera Unveiled, which features Tutera planning and executing weddings and other over-the-top soirees. We tv has ordered 22 hourlong episodes of Bridezillas, nine episodes of Marriage Bootcamp: Bridezillas, and eight episodes of David Tutera Unveiled for summer. Here is more information on Marriage Bootcamp: Bridezillas: Marriage Bootcamp: Bridezillas features five outrageous Bridezillas and their husbands living together in the same house for an extreme marriage boot camp in an effort to work out their marriage demons and answer the burning question – Is their marriage worth saving? Couples whose marriages...

Execs from five Hollywood studios joined Consumer Electronics Association president and CEO Gary Shapiro for his CES opening keynote to launch an UltraViolet promotion that Warner Home Video president Ron Sanders described as a "bold new partnership between the consumer electronics industry and Hollywood." Joining Sanders for the announcement: Steve Beeks, Lionsgate’s co-coo and president of its motion picture group; David Bishop, president, worldwide, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment; Mike Dunn, president of Fox Home Entertainment; and Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Story: CES 2013: Sony Pictures, Universal, Warner Bros. Choose Dolby Digital Plus for Ultraviolet Content

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Epic Grandeur Captured In Blu-ray Gift Set

By Raymond Benson

It’s probably the quintessential motion picture epic. If you’re looking for an intimate story told on a grand scale, an adventure set in an exotic location and against the backdrop of significant historical events, and an engrossing portrait of an important First World War figure… seek no further. Lawrence of Arabia has it all. This 1962 roadshow attraction from arguably Britain’s greatest director, David Lean, Lawrence is simply a magnificent achievement—both technically and artistically. With star power such as Peter O’Toole (in his first major role), Omar Sharif, Anthony Quinn, Alec Guinness, Claude Rains, Jack Hawkins, and Jose Ferrer, and a master cinematographer such as Freddie Young, Lawrence of Arabia is not only gorgeous to look at, it is dramatically compelling.

O’Toole states that on the first day of shooting, Lean told him, “We...

London – Protagonist Pictures, the sales company that counts U.K. broadcaster Channel 4's stanalone film arm Film4, production banner Vertigo Films and financier Ingenious Media among its shareholders, has rung the changes at the top. Protagonist CEO Mike Goodridge has hired Revolver Entertainment's head of acquisitions David Bishop as joint director of sales alongside Nada Cirjanic, Protagonist's sales director. Also arriving at Protagonist is Jennifer Fattell, who joins the company from A+E Television Networks as sales manager. Fattell will report to Cirjanic and Bishop. “In an invigorating year of change at Protagonist, it’s very exciting to announce our expanded

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Among the most famous British comic book characters, lawman of the future Judge Dredd is coming to cinemas worldwide next month.

Never mind Sylvester Stallone's 1995 effort, latest adaptation Dredd is a gritty new take directed by Pete Travis and starring Karl Urban.

And to accompany that event, 2000 Ad - in whose comic book pages the Judge was introduced - has teamed up with publishers Abaddon for a trio of tales from the mean streets of Mega-City One.

The 704-page omnibus edition, also titled Dredd, is out now at comic book stores, bookshops and online retailers including Amazon. A full description is included below.

Official description

This September 21, movie audiences across the world will be plunged into the dark and nasty world of Judge Dredd, the future lawman from the pages of legendary British comic book 2000 Ad.

Dredd 3D is the R-rated adaptation of the comic book from DNA Films,...

The Digital Entertainment Group recently unveiled its new top leadership, which will lead the industry trade group through the upcoming fiscal year.Following its annual meeting in mid July, the group's voting member companies elected Bill Sondheim of Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment, John Taylor of LG Electronics USA, Mike Lucas of Sony Electronics, and Michael Paull of Sony Music Entertainment to serve on its board for the 2012–13 fiscal year.Moreover, the Los Angeles–based nonprofit, which advocates for the home entertainment industry, announced Steve Beeks of Lionsgate will serve as the chief financial officer for its five-person Steering Committee. The other members elected to two-year terms include President Ron Sanders, of Warner Home Video, Vice Presidents David Bishop, of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, and Craig Kornblau of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, and Secretary Mike Dunn of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. “We are enthusiastic about the Deg’s 16th year with the new Steering Committee.

The La-based Digital Entertainment Group marked its 16th year as the home entertainment industry’s leading association with the announcement of its new Board of Directors and Officers. They serve as the Steering Committee for the 2012-13 fiscal year (August 1 – July 31). New to the Board are Bill Sondheim of Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment, John Taylor of LG Electronics USA, Mike Lucas of Sony Electronics, and Michael Paull of Sony Music Entertainment. New to the Steering Committee is Steve Beeks of Lionsgate, who is the group’s CFO. He joins President Ron Sanders of Warner Home Video, Vice President David Bishop of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Vice President Craig Kornblau of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Secretary Mike Dunn of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Board Members include Henry McGee of HBO Home Entertainment, Blair Westlake of Microsoft, Eisuke Tsuyuzaki of Panasonic, Dennis Maguire of Paramount Home Media Distribution, Marty Gordon of Philips Electronics,...

The La-based Digital Entertainment Group marked its 16th year as the home entertainment industry’s leading association with the announcement of its new Board of Directors and Officers. They serve as the Steering Committee for the 2012-13 fiscal year (August 1 – July 31). New to the Board are Bill Sondheim of Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment, John Taylor of LG Electronics USA, Mike Lucas of Sony Electronics, and Michael Paull of Sony Music Entertainment. New to the Steering Committee is Steve Beeks of Lionsgate, who is the group’s CFO. He joins President Ron Sanders of Warner Home Video, Vice President David Bishop of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Vice President Craig Kornblau of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Secretary Mike Dunn of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Board Members include Henry McGee of HBO Home Entertainment, Blair Westlake of Microsoft, Eisuke Tsuyuzaki of Panasonic, Dennis Maguire of Paramount Home Media Distribution, Marty Gordon of Philips Electronics,...

London, UK (March 27, 2012) – Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (Sphe) UK today announced three of the studio’s hottest summer releases, Jack & Jill, The Vow and 21 Jump Street, will arrive in stores through June and July 2012 with UltraViolet digital versions of the movies included with their respective Blu-ray Discs™ and DVDs. After a customer purchases a Blu-ray Disc or DVD with UltraViolet and creates their free cloud-based UltraViolet account, they will be able to access their movie through any UltraViolet-compatible service or device – from PCs and tablets to TVs and smart phones. UltraViolet gives users unprecedented freedom and flexibility to download and stream their movies most anywhere they can access the Internet. Users can even share their library with up to six family members in their household account. David Bishop, President, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment commented that “Our goal at Sphe is to make content ownership more convenient and flexible in the evolving digital marketplace.

Culver City, Calif. (March 20, 2012) – Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (Sphe) today announced that Jim Underwood has been appointed Executive Vice President, Worldwide Digital and Commercial Strategy, reporting to David Bishop, Sphe President. Promoted from the role of Executive Vice President, Corporate Development at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Underwood will now be responsible for Sphe’s transactional digital business around the world and will develop and implement the studio’s integrated strategy for the home entertainment market across all channels of distribution. In his new role, he will oversee Sphe’s digital distribution, digital strategy and operations, commercial planning, and business affairs groups. Jason Spivak will continue to lead the team responsible for Sphe’s transactional digital distribution, reporting to Underwood. “With technology changing the way consumers collect and experience our products, Jim has the right background and expertise to keep Sphe at the forefront of new and emerging business models during this...

Kevin Harrington has revealed his pleasure at recently landing a lead role in a new ABC telemovie. The Australian actor, who is best known for playing David Bishop in Neighbours and Lewis Moran in Underbelly, has been training for 90 minutes every day in order to play country potato farmer-turned marathon runner Cliff Young in Cliffy. Harrington told the Herald Sun: "I'm absolutely rapt. It's an honour to be doing this because Cliff's story is incredible. I have such a vivid recollection of what he achieved. "I've been training since early December and have lost 11kg so far. I've got a place up the country and I've been quietly running around (in gumboots). Luckily nobody has driven past me while I've been doing it because they probably wouldn't believe it. Running in (more)...

To coincide with the rollout of 3D electronics hardware from Sony Electronics, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (Sphe) today announced the studio will begin releasing 3D content on Blu-ray Discâ„¢ worldwide in 2010.

The first planned Sphe Blu-ray 3D release will be the recent animated blockbuster “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs,” timed to the availability of Sony Electronics’ 3D compatible Bravia® LCD TVs and 3D compatible Blu-ray disc players in the summer of 2010. More information about the upcoming Blu-ray 3D edition of “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs,” as well as other future Sphe Blu-ray 3D releases, will be announced in the Spring of 2010.

“3D entertainment on Blu-ray is poised to revolutionize the home viewing experience in much the same way that high-definition televisions and Blu-ray Disc have over the past several years,” said Sphe worldwide president David Bishop. “Sphe is proud to lead the way in providing compelling 3D entertainment...

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment said Thursday that it will release 3D movies on Blu-ray Disc worldwide for the first time, beginning in the summer with the animated release "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs."

The launch is aimed to coincide with the summer arrival of Sony Electronics' 3D compatible Bravia LCD televisions and 3D compatible Blu-ray disc players.

"3D entertainment on Blu-ray is poised to revolutionize the home viewing experience in much the same way that high-definition televisions and Blu-ray Disc have over the past several years," said David Bishop, global president of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

By Daniel Frankel

“This time last year, we were all pretty depressed. We wouldn’t have shown up here,” quipped Sony Pictures Home Entertainment president David Bishop, expressing the mood of his industry at Tuesday’s “Blu-Con 2.0” trade event at the Beverly Hilton.

Indeed, after watching the DVD market precipitously fall 10 percent since it peaked in 2004, cratering a disastrous 6 percent last year to $22.4 billion, Bishop, along with the three other home entertainment presidents being questioned by Merrill Lynch senior media analyst Jessica Reif Cohen on a morning ...

Edinburgh's Napier University has become the first institute in Britain to offer the academic study of comic books and graphic novels. The university has incorporated the module into its masters level creative writing course. The subject will be taught by tutors with experience in the industry, including former 2000 Ad and Judge Dredd Megazine editor David Bishop. "Some of the most exciting and innovative work emerges from genre fiction. We're embracing the kinds of creative writing that get ignored or patronised by other courses," Bishop said. Programme leader and tutor Sam Kelly added: "We're expecting (more)...

Starring Sylvester McCoy as the Seventh Doctor with companions Ace (Sophie Aldred) and Hex (Philip Olivier), Big Finish released David Bishop's Enemy of the Daleks in May to a great response. Bliss used to be a paradise planet. The Galapagos Islands of space. But when the Tardis brings the Doctor, Ace and Hex to Bliss, it’s been over-run with ironweed plants, and the air is heavy with the stench of burnt silk and static electricity. Worse, the Daleks are coming, on the trail of a...