Monday, September 27, 2010

Chinese Entertainment Co. Buys Share In Legendary Pictures



Legendary Pictures, the co-producers (with Warner Bros.) of the new American-made Godzilla movie (due to be released in 2012) are now partly owned by a Chinese entertainment company.

The Hollywood Reporter reports:

BEIJING -- It's finally happened: a Chinese entertainment company has bought a piece of Hollywood.

Though Chengtian Entertainment is a subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed Orange Sky Golden Harvest Entertainment, the company that on Monday bought a 3.3% share of "Inception" producers Legendary Pictures of Los Angeles is Beijing-based and focused squarely on China's booming entertainment market.

After months of speculation that a cash-rich Chinese bidder, or one from Bollywood, might pick up a debt laden Hollywood property such as MGM, Chengtian CEO Chen Xiaowei, formerly president of Nasdaq-listed The9 -- one of China's largest online gaming companies -- called Chengtian's partnership with hit-factory Legendary a "match built in heaven."

"Chengtian and Legendary will produce and distribute films in China and around the world and also produce and distribute games," Chen told The Hollywood Reporter before boarding an airplane to meet Legendary founder Thomas Tull for the first time.


It appears the acquisition of a 3.3% share in Legendary Pictures is hoped to pay off for the Chinese at the cash register. Ka-ching!

To read the full article, go here.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Putting Legendary Pictures Godzilla 3D (2012) Into Perspective (Part 2)

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Not too long after the rumor about Legendary Pictures proposed "Godzilla" movie hit the net back in August of 2009, fellow MIN writer Armand Vaquer published a very insightful article about his attempts to verify the rumor through his contacts at Toho and what he thought of a Hollywood reboot of the beloved monster franchise.

Since that time we have learned that the rumor was indeed true and Legendary Pictures officially announced it's plans for a new "Godzilla" film several months later in March of this year. However, many aspects of the film have remained top-secret, leading to many unsubstantiated rumors about what we could expect to see come 2012.

Now, after hearing Brian Roger's comments from the 3D Entertainment Summit in Los Angeles this past weekend, I thought it would be a good idea to once again try and put some perspective on what we now know about "Godzilla 3D 2012"

As many fans had already speculated Legendary Pictures upcoming "Godzilla" film actually had it's roots in the unmade Yoshimitsu Banno film "Godzilla 3D To The Max". After Banno tried, and failed, to get his sequel to "Godzilla vs Hedorah" (1971) produced by two separate independent digital film studios he just so happened to cross paths with Rogers, who thought the idea would work if it was produced by a bigger studio. In 2007 the two film makers approached Toho about their plans and were able to secure the rights to produce a 3D Godzilla film here in America.

Though all of these negotiations took place in private behind closed doors, rumors of a 3d Godzilla film were still persistent throughout 2008 and 2009 leading many people, including myself, to speculate that "3D To The Max" was still going forward. Imdb even listed a 2011 release date for the film that lead to more rumors and speculation among American Godzilla fans.

The first thing the interviewer wanted to know was whether Legendary Pictures was going to redesign Godzilla? Rogers was quick to point out that they had no intention of following in the footsteps of Tristar's "G98", the film would feature the Japanese Godzilla, end of story.

Rogers was also quick to put the 'man-in-a-suit vs CGI' battle to rest, stating that this time around Godzilla would be a computer generated monster, not an animated character, but a live-action monster.

That, of course, probably won't sit well with many G purists out there, but in the modern world of film making, that's how it goes.

I don't agree with it, but they didn't ask me for my input did they.

Ever since the film was first announced there has been a lot of heated debate amongst G fans on whether the film should be a modern remake of the original "Gojira" (1954) or a totally original reboot of the monster franchise? Roger's stated that the film would indeed be a reboot, not a remake. The film maker also noted that he believed Legendary Pictures was the perfect studio to handle the delicate job of reinventing Godzilla in the same way that Christopher Nolan reworked the "Batman" franchise and J.J. Abrams reinvisioned "Star Trek" for a modern audience.

I'm sure that we can all breathe a little easier after hearing those comments. It would seem that Legendary Pictures is taking the whole thing seriously.

Rogers also revealed that Godzilla would not be the only monster in the film and that there would be a fight between Big G and another monster, possibly monsters, stating that he knew that is what the fans would want to see. The film maker, however, did not reveal whether or not these monsters would be from Toho's library of creatures, like Mothra or Ghidorah, or brand-new creations.

Let the rumors begin on that one.

Oh, and before I forget, that alleged Godzilla pic that was floating around the Net a few months back is not the new Godzilla. Rogers squashed that one as well.

Okay lets recap, the film will be in 3D, a CGI Godzilla, Japanese Godzilla not GINO, Godzilla vs unknown monsters and it will be like Nolan's "Batman" films.

Sounds pretty damn good to me!

Of course, what Rogers didn't talk about was a director, which has also been the subject of much debate and speculation. I guess that we will still need to be patient on that front.

According to the film maker "Godzilla" is still scheduled for a 2012 release, though he did leave the door open for a possible change.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Godzilla 2012: Brian Rogers On Legendary Pictures Film Plans



Brian Rogers answers questions on "Godzilla 2012 3D"!

Godzilla to be CGI ....... and will fight another monster!

Praise God!

Kaiju Kobayashi, R.I.P.


The man who played the intense prime minister who stopped the United States and the Soviet Union from going to war after Godzilla attacked a Soviet nuclear submarine has passed away.


Left, Keiju Kobayashi.









Kyodo News is reporting:

Keiju Kobayashi, whose earnest performances endeared him to viewers throughout his nearly seven-decade long career, died of heart failure at a Tokyo hospital Thursday, his agency said Saturday. He was 86.


Kobayashi played Prime Minister Mitamura in Return of Godzilla (1984) (a.k.a. Godzilla 1985) in a very memorable performance. In that movie, the United States and the Soviet Union were about to go to war after a Soviet submarine was sunk by Godzilla. As the prime minister, he disclosed the real culprit for the sinking to both governments, thus averting war. He also resisted the U.S. and U.S.S.R. ambassadors' demands to use nuclear weapons against Godzilla.

His career spanned seven decades with his most recent role in Koisuru kanojo, nishi e. (2008).

Kobayashi appeared in roles ranging from prime ministers to police detectives in over 260 movies and television dramas.

He was also the recipient of medals of honor from the Japanese government for his achievements and cultural contributions.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Spotlight On: National Diet Building

Above, the National Diet Building in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Spotlight On: National Diet Building

by Armand Vaquer

(Originally published in G-FAN #88, Summer 2009)

The National Diet Building is Japan's capitol building. It first appeared in Godzilla (1954) and in several other Godzilla films, most recently in 2003's Godzilla x Mothra x Mechagodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. The Diet (Japan's Parliament) consists of the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives. Next to Tokyo Tower, the National Diet Building suffered the most damage in Godzilla movies by a Tokyo building.

In 1910, the Finance Ministry started a commission in an attempt to take control over the new Diet Building design from the Home Ministry. Prime Minister Katsura Tarô chaired the commission, which recommended that the new building emulate an Italian Renaissance architectural style. This recommendation was criticized by many who thought that choice to be too arbitrary.

The ministry sponsored a public design competition in 1918, and 118 designs were submitted for the new building. The first prize winner was Watanabe Fukuzo.

The Diet Building was eventually constructed with a floor plan based on Watanabe's entry. The roof and tower of the building were inspired by another entrant, third prize winner Takeuchi Shinshichi, and are believed to have been chosen because they reflected a more modern hybrid architecture than the purely European and East Asian designs proposed by other architects. The 1936 landmark building southwest of the Imperial Palace is known for its pyramid-shaped cap, and inside are cushy chairs and fantastical mosaics.

Above, iconic scene of Godzilla trampling a wing of the Diet Building in 1954. Copyright 1954 Toho Co., Ltd.

In Godzilla, the Diet Building had one of its wings trampled by Godzilla and in Godzilla x Mothra x Mechagodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S., the entire tower section gets demolished during the battle between Mechagodzilla and Godzilla. When Godzilla was first released in 1954, Japanese audiences applauded the scene of Godzilla's rampage through the building.

King Kong, with Mie Hama in hand, stood atop the building's tower in King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) and Mothra used it to build her cocoon in Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992). Distance shots of the building could also be seen in Monster Zero (1965) and in Godzilla x Mechagodzilla (2002).

*****

Note: Tour information for the National Diet Building is included in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

GODZILLA 2012 Producer Brian Rogers To Speak At 3D ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: 3D Summit.com

To say that any news on Legendary Pictures upcoming 3D "Godzilla" film has been scarce is an incredible understatement. After the studio announced the film way back in March, and promised that news on a director was forthcoming, it went into total silence mode.

Since that time there have been a few rumors, one that Tim Burton was being courted as either a producer or director, a t-shirt at this years Comic Con, and that's about it.

Now, possibly, we may get some 'real' info about the film from producer Brian Rogers who will be speaking at this years 3D Entertainment Summit in Los Angeles. The event, which will be held at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City on September 15th and 16th, will feature a all the big names in the 3D entertainment field from video games to movies.

It is certain, that if Rogers is going to be in attendance, then he will undoubtedly be talking about "Godzilla 2012 3D", and for the first time since the film was announced we will be getting some real 'meat-and-potatoes' information to talk about ............. let's hope.

Here is Rogers info from the event's website:

Brian began producing 3-D projects in 1992. His latest project is the motion picture "Godzilla" for Legendary Pictures and Warner Brothers Studios. He has an extensive background in visual effects driven, ground breaking, new technology projects and has worked in all 3-D formats including 65 mm; 35 mm and High Definition digital capture including producing the world’s first high definition digital 3-D production. He has worked for several Visual Effects houses including Digital Domain, Rhythm & Hues and R, Greenburg / Imaginary Forces.

Here is some more information about the event from their press release:

Unicomm, LLC and The Bob Dowling Group announced today that the 3D Entertainment Summit(TM), presented in association with Variety and featuring an all-star lineup of entertainment and business executives, has already more than doubled attendees and sponsors/exhibitors over last year's record event. The third annual Summit will be held September 15-16, 2010 at the Hilton Los Angeles in Universal City, CA.

"The 3D revolution across all entertainment mediums is driving unprecedented interest in this industry leading event and we are expecting a sold-out conference," said John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, LLC. "Particularly exciting will be the record number of senior executives attending from the major Hollywood studios, TV broadcasting companies, consumer electronics manufacturers and national cinema chains."

Keynote Speakers at the Summit include Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation SKG; writer/director M. Night Shyamalan (The Last Airbender; The Sixth Sense), Chris Cookson, President of Sony Pictures Technologies, John Rubey, President, AEG Network LIVE, Michael V. Lewis, Chairman/CEO RealD, David Bishop, President, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Vince Pace, CEO, PACE and Bryan Burns, VP, Strategic Business Planning and Development, ESPN.

In addition to keynote addresses and panels, the Summit will feature a state-of-the-art 3D Entertainment Lounge(TM) where attendees can experience a variety of interactive 3D Entertainment systems and see what they just heard about. The sold out exhibits area features leading edge entertainment companies showcasing everything from 3D display cell phones, the latest 3D TV's and video games to even a thirty foot Dome presentation system.

The highly interactive, discussion-driven environment of the Summit allows entertainment professionals the opportunity to gain practical insight into 3D technology, market considerations, adoption rates, creative and production strategies, and talent and licensing issues to gain a better sense of how 3D relates to their future.

Here is the address:

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
555 Universal Hollywood Dr.
Universal City, CA 91608

To Register Online Click Here

Don't get your hopes up about attending this baby, unless you have a lot of spare cash lying around, tickets range from $845 to $1,145 per day.

Geez, and I thought the tickets to Star Trek conventions were high?

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Top Five Godzilla/Kaiju Books

Top Five Godzilla/Kaiju Books

by Armand Vaquer

With Christmas just around the corner, it is worthwhile to take a look at what English language, mass-market books to buy for the newbie or longtime kaiju fan.

Most of these books are still available through various sources such as Amazon.com, eBay, Barnes and Noble, Border's Books, etc.

So if you are wondering what to buy, here's my top five Godzilla books:


Number One. Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters by August Ragone is the top book to pick up without question. Ragone is thorough in his research on the genius of Japanese special effects with many rare photographs. Toho Co., Ltd. and Tsuburaya Productions cooperated in the production of this book and it shows! Hardcover.




Number Two. Japan's Favorite Mon-Star by Steve Ryfle is a valuable reference book on the history of the Godzilla movies. Although dated (this one cries out for an update as it ends with the 1998 U.S. Godzilla), Ryfle's research on the King of the Monsters makes this a must-have in your book collection. Softcover.




Number Three. Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men: The Fantastic Cinema of Ishiro Honda by Peter H. Brothers is the first (it came out last year) English language biography of Japan's top director of science-fiction and fantasy films. Although it has no photos and there's some glaring typos, this is a must-have book for G-fans. Softcover.





Number Four. Monsters Are Attacking Tokyo! by Stuart Galbraith IV is a collection of interviews of actors, directors, special effects directors and others organized by topic. Although the organizing could have been better executed (some fans feel it is too disjointed), it is a valuable resource as it includes interviews with some who have since passed on. Softcover.




Number Five. Godzilla On My Mind by William Tsutsui is a tome of what Godzilla means to fans. If you're looking for a filmography, this isn't the book for you. But if you're interested in Godzilla and his pop-culture influence, grab this book. Softcover.

Others


A Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series, 2d ed. by David Kalat. This edition just came out and I haven't read it yet. But, I am told that it is an excellent book on the Godzilla series. It is available at Amazon.com. Hardcover.




The Official Godzilla Compendium by J. D. Lees and Marc Ceracini is long out of print and if one can find one, it is generally pricey. It is a good introductory book aimed at the small-fry fan. It has reached the status of a collectors' item. Softcover.




The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan by Armand Vaquer came out this year and is a travel guide to Japan tailored to fans of Japanese science-fiction and fantasy films featuring movie locations, attractions, transportation and accommodations. Magazine format.
"LEGENDARY PICTURES TO DEVELOP AND PRODUCE MAJOR MOTION PICTURE BASED ON TOHO COMPANY’S ICONIC MONSTER, GODZILLA

Burbank, CA – March 29, 2010 – Legendary Pictures announced today that they will develop and produce a new film based on Toho Company’s famed GODZILLA character. Through the terms of the agreement, Legendary Pictures has acquired the rights to produce a movie inspired by Toho’s Godzilla, a franchise the Japanese company created and has nurtured for over fifty years.

Toho’s GODZILLA franchise boasts one of the most widely recognized film creatures worldwide, resulting in a series of books, television programs, video games and more than 25 films worldwide. Legendary intends to approach the film and its characters in the most authentic manner possible. The company will, in the near future, announce a filmmaker to helm the film for an intended 2012 release. The film will fall under the company’s co-production and co-financing deal with Warner Bros. Toho will distribute the film in Japan."

"Godzilla" is coming back -- this time, with Legendary Pictures taking the lead, co-producing and co-financing with Warner Bros. for release in 2012.

Legendary announced Monday it had obtained rights to the iconic monster character from Japan's Toho Co., which has overseen more than 25 "Godzilla" films. Toho will release the pic in Japan.

Legendary said it's planning to announce a director shortly.

In addition to Legendary, producers on the new film will be Dan Lin, Roy Lee and Brian Rogers. Yoshimitsu Banno, Kenji Okuhira and Doug Davison will exec produce.

"Godzilla is one of the world's most powerful pop culture icons, and we at Legendary are thrilled to be able to create a modern epic based on this long-loved Toho franchise," said Thomas Tull, Chairman and CEO of Legendary. "Our plans are to produce the Godzilla that we, as fans, would want to see. We intend to do justice to those essential elements that have allowed this character to remain as pop-culturally relevant for as long as it has."

Legendary noted the film will fall under its co-production and co-financing deal with Warner Bros. Legendary's productions with Warners have included "The Dark Knight," "300" and "The Hangover."

Speculation about a new "Godzilla" has been active since last summer. The Bloody Disgusting web site reported in August that the project was in development.