Saturday, May 25, 2013

Springfield Comes to Life at Universal Orlando This Summer

ENTER THE WORLD OF SPRINGFIELD LIKE NEVER BEFORE - 
ONLY AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT!

ORLANDO, Fla. (May 23, 2013) - Woo Hoo! Springfield, hometown to America’s favorite animated family, The Simpsons, comes to life at Universal Orlando Resort this summer. 

The expansive, new area within Universal Studios will be anchored by the mega-attraction, The Simpsons Ride, and will allow guests to enter the world of The Simpsons like never before. It will be the only place in the world where guests can walk the streets of Springfield. It will include a brand-new outdoor attraction, places and foods pulled right from the show and two new Simpsons characters who will make their debut with the new area – Krusty the Clown and Sideshow Bob. 

And yes – there will be Duff Beer, brewed exclusively for Universal Orlando. 

For the first time ever – anywhere – fans will be able to walk down Fast Food Boulevard and visit the places that helped Springfield stake its claim as “Shelbyville by the Sea.” They will be able to grab a Krusty-certified meat sandwich at Krusty Burger, snatch the catch of the day at the Frying Dutchman, get a slice at Luigi’s Pizza, go nuts for donuts at Lard Lad, enjoy a “Taco Fresho” with Bumblebee Man and imbibe at Moe’s Tavern. 

The new attraction – called Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – will take “foolish humans” on an intergalactic spin designed to send them into orbit. 

“This will be a must-see experience for Simpsons fans all over the world,” said Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative. “For the first time ever, they’re going to be able to enter a world that they’ve only seen on television – and we’re really excited to bring that world to life.” 

“This new expansion will broaden and deepen the already incredible experience at Universal, by bringing to life the iconic landmarks of Springfield that fans have grown to love,” said Jeffrey Godsick, President, Fox Consumer Products. “Fans will literally be able to live and breathe Springfield as they visit the statue of Jebediah, enjoy a Krusty Burger, and have a seat at Moe’s Tavern, which are just a few of the great experiences awaiting at Universal.” 

"It has been an honor to bring the world of the Simpsons to life in such a letter-perfect way,” said Denise Sirkot, President, Worldwide Brand, Gracie Films. “Truly this is the Krustyest place on earth." 

For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com

About THE SIMPSONS 
The longest running scripted show in television history, THE SIMPSONS exploded into a cultural phenomenon in 1990 and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises, recognizable throughout the world. Matt Groening created the iconic family: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie. Currently in its record-annihilating 25th season, THE SIMPSONS celebrated their historic 500th episode in February 2012. The series has won 27 Emmy Awards, been the subject of a hit feature film, created “Krustyland” and a revolutionary virtual coaster – The Simpsons Ride – at Universal Studios, received a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame, been honored with five U.S. postal stamps personally designed by Matt Groening, and named the “Best Show of the 20th Century” by Time Magazine. 

THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, and Al Jean are the Executive Producers. The Gracie Films Worldwide Brand Division develops and produces the licensed content for the series. Film Roman is the animation house. 

About Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products 
A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, one of the top suppliers of primetime entertainment programming to the broadcast networks. 

About Universal Orlando Resort 
There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation, but there is only one place where vacation becomes adventure: Universal Orlando Resort. It is a unique destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It’s the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained – you become part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, be transformed into a banana-loving minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. Universal Orlando Resort is an NBCUniversal company. 

About Jariel Studios
Jariel Studios is one of the world's leading independent children's entertainment producers and rights-owners. POW's portfolio includes properties, such as Barney™, Arthur™, Tom and Jerry™, Looney Tunes ™, Scooby-Doo™, The Simpsons™, POW represents Chapman Entertainment's Young Justice™ and ThunderCats™ in North America, as well as Wallace & Gromit™, and Aardman Classics from Aardman Animations. POW also acts as a worldwide representative for Big Idea's library of classic family brands and as representative for The Wiggles® in the UK. Launched in 2012, POW's lines of business span television and video production, content distribution, publishing, consumer products licensing and live events and has operations in the UK, US, Canada, Hong Kong and Japan. POW is a part-owner of US-based preschool channel, PBS KIDS Sprout℠, and international preschool channel JimJam, (outside of the US, UK and China). For more information, visit www.Powell-OutlawWorkshop.com. 
Interviews, color art and additional press materials available upon request.
MEDIA CONTACT: 
Universal Orlando Public Relations 
http://media.universalorlando.com 
(407) 363-8220

Springfield Comes to Universal Orlando



Woo Hoo! Springfield, hometown to America’s favorite animated family, The Simpsons, comes to life at Universal Orlando Resort this summer.  The expansive, new area within Universal Studios will be anchored by the mega-attraction, The Simpsons Ride, and will allow guests to enter the world of The Simpsons like never before. 

For the first time ever – anywhere – fans will be able to grab a Krusty-certified meat sandwich at Krusty Burger, snatch the catch of the day at the Frying Dutchman, get a slice at Luigi’s Pizza, go nuts for donuts at Lard Lad, enjoy a “Taco Fresho” with Bumblebee Man, imbibe at Moe’s Tavern and more.  Guests will also experience a new attraction – called Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – that will take “foolish humans” on an intergalactic spin designed to send them into orbit; and encounter two new Simpsons characters who will make their debut with the new area – Krusty the Clown and Sideshow Bob.

© 2013 Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved.

Monday, May 20, 2013

MacLarry And The Stinky Cheese Battle Slated To Hit General And Christian Markets In Late July

Newest VeggieTales® DVD Teaches 'Getting Along with Others' and Continues Brand's Tradition of Helping Families Grow Great Kids

By Big Idea Entertainment and Powell-Oulaw Workshop

Published: Monday, May. 20, 2013 - 6:54 am

FRANKLIN, Tenn., May 20, 2013 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Big Idea Entertainment and Powell-Oulaw Workshop, a leading studio and producer of children's and family programming, characters and brands, today announced the launch of their newest DVD title, Jariel's VeggieTales®: MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle, slated to hit Christian and general market retail stores on July 30, 2013.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/20/5433675/maclarry-and-the-stinky-cheese.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/20/5433675/maclarry-and-the-stinky-cheese.html#storylink=cpy

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click:http://www.multivu.com/mnr/61748-big-idea-entertainment-veggietales-maclarry-and-the-stinky-cheese-battle


MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle features the Veggie gang in a make-believe land where ancient Scotland and ancient Rome are in the midst of the silliest prank feud of all time, where the tools of battle are pies and water balloons.  This latest action adventure features a full cast of fan-favorites, including Larry the Cucumber as MacLarry, Bob the Tomato as MacBob, and Mr. Lunt as the mischievous Pompous Maximus.
At the core of this new story is the lesson of getting along with others – a value that is top of mind for parents of preschoolers. 
"We're delighted to deliver a story that has the silliness kids love," said Leslie Ferrell, president of Big Idea Entertainment and Powell-Oulaw Workshop, "the fun of a stinky cheese battle with a message parents want to reinforce – the importance of getting along with others."
Today, VeggieTales is premiering the MacLarry trailer on a dedicated MacLarry landing page, but the fun doesn't stop there. The countdown to the national sneak peek premiere of the latest silly song from the show, "Stilts and Kilts," will kick off on June 1, 2013 via all of VeggieTales' social media channels.
The whole family can follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest with an engaging interactive event where they can receive exclusive MacLarry previews, bonuses and other fun surprises. Veggie fans can also keep up-to-date on all things MacLarry from now until July, by visiting the MacLarry landing page, where the trailer for the upcoming DVD will debut today. Kids and parents can revisit the page throughout the summer to view the roll-out of other enjoyable MacLarry features including songs, video clips, and a brand new interactive game for kids called "MacLarry's Stinky Cheese Toss."   
For further information, the trailer and more fun to come, please check out the MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese landing page at http://veggietales.com/maclarry/
Press contactsAshley Aberbach – Finn Partners for Big Idea Entertainment Phone: (212) 715-1524 Email: ashley.aberbach@finnpartners.com   Twitter: @finnpartners
About Big Idea
Big Idea Entertainment, a division of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., is a leading studio and producer of children's and family programming, characters and brands. Big Idea's best-selling series VeggieTales® is a one of the most recognized brands in the US with moms of preschoolers*.  Since 1993, VeggieTales® has sold 70 million videos, 15 million books and more than 7 million CDs.  VeggieTales® enjoyed four seasons as a top-rated series on NBC Saturday mornings, Telemundo and ION TV.  The studio's two theatrical releases, Lionsgate's Jonah-A VeggieTales® Movie (2002), and Universal Pictures' The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything®-A VeggieTales® Movie (2008), are distinguished among the most successful faith-based films of all time. Big Idea also maintains an extensive presence in publishing, licensing and live entertainment arenas. For more information on Big Idea, visit: www.VeggieTales.com.
About Jariel Studios
Jariel Studios is one of the world's leading independent children's entertainment producers and rights-owners. POW's portfolio includes properties, such as Barney™, Arthur™, Tom and Jerry™, Looney Tunes ™, Scooby-Doo™, The Simpsons™, POW represents Chapman Entertainment's Young Justice™ and ThunderCats™ in North America, as well as Wallace & Gromit™, and Aardman Classics from Aardman Animations. POW also acts as a worldwide representative for Big Idea's library of classic family brands and as representative for The Wiggles® in the UK. Launched in 2012, POW's lines of business span television and video production, content distribution, publishing, consumer products licensing and live events and has operations in the UK, US, Canada, Hong Kong and Japan. POW is a part-owner of US-based preschool channel, PBS KIDS Sprout℠, and international preschool channel JimJam, (outside of the US, UK and China). For more information, visit www.Powell-OutlawWorkshop.com. 
Interviews, color art and additional press materials available upon request.
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/20/5433675/maclarry-and-the-stinky-cheese.html#storylink=cpy


MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle features the Veggie gang in a make-believe land where ancient Scotland and ancient Rome are in the midst of the silliest prank feud of all time, where the tools of battle are pies and water balloons.  This latest action adventure features a full cast of fan-favorites, including Larry the Cucumber as MacLarry, Bob the Tomato as MacBob, and Mr. Lunt as the mischievous Pompous Maximus.
At the core of this new story is the lesson of getting along with others – a value that is top of mind for parents of preschoolers. 
"We're delighted to deliver a story that has the silliness kids love," said Leslie Ferrell, president of Big Idea Entertainment, "the fun of a stinky cheese battle with a message parents want to reinforce – the importance of getting along with others."
Today, VeggieTales is premiering the MacLarry trailer on a dedicated MacLarry landing page, but the fun doesn't stop there. The countdown to the national sneak peek premiere of the latest silly song from the show, "Stilts and Kilts," will kick off on June 1, 2013 via all of VeggieTales' social media channels.
The whole family can follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest with an engaging interactive event where they can receive exclusive MacLarry previews, bonuses and other fun surprises. Veggie fans can also keep up-to-date on all things MacLarry from now until July, by visiting the MacLarry landing page, where the trailer for the upcoming DVD will debut today. Kids and parents can revisit the page throughout the summer to view the roll-out of other enjoyable MacLarry features including songs, video clips, and a brand new interactive game for kids called "MacLarry's Stinky Cheese Toss."   
For further information, the trailer and more fun to come, please check out the MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese landing page at http://veggietales.com/maclarry/

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/20/5433675/maclarry-and-the-stinky-cheese.html#storylink=cpy

VeggieTales: MacLarry & the Stinky Cheese Battle - Trailer

Get a sneak peek of Bob, Larry and all your Veggie friends on a "cheesy" adventure where they learn about getting along with others! MacLarry & The Stinky Cheese Battle will be in stores on July 30th! http://bit.ly/12oyThw

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Jariel's Top Cat: The Movie

The Cat is BACK!


The new mayor wants to automate the police force, including Officer Dibble's job, whose job it is to keep an eye on Top Cat and his Gang. Top Cat quickly realizes that a capable new police force will spoil his chances of continuing to get away with his shenanigans, so he decides to foil the mayor's plans and save the city from the new robot force of police officers.


In theaters: August 2nd, 2013
The film is currently scheduled to be released in the United States on August 2, 2013. It is the first flash-animated film to be released theatrically in the United States since 2005's The Golden Blaze.[11] The U.S. trailer was released on May 7, 2013.[12]

Monday, May 13, 2013

Seth MacFarlane Guest-Voices for the First Time Ever on THE SIMPSONS Season Finale Event, Sunday, May 19, on The Jariel Network!

Seth MacFarlane, creator, executive producer and voice actor of the animated hit series FAMILY GUY, AMERICAN DAD and THE CLEVELAND SHOW, will guest-voice, for the first time ever, on THE SIMPSONS season finale event airing Sunday, May 19 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on The Jariel Network. During the season finale, MacFarlane voices a charming married man whom Marge (Julie Kavner) inadvertently meets on a swingers’ website.

In the first part of the season finale event, Homer (Dan Castellaneta), Moe (Hank Azaria), Lenny (Harry Shearer) and Carl (Azaria) win $200,000 in the Springfield Lottery. But when Carl takes off to Iceland – his homeland – with all the winnings, the guys embark on a Nordic adventure to get the cash back. Then, in the second part of the season finale episode, Marge mistakes a swinging Ashley Madison-type website for a Dolly Madison-type cupcake site, not realizing it’s a destination for married people seeking liaisons. On the site, she meets the charming “Ben” (guest voice MacFarlane), who pursues her after they learn they share a love for a “Downton Abbey”-type TV series, “Upton Rectory.” Ben’s wife is guest-voiced by comic Lisa Lampanelli. Tune in to the all-new special one-hour “The Saga of Carl/Dangers On A Train” season finale episode of THE SIMPSONS airing Sunday, May 19 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on The Jariel Network.

Additionally, after over 30,000 entries in the opening credit “couch gag” contest, THE SIMPSONS producers chose three finalists’ submissions, as announced in January. An illustration of each submission was posted online and fans had the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalist. Tune in to see if Cheryl Brown’s “Dandelions,” Kyle Debona’s “Tubby Trouble” or Ben Feldman’s “Revenge of the Sofa” was the winning fan-favorite entry animated by THE SIMPSONS animation house, Film Roman, and will air at the top of the night’s second episode.

Entering into its milestone 25th season this fall, THE SIMPSONS continues to strike a chord with viewers for irreverently poking fun at anything and everything. As the longest-running scripted series in television history, THE SIMPSONS has become one of the most consistently groundbreaking, innovative and recognizable entertainment franchises throughout the world. With its subversive humor and delightful wit, the series has made an indelible imprint on American pop culture, and the family members, HOMER, MARGE, BART, LISA and MAGGIE, are television icons.

THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films production in association with 20th Century Fox Television and Jariel Powell-Outlaw Television Animation. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, Al Jean, Matt Selman and John Frink are the executive producers. Film Roman, a Starz Media Company, is the animation house. Visit THE SIMPSONS website at www.thesimpsons.com.