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OLYMPICS RELEASE SPRINTS OFF…
…AND RED TAILS OFF TO A FLYING START TOO
DOCTOR AT LARGE IN EXCEL…
…AS MCM BOASTS RECORD TURNOUT
STUDIOS TOLD "JOIN THE PARTY"
PARAMOUNT'S Q1 LINE-UP UNVEILED…
…NEW FRANCHISES JOIN OLD FAVES
BFI WOOS TESS IN 2013
BLACK NIGHT IN GREENWICH FOR MiB
HOUSE RULES FOR AWARD-WINNER
BVA DATE UNVEILED
FACT RAIDS NETS 10,000 PIRATE DISCS
LIONSGATE'S PEPPERONI WITH EXTRA FILMS…
STEPS AIM FOR RECORD
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
RELEASE OF THE WEEK – TOP GEAR
AT THE MOVIES
SITE OF THE WEEK
TWEET OF THE WEEK
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
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It Was A Good Week For… Netflix, again, as the new series of Breaking Bad goes live…
It Was A Bad Week For… Anyone without Netflix, having to wait for season five…
Another busy week at the coal-face, with this week's big Olympics release from BBC Worldwide, London 2012 Olymnpic Games first out of the blocks. The company has gotr right behind its release – it's certainly the first time we can remember a title of its ilk being advertised during the break in primetime television such as Coronation Street, as the Worldwide title was on Monday evening. The title is well represented in stores we visited this week and it should have the legs to carry on through until Christmas, showing the stamina of a Mo Farah to take it to the finishing line (that's enough Olympics puns…). Expect to see more over the weekend, with spots appearing during Manchester United Vs Arsenal and The X-Factor…
And while the news of Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm has dominated the headlines and online chatter this week, with particular relevance to the Star Wars side of things (see story elsewhere here, but really, by now, you should have spotted this one), one other Lucasfilm-related news story could have slipped by, but it really is worth commenting on here. Certainly one or two distributors haven't failed to notice how well Momentum's Red Tails, produced by George Lucas and his production outfit, has got off to the proverbial flying start after chocks away on Monday this week. It has, at points this week, reached as high as number two in the iTunes Charts and is, in the overall charts, the second highest new entry of the week. Commenting on its success, Momentum's Adam Eldrett said: "It is has been incredibly exciting working with Lucasfilm on the release of Red Tails and I think a quick glance at the charts this week shows we have delivered some excellent results, especially considering the relatively modest box office behind the film. Our campaign was very carefully targeted between kids on half term, fans of the genre and of course fans of Star Wars. As mentioned on The Raygun before I was immediately sold on the film after seeing that famous Lucasfilm logo and the breathtaking visuals of the dog fights, it seems fans across the country have responded in a similar way." As we noted last week, Momentum has now unveiled its weighty Q1 line-up, for more on its slate, see our website, www.theraygun.co.uk…
 Back to BBC Worldwide, and wasn't just the Olympics out for BBC Worldwide, however, with another biggie arriving from the company this week. For Monday saw the arrival of the first part of the seventh series of the newer adventures of Doctor Who. The launch was marked by a raft of activity from the good Timelord and pals, not least a major appearance at MCM London Expo, the comic, film and anime convention held at Excel in east London. The Doctor himself, aka Matt Smith, was on hand at the event, both for a signing and Q&A. The Beeb's stand itself – the first time the company or any UK major's home entertainment arm has exhibited at the popular event – was hugely impressive, with a giant TARDIS and loads for the fans to interact with. Cannily, upon exit, fans could also acquire the the new release and other Who DVD and Blu-ray releases… BBC Worldwide's Chris Howarth said: "Having our Doctor Who stand and 8m tall TARDIS at MCM Expo alongside the Panel from Matt Smith was really all about trying to extend the fans' enjoyment of their favourite show. The feedback we've had has been extremely positive and hopefully everyone there really enjoyed themselves."
The BBC's presence at the MCM show helped the show to enjoy record attendance figures, with the visitors at the three-day event breaking the 70,000 barrier for the first time ever. Seasoned MCM attendees put this in part down to the BBC's presence and Matt Smith's Friday appearance. eOne was also there, showing off cast from two of its shows which are set to arrive on DVD after airing on TV, Haven and Primeval: Ndew World, joining regulars such as Manga and MVM. MCM's Bryan Cooney said: "We are amazed by the turnout; we expanded the show floor space by 5,000 m2 from the May event and we were still packed. It is wonderful to have so many attendees and companies like BBC, C4, Universal, Nintendo and Microsoft supporting our show. We are now looking to add a further 4,000m2 for May bringing us to 21,000 m2. We are also looking to the future and planning alongside our venue partner to make MCM London Comic Con the biggest show of its kind in Europe."
We'll have more on the MCM show soon on our website, but it was interesting to note the comments from one show regular, and one of its fiercest proponents, Manga's Jerome Mazandarani. He called on other home entertainment distributors to give their support to the show. He told The Raygun: "The London MCM Comic Con (aka London Expo) smashed the 70,000 visitors number for the first time last weekend. Average spend per person is in the region of £300 for the weekend. Manga did very, very well out of it. London MCM Comic Con is not a manga/anime event, it's a fan event. It caters as much for gamers, sci-fi nerds, genre TV shows, movies and comics as it does anything else. The organisers are great and keep on thinking up new ways to improve the show including formatting, guests, press and social media. I really am baffled why so few of my contemporaries aren't using the London MCM Comic Con as a regular part of their community and BTL activity. It's a cost-neutral event. You can actually make money here. My advice to any entertainment brand with a busy licensing division is to book your MCM Comic Con space as soon as possible and make sure you are at the next show. If it's good enough for BBC Worldwide, Nintendo, Microsoft, Fox and Universal, it should be good enough for you."
 We'll have some pictures of the BBC activity, MCM and Matt Smith Q&A up on our website shortly. One company that's recently found the benefits of exhibiting at conventions is Paramount, after its appearance at the recent Destination Star Trek event – you can read more about it and see the major's stand on our website, www.theraygun.co.uk. Also up there: the trade meets Arnie, our regular reviews and round-up of everyone else's reviews, as well as Momentum's Q1 line-up in depth, a look at BBC Worldwide's stand-up comedy strategy, and, up shortly, a look at the best box sets ever and the quality press' ongoing fascination with the format…
And that mention of Paramount brings us neatly on to some Q1 news… After a relatively quiet Q4, Paramount is back with a vengeance in 2013, with a hefty line-up not just of films, but also some exciting new franchises too. Its scope takes in a couple of belters from DreamWorks Animation, the final outings from the major's deal with the studio, as well as a wide ranging TV portfolio and, joining its existing children's franchises, two new brands, although one of those is one that should be instantly familiar with many. Paramount started its Q1 presentation at its Chiswick offices by talking about its kids' output and those key launches, which each target key areas of the market. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is aimed at boys between the ages of four and eight years old, and the familiar characters have been "reinvigorated, reinvented" for a new era. The series has started airing on Nickelodeon and is arguably the Viacom-owned channel's biggest ever franchise launch, with the consumer products strategy some two years in the making. That carefully timed plan sees the first DVD release arrive in March 2013, in the middle of a consumer product blitz that kicked off with the new series airing on Nickelodeon in October (an impressive start that drew in 250,000 viewers). The whole shebang is being backed by what Paramount calls "huge, huge marketing support", while Paramount's launch will be followed by transmission on ITV. Paramount is currently looking at opportunities for gift with purchase or collectible packaging. While the Turtles are targeted squarely at the boys' market, the girls are covered off with Winx Club, a major European franchise now arrived on these shores. One title has already been released and is proving the brand's mettle, with a major push and new animated titles due next year, this one is set to grow and grow. "With the Turtles on one side and Winx on the other, we have boys and girls covered for the Easter holidays," said Paramount's Hans Griffiths.
On to Paramount's feature and TV output now, and it's a typically varied selection. The quarter kicks off with Shadow Dancer, a homegrown acquisition that is being tipped for BAFTA success. Penned by ITN political correspondent Tom Bradby (which gives it a unique PR aspect), the title offers a look at the latter part of the Troubles in Northern Ireland and boasts a great cast, headed by Clive Owen. It's already won critical acclaim on its theatrical release, Paramount will be further supporting with a press and online campaign. Falling neatly into February comes the third Madagascar film, currently proving to be a big draw at UK cinemas. Its release coincides with the reopening of the Chessington World Of Adventures Madagascar ride, with plenty of TV advertising and other marketing to support. Not long after Madagascar there's another returning franchise, and another that's currently performing well at box offices, although it's an all together different proposition: Paranormal Activity 4. Paramount knows exactly what it's doing when it comes to the found footage series, and will be giving it the requisite support, including a digital push. Fun Size is another Halloween entrant, although this Victoria Justice film is a different affair. With 3.8 million Facebook fans and 2.8 million Twitter followers, Justice has a massive fanbase, which Paramount will be carefully targeting via teen press and online sites. The eagerly-awaited Rise Of The Guardians will be the last DreamWorks Animation title released through the studio, although it should prove to be a fitting swansong, arriving ahead of Easter on the back of what's expected to be a successful theatrical launch before Christmas. Paramount's television slate for the first quarter features its fair share of returning franchises (Dynasty, Geordie Shore and Jersey Shore) as well as some new brands. Chief among these is House Of Lies, a tale of office life starring Don Cheadle. Currently airing on Sky Atlantic, where its audience figures are growing, a second series has already been commissioned on the back of strong audience and critical reaction. There are also two new MTV series, Awkward, which plays like a slightly darker version of Glee or Easy A, and an equally dark comedy, Death Valley.
 The BFI's DVD arm has also released details of its first quarter releases. Its line-up kicks off in January with the release of From The Sea To The Land Beyond, a journey around the country's coastline with a specially recorded soundtrack by British Sea Power and a non-seasonally packaged release for the acclaimed BBC ghost stories, under the MR James Collection banner. February sees the latest release looking at British industry, this one focusing on Steel and including work from acclaimed cinematographer Jack Cardiff, as well as a second volume of titles from the Children's Film Foundation. March sees the latest high profile, high definition restoration for a classic slice of filmmaking in Roman Polanski's Tess, the 1979 Thomas Hardy adaptation that brought Nastassja Kinski to the public eye. The quarter is completed by another selection from Japanese legend Yasujiro Ozu, The Gangsters Films. The BFI's Phil Roberts said: "From The Sea To The Land Beyond is a unique collaboration between the BFI, filmmaker Penny Woolcock and the indie band British Sea Power. Other highlights include the high definition premiere of Roman Polanski's classic Tess and the second volume of films from the archive of the much-loved Children's Film Foundation, including highly sought-after cult favourite Sammy's Super T-Shirt."
To the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, south east London, for a launch event for third instalment in the Men In Black series from SPHE. Parents of media types, assorted journalists, bloggers, writers, website gurus and their children were invited along by SPHE and agency DnA for a family-friendly evening during half term week at the historic location. Dressed in Men In Black outfits, including black ties and suits provided for them by SPHE, the kids were given a tour of the location, including its giant telescope, and a special viewing in the planetarium. Oh, and the kids were quizzed about space, earning themselves the right to become MiB agents. It was all alien-friendly, space stuff aimed at giving a lift to the title during such a busy time of year and ensuring that journalists, from The Sun to The Raygun, taking in our pals at kidzcoolit.com. We'll have some pictures and a fuller report on our website shortly.
The following night saw an event taking place in even more historical surroundings, as the terrace at the Houses Of Parliament and MP Mike Weatherley played host to the Film The House awards. The competition, as reported here previously, invited members of the public to submit their own films playing on the theme of the importance of intellectual property to the film industry. Judged by MPs themselves initially, it was aimed at raising awareness of the whole issue of copyright to their constituents. The winner was Patrick Ryder, from Harrow, west London, whose prizes included a week's work experience at Universal, the chance to meet film financiers at a network event, an HD video camera and more. Five runners-up won hardware as well as other film-related goodies. Competition founder Mike Weatherley said: "“I am delighted that the competition has attracted such spectacular entries and it has been an excellent night to see the best British filmmaking has to offer. The competition received over 1,000 hours of film from over 70 constituencies. It is clear that the UK is full of fresh talent, and it is more important than ever that we develop a sustainable market for film - we need to value those who create movies and those who invest in our film industry for the benefit of the UK economy.” We'll get his winning entry up shortly on our website.
 Mention of an awards, of course, brings us on neatly to the BVA Awards and the organisation unveiled the date for its annual awards ceremony this week (a fact we unveiled via our Twitter account as soon as it was announced). The awards will take place on Thursday May 2 2013. Forms will be available from the website from December 1 and judging will take place some time in February next year. BVA director general Lavinia Carey said: “The BVA Awards is firmly established in the video industry calendar as the “must do” event of the year and Old Billingsgate enables us to ensure that we produce the best possible party. Last year was an absolute sell-out so we hope everyone who is keen to attend books early to avoid disappointment.”
Talking of the fight against piracy, and the forces of good – officers from the Federation Against Copyright Theft and their partners in trading standards and the police – have been busy again this week. More than 10,000 suspected counterfeit discs, as well as assorted technological goods, were seized in the raid in Penryn, Cornwall. Cornwall council's Stuart Benson said: "People may be tempted in this current economic climate to engage in copying and selling films, music and games as an extra source of income. They must realise that on prosecution, any person found guilty of such activities could be looking at penalties of up to 10 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine."
Interesting deal news of the week comes courtesy of Lionsgsate, which has forged an interesting partnership with Domino's Pizza. The deal will see customers being able to select from a special list of Domino's Pizza Box Office films and pizzas, order both, receive the code and, hey presto, you can watch the film while enjoying your pizza. Titles in offer range from new biggies such as The Hunger Games and What To Expect When You're Expecting as well as classic catalogue titles such as Dirty Dancing and Scream. Lionsgate's Guy Avshalom said: "We are delighted to be working with Domino's on this innovative new service and look forward to bringing our new releases and cult classics to pizza eaters in their homes across the country." Domino's Simon Wallis added: "Everyone knows that pizza and film are a match made in heaven and with our new Domino's Pizza Box Office, there are even more good reasons to stay in and watch a great movie while you enjoy a piping hot pizza. We pride ourselves on offering a vast choice when it comes to pizza and the same is true of Domino's Pizza Box Office - whether you're into action, horror or rom coms, there's something for every pizza eating occasion. With us now delivering both the pizza and the movie, there's never been a better recipe for a top night in."
Our favourite press release of the week comes via Universal and concerns the release of Steps: The Ultimate Tour Live on DVD. The title was released this week and Steps turned up at Sainsbury's in Crayford, south east London to get the crowds involved in dancing along to their hit cover Tragedy. They now claim that more than 180,000 have taken part in a dance-a-thon to the song, after their recent sell out tour and the event at the supermarket. They're now aiming to get verification from the Guinness World Records people. As their "advisor" Thomasine Gibson said: "Their new DVD Steps: The Ultimate Tour Live is proof that that thousands joined in to Tragedy, and I’m confident that their supermarket finale will have them stepping up for a world record title.”
 RELEASE OF THE WEEK
Jeremy Clarkson and the Top Gear brand are, together, the gift that keeps on giving, or rather keeps on being given, every Christmas and this year sees Clarkson himself appearing in the Top Gear release alongside James May for the first time in The Worst Car In The History Of The World. As BBC Worldwide's Lindsay Theodossiades said: "Top Gear - The Worst Car In the History Of The World will be supported with a significant above the line marketing campaign with TV advertising, press, and outdoor activity that will include National Rail and London Underground poster and digital escalator panel activity. A great preview trailer has launched on topgear.com , facebook and YouTube with more social media activity to come in the run up to release. Jeremy Clarkson and James May will be supporting the release with a day of publicity including key TV and Radio
interviews."
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"It is a word-of-mouth phenomenon, just as The Wire happened, but a more extreme example. It's in keeping with the way the TV market has developed on DVD, the keyword being boxsets…"
The Raygun's very own Tim Murray, industry rent-a-gob, quoted in Q magazine (note spelling), in a major feature on Breaking Bad, which plugged the DVD release as well as Netflix' exclusivity and even gave our website a plug…
 AT THE MOVIES
In case you hadn't noticed, the UK box office this week was all about Bond, as the latest outing, Skyfall, had the biggest ever opening weekend for any of 007's adventures, pulling in £20 million in its opening weekend and, announced as The Raygun went to press, more than £37 million in its first week. That made it the second best opening weekend ever in the UK and, better still, the highest ever seven day gross in the UK…
And, of course, as we've mentioned earlier, the other big news reported everywhere else is Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, at a cost of $4.05 billion. The deal will see Disney, as reported everywhere this week, making a raft of new Star Wars titles. First from the Disney-owned operation will be due in 2015 (cue mass Internet-based speculation). The deal is said to include Indiana Jones franchise, although this one is contractually a little trickier, as Paramount does still own some rights. Lucasfilm now joins a Disney portfolio that includes Marvel and Pixar…
The first instalment of V/H/S, as mentioned in our reports of Momentum's Q1 line-up both here and online, is not even here yet (it's due in January) but a sequel is already being drawn up. What's more, the anthology film will, like its predecessor, offer up some great directing talent. This time round the helmers will include Gareth Evans, the man behind The Raid, Blair Witch and Lovely Molly helmer Eduardo Sanchez and Jason Eisener, the man behind Hobo With A Shotgun. We watched V/H/S this week and can't wait for this one…
TWEET OF THE WEEK
Follow us on www.twitter.com/theraygun, for a mixture of proper news, scurrilous gossip and daft opinions…
SITE OF THE WEEK
Far be it from us to blow our own trumpet, but we're proud to have just penned a couple of pieces about forthcoming DVD releases for the excellent FrightFest magazine. You can read us talking about the excellent Excision and brilliant Basket Case, as well as loads of other great stuff, here…
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
Now try telling us this isn't funny…
We missed this at LFF, but it does look great…
A clip from the forthcoming Momentum chiller…
This is such a great title…
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