2006/03/10

Comic Book Movies and Skywalker Sound Announce Strategic Partnership

Legendary Sound and Post-Production firm to Provide Services for all Comic Book Movies Productions for 2006 through 2008

(Hollywood) - Comic Book Movies, LLC, a leading entertainment company based in Hollywood, and established by veteran film producer and comic book authority Michael Uslan and visionary financier M. Jonathan Roberts, has announced a strategic partnership with Skywalker Sound for all post production and sound services for their upcoming slate of features films, television and animation productions.

Comic Book Movies (CBM) was formed to build multi-media entertainment franchises based on classic international comic book and graphic novel properties as well as important Japanese Manga properties. Uslan is well known in the film and comic book industries as executive producer of the "Batman" franchise films.

Founded by filmmaker George Lucas, Skywalker Sound is one of the premier post production facilities in the world having won 18 Academy Awardsｮ for Best Sound and Best Sound Effects Editing.

"We are both honored and excited to work with the professionals at Skywalker Sound. Having their guidance and input before, during and after production will ensure that our films are produced in the most efficient, cost effective way using the best talent and technology in the world," says Mr. Roberts, President and Chief Executive Officer.

"We are thrilled to be a part of the creative team at Comic Book Movies, LLC.," states Skywalker Sound VP and General Manager, Glenn Kiser. "Michael and Jonathan have a great track record and enthusiasm for the genre, and they understand how to use sound creatively to help tell their stories." Feature production credits at Skywalker include sound design and audio post-production for the The Incredibles, The Polar Express, The Hulk, Tomb Raider, Titanic, and the Star Wars franchise.

A recent agreement between Ishimori Entertainment Inc., Comic Book Movies, LLC, ITOCHU Corporation, and Lotus Inc. provided a partnership to jointly develop motion picture franchises based on the original properties of the late Shotaro Ishinomori. Shotaro Ishinomori (1938-1998) is one of the most famous Manga authors of all time, distinguished by his creations of more than 500 Manga characters.

On September 1st, 2004, Ishimori Group (Ishimori Shotaro Pro and Ishimori Pro) and Itochu agreed to revitalize the Ishinomori properties by jointly establishing Ishimori Entertainment, Inc. The newly established company's primary objective is to revitalize the late author's works through motion picture production, TV programs and merchandise. The new agreement with CBM establishes an ideal platform to introduce the so-called "Ishinomori World" to a worldwide audience. Itochu will support Ishimori Entertainment as its sole overseas agent and will be responsible for the development of motion picture based Ishinomori merchandise.

Lotus is CBM's exclusive agent for the procurement and development of existing and original motion picture content from Japan and Asia. Lotus develops original motion picture content in collaboration with Japanese alliance partners and manages the Japanese distribution rights of motion pictures produced by CBM. Ishimori Group, CBM, Lotus and Itochu intend to further collaborate in an expanded business relationship uniting Hollywood with Japan on the global stage.

Mr. Uslan's outstanding career in Hollywood spans over 29 years. He is an Emmy Award-winning producer ("Where On Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?") who recently donated over 30,000 comic books from his private collection to Indiana University's prestigious Lilly Library. Under the leadership of Mr. Uslan and Mr. Roberts, CBM will produce movies with A-list and cutting edge directors, screenwriters and acting talent.

Films, video and animation derived from graphic novels and comics, have generated, near $25 billion-dollars in business at the box office, on DVDs, videogames, toys and other merchandising.

■Press Contact:
Lotus, Inc.
Takayuki Takeda
Phone: +81-3-5475-2561 　　　
e-mail: takeda@lotus-tyo.com