Alzheimer's Association Honors the Life and Legacy of Gene Wilder With New Campaign Inspired by the Classic Film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory"

Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

In honor of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, the Alzheimer's Association today unveils the Pure Imagination Project, a campaign encouraging people to learn more about the disease and join the efforts to fulfill the organization's vision of a world without Alzheimer's. 

Reflecting the creativity and charm of Willy Wonka, as played by legendary actor Gene Wilder, the new video features the famous "Pure Imagination" scene from "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," but reinterprets the magical, candy-filled world with sweets disappearing piece by piece, much like the impact that Alzheimer's has on 5 million Americans across the country.

• Gene Wilder, known for many iconic roles outside of Willy Wonka's purple coat, passed away from complications of Alzheimer's last year.

"Alzheimer's disease is a brutal and unforgiving enemy that can rob a person of his self-expression, the ability to walk, to read, to write and to find joy in the world. Simply, the person loses himself," said Karen B. Wilder. "When I saw this campaign, I knew that it brilliantly and beautifully captured all that Alzheimer's can take away, and my hope is that it will motivate people to learn more and to seek to change the course of this disease for future generations."

The Pure Imagination Project was developed pro bono by a creative team at MullenLowe's Winston-Salem office, all of whose families have been touched by Alzheimer's disease. 

• The campaign encourages all to lend their imagination to the fight and support efforts aimed at ending this devastating disease.

In addition to MullenLowe, the Alzheimer's Association's Pure Imagination Project is also made possible thanks to the support of the Gene Wilder estate, Warner Brothers and Universal Music, with visual effects by Significant Others, all recognizing the urgency of this mission and honoring Wilder for his fight against the disease.

"The Alzheimer's Association is honored to have the opportunity to reimagine this legendary film scene in such a powerful and poignant way," said Michael Carson, chief marketing officer at the Alzheimer's Association. "The Alzheimer's Association is relentless in our fight to end this disease through our support of innovative and novel research initiatives, and unwavering support of families who have been affected. This campaign is an inspiring reminder that there is a lot of work to be done, but a world without Alzheimer's is possible if we join together."

"Having lost my father to Alzheimer's, and my mother a year later from the toll of being his caregiver, I know firsthand there is no sugar-coating the impact of this disease," said David Olsen, group creative director at MullenLowe Winston-Salem. "Just as Gene inspired millions to believe anything is possible with the power of pure imagination, we hope this work will inspire others to help fulfill the Alzheimer's Association's mission to imagine a world without Alzheimer's."

The Pure Imagination Project will encourage people to imagine a world without Alzheimer's with additional support from in-kind media partners, including Amobee, Dstillery and Samba TV.

SOURCE: Alzheimer's Association

The Video:

Spider-Man Co-Creator Stan Lee Added To Star-Studded Lineup Of ACE Comic Con Arizona

ACE Comic Con Arizona Poster (PRNewsfoto/ACE Universe)

Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man, world-renowned comic book writer and former publisher of Marvel Comics; has been added to the star-studded lineup for ACE Comic Con Arizona, which will take place Jan. 13-15 at Gila River Arena in Glendale.

Lee is known as the creative force behind Marvel Comics and was a co-creator for numerous popular Marvel characters. He also is credited with re-launching Marvel's Captain America in the 1960s.

"We are committed to bringing fans the best of the best guests, and today's announcement reinforces this commitment," said Stephen Shamus, President of ACE Universe. "Stan Lee is an iconic figure, and having the opportunity to take a Photo Op with his superhero creations come to life - Captain America & Spider-Man (Chris Evans & Tom Holland), will create a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking a Photo Op with all three will be a truly historic moment."

Lee will be available for dual photo opportunities with Captain America (Chris Evans) and Spider-Man (Tom Holland), as well as a triple photo opportunity with both characters together. Additionally, Lee will be doing solo photo opportunities and autograph sessions, and take part in a panel discussion which will be live streamed to fans around the world.

Lee also will participate in "Comic Con" night at the Arizona Coyotes – Edmonton Oilers game on Friday, Jan. 12, the night before the kickoff of ACE Comic Con Arizona. Lee will be on hand to drop the puck to start the game, and a variety of other ACE Comic Con Arizona artists and vendors will be available on the concourse for autographs signings and merchandise sales.

ACE Comic Con Arizona officials announced one additional change to the weekend lineup. Hayley Atwell (Agent Peggy Carter – Captain America), who was scheduled to appear both Saturday and Sunday, will now only appear on Sunday as she booked a role in a play. All Saturday ticket holders with VIP packages, photo ops or autographs including Hayley will be notified via email with instructions on how to exchange tickets for Sunday, or to get a refund.

Along with Evans and Holland, other confirmed guests include: 

• Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier – Captain America) 
• Anthony Mackie (The Falcon – Captain America) 
• Hayley Atwell (Agent Peggy Carter – Captain America) 
• Laura Harrier (Liz – Spider-Man: Homecoming)  
• Jacob Batalon (Ned – Spider-Man: Homecoming) 

More guests will be announced soon, including superstars from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

VIP Admissions, Photo Ops and Autographs can be purchased here, while General Admission Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster Additional ticketing information also can be found at aceuniverse.com. 

ACE Comic Con Arizona is the second of the new ACE Comic Cons, with the debut event set to take place at NYCB Live: Home of the Veterans Memorial Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, NY, Dec. 8-10. In addition to these two shows, ACE Universe will announce more 2018 dates, cities and ticket information at aceuniverse.com and on the ACE Comic Con social channels at Facebook.com/acecomicon or @acecomiccon on Instagram and Twitter.

About Stan Lee:

Stan Lee  - Co-Creator - Spider-Man, The Hulk, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Thor, Daredevil, Dr. Strange, The Avengers, Loki, Dr. Doom

(Via aceuniverse.com)

Stan Lee, the chief creative force behind the rise of Marvel Comics, brought to life some of the world’s most famous heroes and infamous villains, including Spider-Man, The Hulk, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Thor, Daredevil, Dr. Strange, The Avengers, Loki, and Dr. Doom. His stories featured heroes and villains that were more psychologically complex than had ever been seen previously, inspiring legions of fans.

According to his autobiography, Excelsior, “Lee put the human in the superhuman.” 

As a producer, writer, editor, publisher, actor, host and executive, and idol to many, Stan ‘the Man’ Lee has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry having created or co-created 90% of Marvel’s most recognized characters. These creations have spawned books, films, television series, video games, web series, Broadway shows and more, offering a steady stream of box office.

SOURCE: ACE Universe

Related Link:

Chris Evans, Tom Holland And Casts Of "Captain America", "Spider-Man: Homecoming" To Headline New ACE Comic Con At Gila River Arena

Bonus Pics:

(Via aceuniverse.com)

Enter Spider-Man

Captain America and The Avengers

Beats By Dr. Dre Releases New Short Film "Above the Noise" Starring French DJ And Producer DJ Snake

DJ Snake

The latest chapter of Beats by Dr. Dre's "Above the Noise" campaign captures Geffen Records artist DJ Snake's performance on Paris' legendary Arc de Triomphe as well as a look for the first time at the journey that took him there.

• DJ Snake was the first performer ever to play atop the roof of the iconic French landmark on Sept 6th.

Directed by Colin Tilley, this film maps his incredible journey where he talks for the first time about how he rose from the streets of Paris to be one of the world's biggest performers and producers, and his love for the country he came from.

Talking about the film, DJ Snake says, "Playing the roof of the Arc de Triomphe was a moment I wanted to keep forever so when Beats asked me if they could make a short film about that night, and my journey to that point... it was easy to say yes."

The Video:

Credits:

• Beats
• Creative : Victoria Deldin
• Producer : Brittany Cammisa 
• Director : Colin Tilley
• Edit : Jonathan Fallik 
• Color : Trevor Durtschi
• Sound : Country & Noble

DJ Snake Playing the roof of the Arc de Triomphe 

About Above the Noise:
"Above the Noise" is Beats by Dre's latest global campaign featuring the newly launched Beats Studio3 Wireless headphone. The campaign tells the stories of the world's groundbreaking and often controversial artists and athletes. 

• Previous spots have starred Kris Wu, Yasiel Puig and Conor McGregor.

SOURCE: Interscope Records

Idol Worship: UMe Honors Billy Idol's '80s Rock and Punk Legacy With Vinyl Reissue Bonanza

"Billy Idol," "Rebel Yell" and double-LP "Idolize Yourself: The Very Best of Billy Idol"

UMe and punk rock icon Billy Idol celebrate several of his best-loved works with newly remastered vinyl reissues of Idol's first two solo LPs, Billy Idol and Rebel Yell, plus the expansive double-LP greatest-hits collection Idolize Yourself: The Very Best of Billy Idol. 

• Each release is available now on high-quality vinyl with faithfully reproduced iconic original album art.

Billy Idol's series of successes in the early 1980s brought punk attitude into the pop mainstream. With a career that stretched back to the original British punk scene as the front-man of scene trailblazers Generation X, the swaggering, charismatic Idol relocated to New York City at the dawn of the '80s and reinvented himself as one of the era's most consistently popular performers.

Billy Idol (via BBC)

Billy Idol, originally released on July 16, 1982, introduced Idol to mainstream American audiences and succeeded in launching his solo career. Teaming Idol with producer Keith Forsey and longtime guitarist/collaborator Steve Stevens, Billy Idol introduced a sleek, streamlined sound and includes hits such as "White Wedding," and "Hot in the City."

Originally released on November 10, 1983, the multi-platinum smash Rebel Yell built on the foundation created by its predecessor and features Idol advancing and evolving his dance infused rock/pop sound. Once again working with Stevens and Forsey, with recording done at New York's Electric Lady Studios, Rebel Yell was a commercial smash featuring songs including the legendary title track, "Eyes Without a Face," and "Flesh for Fantasy." Each of these hits are represented by iconic music videos that kept Idol in the public eye during the initial heyday of MTV.

While Billy Idol and Rebel Yell flash back to Idol's formative days as a solo performer, Idolize Yourself: The Very Best of Billy Idol offers a widescreen overview of his entire storied recording career. 

First issued on CD in 2008, the 18-song Idolize Yourself features all of Idol's vintage hits including his early club smashes "Dancing with Myself" and "Mony Mony," plus "Cradle of Love," "Rebel Yell," "White Wedding," "Eyes Without A Face," "Flesh For Fantasy," "Sweet Sixteen," "To Be A Lover," and more. 

• The record concludes with two songs newly recorded just for this collection's initial release: "John Wayne" and "New Future Weapon."

Each of Billy Idol's recordings retain their original power, despite many of them having been released over thirty years ago. There is no better way to hear them than on these classic albums, newly released on high-quality vinyl.

SOURCE: UMe

Bonus Videos:

Kyle Knight's New Song Puts Focus on Prostitution and The Need for Women's Sexual Self-empowerment

Kyle Knight's New Song: Hey Sister

As international headlines blast about sex, sexuality, and the open discussions being had about its abuse and misuses; rapper Kyle Knight addresses its underside in his latest release. 

The song, "Hey Sister" frankly addresses the perils of prostitution in an age where women are taking control over being both objectified and victimized. The dynamic track goes to the heart of self-empowerment by pointing out what is still taking place in society's underbelly, while others are fighting back against sexual violation and victimization.

The song's video tells a riveting storyline that invokes thought-provoking views and stirs deep emotion in its climatic ending.

Quickly becoming known for the conscious hip hop components in his songs on the May 2017 release of The Truth EP, a 4-track project, Knight delivers deep insight on news dominated topics—whether about respect for women, America's addictions, or hidden government agendas. 

Currently available on Kyle's website and in digital outlets worldwide, another example of his timely tracks is "Addiction," which explores the opioid epidemic plaguing millions around the world.

Kyle Knight

About Kyle Knight:
Equal parts storyteller and reality rapper, Kyle Knight eloquently addresses political corruption, social justice, addiction epidemics, misogyny, and more in his music. In May of 2017 he released The Truth EP with four singles under his Kyle Knight Music brand and company, Kyle P. Lyric Publishing, LLC. Catalog.

More on Kyle Knight at his website and on social media :

• Facebook: @kyleplyricpublishingllc 
• Twitter: @kyleknightmusic 
• YouTube: Kyle Knight Music 
• Instagram: @kyleknightmusic 
• Artist Website: kyleknightmusic.com 
• CD Baby: store.cdbaby.com/cd/kyleknight

• Knight will be taking his message-laced music on the road, hitting the Chicago markets from November 8-10th 2017 and will be available for interviews. 
• He will have a media press luncheon on November 9th at Devon Seafood Grill 39 E. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60611.

SOURCE: Kyle Knight

Bonus Videos: