The Jim Henson Company to Develop Kids Series Based on IAmElemental's Realistic Female Superhero Role Models

IAmElemental's Series 1/Courage and Series 2/Wisdom figures

The Jim Henson Company announced today it will develop a new animated children's television series based on the popular female action figures by IAmElemental. The series will target children ages 6 to 12. 

The deal will give The Jim Henson Company the opportunity to develop and produce the television series across all platforms. Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford of The Jim Henson Company will serve as executive producers.

IAmElemental created the first-ever female action figures designed specifically for children. Its Series 1/Courage figures (modeled on Joan of Arc,) include Bravery, Honesty, Fear, Enthusiasm, Energy, Industry and Persistence. Series 2/Wisdom (with ancient Alexandrian STEM pioneer Hypatia as the muse,) includes Creativity, Ingenuity, Curiosity, Logic, Exploration, Mastery and Oblivion.

The company conducted a Kickstarter campaign which was fully funded in two days, drawing backers from all 50 states and six continents, and its groundbreaking products were named by TIME Magazine as one of the "25 Best Inventions of 2014" and "Top 10 Toys of 2014." 

Most recently, IAmElemental was selected as a finalist in the 2018 "Action Figure of the Year" category at the Toy Industry Association's Toy of the Year Awards. The company was also a 2017 finalist in two categories, "Action Figure of the Year" and "Rookie of the Year."

The Toy Industry Association has announced its 2018 Toy of the Year finalists – and IAmElemental has been selected in the Action Figure of the Year category for its Series 2/Wisdom figures.

"At The Jim Henson Company, we have a tradition of creating strong female heroes in our past and current television and film franchises," said Halle Stanford, President of Television at The Jim Henson Company. "Partnering with IAmElemental is incredibly exciting because it will be our first foray into the superhero genre with a cast of powerful young women at its core. We are excited to introduce a unique and fresh superhero television series geared for children all over the world."

"We are thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to work with the Superhero team at The Jim Henson Company," said Julie Kerwin, Chief Elemental Officer, IAmElemental. "Their Superpowers of creativity and originality have inspired me both as a child and as an adult, and I couldn't wish for a better partner to bring the IAmElemental messages of character strength and empowerment to a wider audience."

Julie Kerwin

• IAmElemental's female action figures are available online and in retail stores worldwide. "If you give a girl a different toy, she will tell a different story"; "Play with power"; "It's character, not characters"; "Shared, everyone's powers grow stronger"; and "We have Superpowers. Want some?" are trademarks of IAmElemental. 

About The Jim Henson Company:
The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over 60 years and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation. 

Best known as creators of the world-famous Muppets, Henson has received over 50 Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. 

• Recent credits include Julie's Greenroom (Netflix), Dot. (Sprout/Hulu), Splash and Bubbles (PBS), Word Party (Netflix), Doozers (Hulu/ Sprout), and the Emmy-nominated Sid the Science Kid (PBS), Dinosaur Train (PBS), and Pajanimals (Sprout). 
• Television productions include Fraggle Rock, The Storyteller and the sci-fi cult series Farscape. 
• Features include Disney's Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, as well as The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, MirrorMask, and Jim Henson's Turkey Hollow. 
• The Company is currently in production on the feature The Happytime Murders, starring Melissa McCarthy, and the upcoming Netflix original series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. 
• Projects in development include the highly anticipated film Fraggle Rock.
• The Company's Henson Alternative brand is currently touring Puppet-Up! – Uncensored, a live puppet improvisational show. 

SOURCE: The Jim Henson Company

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Terracotta Warrior Flashmob Event Held at World Travel Market London

Terracotta Warriors-Themed Pop-Up Event Held at World Travel Market London

On November 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., a Terracotta Warrior Flashmob event organized by the Shaanxi Provincial Tourism Development Commission was held at the World Travel Market London. 50 professional performers dressed up as the Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang, imperial concubines and terracotta warriors performed terracotta warrior flashmob at ExCel London. 

The graceful performances of Chinese court dances, most notably the lead performer's Dance of Qin Wang Dian Bing (Review of the Troops by Emperor Qin Shi Huang), attracted a large number of visitors, many of whom cheered enthusiastically and waited until the end of the performance to take selfies with the dancers.

An event, a cultural feast
The Terracotta Warriors Flashmob event is an innovative approach to raising the awareness around the world to the many unique aspects of Chinese culture and history. The successful hosting of the event helped further promote the profound cultural history that is identified with Shaanxi province and the unique tourism resources that are made available as a result of the province's rich history. 

• The event is an important step in transforming the province into a world-renowned tourism destination.

"It is amazing!" said David, a British tourist. "This is the first time I have watched traditional Chinese performances. I found the event highly interesting, as it not only offered us a chance to get a better understanding of the Terracotta Warriors, but also let us feel the depth and sophistication of Chinese culture. Now that I have seen the performance, I plan to visit the real Terracotta Army in Shaanxi province with my family."

Terracotta Warriors-Themed Pop-Up Event Held at World Travel Market London

A series of follow-up flashmob events
The commission has planned several more Terracotta Warriors Flashmob events on November 7 at and near many of London's famous tourist attractions, with scheduled performance at a Square near Big Ben and the London Eye, two of the city's most renowned tourist attractions. 

• On the same day, the cosers will also stop at several other landmark destinations including Big Ben, China Town, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Tower of London for staged photography sessions.

• For more information about the tourism industry in Shaanxi, follow the Shaanxi Provincial Tourism Development Commission on Facebook and Twitter or visit the official website.

SOURCE: Shaanxi Provincial Tourism Development Commission

The Videos:

Entertainment One's Daddy Pig Joins Movember Fundraising Campaign

Daddy Pig joins this year’s Movember campaign to encourage UK dads to grow moustaches, get active and raise funds together as a team of ‘expert’ daddies (PRNewsfoto/Entertainment One)

Entertainment One (eOne) unveils images of Daddy Pig, the much loved character from preschool TV series Peppa Pig, who is supporting this year's Movember campaign for the first time to raise funds for the global men's health charity throughout November 2017.

Daddy Pig and friends will be growing their moustaches and encouraging dads across the UK to get active and stay healthy. 

• To donate and keep up to date with Daddy Pig's progress, visit: mobro.co/daddypiguk. 
• Fundraisers are also being encouraged to join Daddy Pig's team to grow moustaches, get active and raise funds together as a team of 'expert' daddies. 
• Sign up at: moteam.co/team-daddy-pig-uk .

The Movember Foundation's annual Movember campaign is globally recognised for its fun, disruptive approach to fundraising and getting men to take action for their health. This year, the charity celebrates its 10 year fundraising anniversary in the UK.

Health and fitness ‘expert’ Daddy Pig is joining in this Movember! 

About the Movember Foundation:  

The Movember Foundation is a global men's health charity.

The Foundation raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programmes that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives. Committed to disrupting the status quo, millions have joined the movement, helping fund over 1,200 projects focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide prevention.

In addition to tackling key health issues faced by men, the Foundation is working to encourage men to stay healthy in all areas of their life, with a focus on men staying socially connected and becoming more open to discussing their health and significant moments in their lives.

• The Foundation's vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men's health.

SOURCE: Entertainment One

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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