Coverage Ink Films' 2-D animated horror film "To Your Last Death," starring the voice talents of Morena Baccarin, Dani Lennon, Ray Wise, Bill Moseley, and William Shatner, will premiere at the 20th anniversary celebration of London's Frightfest, the UK's largest international genre festival, Friday, August 23rd, 2019
"To Your Last Death" is the first-ever US-made 2-D animated horror movie. The indie production took years to produce and was painstakingly hand-drawn. This groundbreaking animated horror/sci-fi mash-up starts where many horror films end: with the final survivor working her way out of the wreckage after a night of terror – only to be sent back in time to do it all over again by a mysterious, supernatural entity known only as the Gamemaster (Baccarin.) Only this time, our survivor has foreknowledge to give her a fighting chance to save her family.
Morena Baccarin as the Gamemaster.
Directed by Jason Axinn, "To Your Last Death" features a cast of genre luminaries including Emmy nominee Baccarin ("Gotham," "Deadpool," "Homeland,") Ray Wise ("Twin Peaks," "Robocop",) Bill Moseley (Rob Zombie's upcoming "3 from Hell," "Texas Chainsaw Massacre II") and the legendary William Shatner ("Star Trek,") who acts as guide through this harrowing journey.
"You have no idea what you're in for," said Axinn. "This film will knock you on your ass."
"If you can make people feel that they could die horribly," said Shatner, "that's scary. That's close to the bone."
A Barbie Astronaut Doll reached new heights as she was launched to space on Friday, July 5, 2019 in London, Ontario. The launch was held in partnership with STEM Camp and was designed to inspire a new generation of girls, who will pursue STEM careers, to reach their limitless potential. #YouCanBeAnything (CNW Group/Mattel Canada, Inc.)
This year marks Barbie's 60th anniversary, and with over 200 careers and counting, there isn't a plastic ceiling she hasn't broken. On Friday, July 5, in London, Ontario, a Barbie Astronaut Doll surpassed those ceilings to reach new heights.
Held in partnership with Canadian not-for-profit STEM Camp, campers experienced space-related programming and counted down Barbie's launch to space on a high-altitude weather balloon. Her three-hour journey to space and back was captured on live action camera.
"STEM is all about science, exploration and discovery. We were so excited to send Barbie to space, so kids could learn the science and technology behind making this magic happen," explained Lisa Perry, Barbie Brand Manager at Mattel Canada. "For the first time, Barbie went to space and we hope this inspires a new generation of girls who will pursue STEM careers."
In addition, young girls were given the opportunity to hear directly from a successful female role model, Aerospace Engineer, Natalie Panek, who offered her insight into a career in aerospace engineering and how she continues to pursue her dream of exploring space. Natalie is a rocket scientist, explorer and champion for women in STEM. Natalie's dreams began at a young age with Barbie by her side to spark her imagination.
Today, SQUARE ENIX launched FINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers, the latest expansion for the critically-acclaimed MMORPG that recently celebrated more than 16 million registered accounts.
The enthusiasm for Shadowbringers has brought FINAL FANTASY XIV to new heights, with the active player base reaching its highest mark in the game's nearly six-year history.
Shadowbringers marks a bold new beginning, taking players beyond the world of Hydaelyn for the first time as they journey to the First and the realm of Norvrandt. The Warrior of Light must become the Warrior of Darkness to restore night and save the world from the apocalypse the Flood of Light promises.
Shadowbringers adds a wealth of new features to the game, including:
New Jobs: Gunbreaker and Dancer –The Gunbreaker is a new tank role who wields the iconic gunblade, utilizing ammo cartridges to protect their party from harm. The Dancer, a ranged attacker, not only unleashes powerful attacks using throwing weapons, but also dances to execute abilities which provide beneficial effects to their party.
New Player Races: Viera and Hrothgar – The rabbit-like Viera are joined by the burly and lion-like Hrothgar, both with unique, customizable features specific to their races.
New Game+ – This brand-new system will allow for replay of previously completed quests while retaining one's current progression and job level.
Level Cap Increase – The level cap will be raised to 80 with the release of Shadowbringers. With this will come new actions for classes and jobs—as well as new foes against which players can hone their skills.
Trust System – In Shadowbringers, players will have the opportunity to challenge dungeons with a party of trusted non-player characters, including members of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. Traditional party matching systems will remain available.
New Beast Tribes and Primals – Players will encounter the carefree but cruel pixies in Il Mheg alongside their mighty regent Titania, along with other beast tribes including the Nu Mou and the Dwarves.
New Content and System Upgrades – Battle system changes, new equipment, crafting recipes and more.
Players can also look forward to a variety of additional content that has been announced for release in upcoming patches:
New Alliance Raid: "YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse" - This exciting new 24-man raid written by guest creators Yosuke Saito and YOKO TARO will see FINAL FANTASY and NieR come together as never before.
New High-End Raid: "Eden" – This new high-end raid will feature a new character designed by KINGDOM HEARTS director and FINAL FANTASY series veteran, Tetsuya Nomura. The content is schedule to become available on July 16, 2019 with the release of Patch 5.01.
Restoration of the Holy See of Ishgard – End-game content for crafters and gatherers.
The FINAL FANTASY XIV free trial invites new players to access content up to level 35, create up to eight playable characters, and experience the different playable races, classes, and jobs with no restrictions on playtime. New players who wish to experience the free trial may register here: sqex.to/FFXIVFreeTrial.
FINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers
FINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.
Second Galaxy: A new era of intergalactic warfare is about to begin!
ZLONGAME announced the global launch of its new open-world sci-fi MMO, Second Galaxy, is coming soon. To prepare for its full release, an official website and Facebook page have been created, while a soft launch is scheduled to begin on July 5, 2019.
Second Galaxy is set three thousand years in the future in an alternate world where humanity's civilizations have formed their own empire among the stars called "Second Galaxy" with the intent to further colonize the universe.
A total of five emerging regimes populate the stretch of space humanity finds itself in, each of which has an ever-evolving relationship with one another that has them cooperating while also keeping everyone in check.
As the player adventures through deep space, they'll come across these five regimes and must form unique relationships by taking up allegiances. Through a combination of constant combat, exploration, trading, and strategy, the player will end up playing a critical role in the game's ever-evolving narrative.
At its core, Second Galaxy is truly an open world game as players can take on any role they desire, be it a merchant, transporter, bodyguard, poacher, warlord, miner, manufacturer, patroller, new world explorer, and more. They can be whoever they like in a world that consists of 4,961 galaxies filled with dark matter, wormholes, space stations, and all manner of celestial bodies to explore.
If players require assistance during their travels, they can team up with other players to form corporations to secure scarce resources or launch epic intergalactic battles.
When they're not fighting or exploring, players can take advantage of Second Galaxy's dynamic trading system where they can buy, sell, and barter with other players.
Players can take advantage of Second Galaxy's dynamic trading system where they can buy, sell, and barter with other players.
The cosmic world of Second Galaxy is massive, as it features over 50,000 stars, a diameter of more than 1,000 light years, over 150 classes of spacecraft across five unique types, 1,000+ types of tactical equipment, 3,000+ spacecraft components, and more than 5,000 technological upgrades. This near endless amount of customization is advanced by Second Galaxy's intuitive industrial development system, power control system, and dynamic economic system.
Behind the scenes, ZLONGAME has made significant breakthroughs to overcome many technical barriers to support half a million concurrent online players, and thousands of players on the same screen engaging in real-time combat. This makes ZLONGAME's Second Galaxy the first mobile game in the world to achieve such a feat.
Sending ghost emojis and using #McGhoster, the public are calling out McDonald's on Twitter for not signing the Better Chicken Commitment. (PRNewsfoto/The Humane League)
The Humane League's #McGhoster campaign is acting as a wake-up call to the fast-food industry leader McDonald's, with more than 21,000 signatures already on the petition.
Thousands of conscious consumers across the US and the UK have taken to Twitter to grab the attention of McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook. Sending ghost emojis and using #McGhoster, the public are calling out McDonald's for not signing the Better Chicken Commitment, and criticising them for 'ghosting' their animal welfare responsibilities, unlike their competitors.
Public protests, billboards, and ad vans have been popping up across the UK to further spread the word and build as much pressure as possible; followed by an online brand-jacking film that's racked up over 700,000 views already (on Facebook and YouTube).
The Video
McDonald's is one of the biggest restaurant chains in the world with a net income of $5.877B. Yet, as companies like Pret A Manger are making concrete, meaningful changes to chicken welfare, McDonald's is lagging behind; despite previously facing criticism for the treatment of its chickens. What's more, The Humane League argues that eating poor chickens raised in cramped and confined factory farms have potential health risks for the public.
"Although McDonald's has taken progressive steps on some animal welfare issues, the truth is that when the suffering of millions upon millions of chickens—the most numerous animals in McDonald's supply chain—is at stake, McDonald's fails to live up to the upstanding image it portrays," said Pru Elliott, Head of Campaigns at The Humane League UK.
#McGhoster van
The Humane League is calling on McDonald's consumers and the wider public to demand improvements to its supply chain, and appreciates any support people are able to give to shine a light on their bad practice.
CJ 4DPLEX, together with Sony Pictures, announced today "Spider-Man: Far From Home" will be released in the 270-degree panoramic ScreenX format, swinging into theaters around the globe beginning July 2nd.
"Spider-Man: Far From Home" marks the first Sony Pictures film to be converted into ScreenX. Past collaborations between CJ 4DPLEX and Sony Pictures include the Academy Award winning animated feature "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" in 4DX - another immersive cinema technology of CJ 4DPLEX that features motion-based seating accompanied by a range of environmental effects.
In addition to ScreenX, "Spider-Man: Far From Home" will also be available in the multi-sensory 4DX format.
"We are very excited to share Spider-Man: Far From Home with audiences around the world and have them experience the anticipated film expanded onto the side walls of the ScreenX auditorium," said JongRyul Kim, CEO of CJ 4DPLEX. "Fans will be blown away by the immersive and visual experience of ScreenX and we look forward to bringing more of these exciting cinematic experiences to audiences in the future with Sony Pictures."
"We couldn't be happier in expanding our partnership with CJ 4DPLEX to bring Spider-Man: Far From Home to audiences worldwide in the innovative ScreenX format," said Scott Sherr, EVP, WW Theatrical Distribution of Sony Pictures. "We trust the capabilities of ScreenX to offer an incredibly creative and immersive visual boost to the journey of Spider-Man, and we look forward to entertaining audiences through this unique and exciting cinematic technology."
"Spider-Man: Far From Home" in the ScreenX format will have Spider-Man swinging through the cobbled streets and rustic building tops of Europe, battling foes and juggling the day-time struggles of being a high school teenager. Audiences will experience Spider-Man in an all-new environment inside the auditorium where sequences of Spider-Man swinging from building to building will be expanded onto the side walls of the theater, giving the audiences the thrill of seeing Spider-Man flashing through the air from all three screens.
Fight sequences will also be extended, offering a unique viewing perspective on the action that plays out on the panoramic screens.
About Spider-Man: Far From Home
Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.
Directed by Jon Watts. Written by Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers.
Based on the MARVEL Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
Produced by Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal. Louis D'Esposito, Victoria Alonso,
Thomas M. Hammel, Eric Hauserman Carroll, Rachel O'Connor, Stan Lee, Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach serve as executive producers.
The film stars Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, Cobie Smulders, Jon Favreau, JB Smoove, Jacob Batalon, Martin Starr, with Marisa Tomei and Jake Gyllenhaal.
RM Sotheby's has announced "the most famous car in the world" and the most iconic Aston Martin of all time to lead 'An Evening with Aston Martin', a special single-marque sale at the company's Monterey auction on 15 August. RM Sotheby's will present a James Bond 1965 Aston Martin DB5, one of just three surviving examples commissioned in period by Eon Productions and fitted with MI6 Q Branch modifications.
In 1963, two near-identical cars were built by Aston Martin and loaned to Eon Productions for the filming of Goldfinger; one for stunt driving and chase sequences, and the other for interior shots and close-ups, to be equipped with functional modifications by special effects guru John Stears.
As legendary weapons-master Q would explain to 007, the DB5 was equipped with front and rear hydraulic over-rider rams on the bumpers, a Browning .30 caliber machine gun in each fender, wheel-hub mounted tire-slashers, a raising rear bullet-proof screen, an in-dash radar tracking scope, oil, caltrop and smoke screen dispensers, revolving license plates, a passenger-seat ejection system, a telephone in the driver's door to communicate with MI6 headquarters, and a hidden compartment under the driver's seat containing several weapons.
The smash success of Goldfinger led producers to order two more DB5s; chassis nos. DB5/2008/R, the example on offer by RM Sotheby's, and DB5/2017/R. The two cars were fitted with all Bond modifications and shipped to the U.S. for promotional duties for Thunderball.
Reached through his son, Stephane Connery, legendary actor Sean Connery, who portrayed James Bond on film in both Goldfinger and Thunderball said: "These DB5s are amazing – I remember the Furka Pass tire shredding as well as the promotional events with these cars – they have become increasingly iconic since Goldfinger and Thunderball, in fact I bought a very fine DB5 myself relatively recently."
Under current ownership, the DB5 has undergone a well-documented restoration by Aston Martin Heritage Specialists Roos Engineering, with all thirteen Bond modifications refurbished to function as originally built.
One of three surviving examples, having had just three private owners over 50 years, the DB5 offers a highly desirable acquisition for the serious marque collector…or secret agent (Estimate: $4,000,000 - $6,000,000).
When it comes to film culture, directors and writers alike want to spice it up. To make it as gripping as possible. Juicing up the storylines, adding massive twists to it. And every case needs to be pushed through immediately.
But is that reality?
Different Specialisms
Well, some of it is and other times it really just misses the mark. Typically you won’t be told the difference between what each Lawyer does. Which means we can have a distinct lack of knowledge if we ever a) need a need a lawyer ourselves or b) want to go into law in the future.
Over the years, we’ve been given more of a glimpse into the different specialties, which has been really interesting for the typical viewer. Suits really made a display of the different specialties that were possible. From injury lawyers, not unlike Robinette Law, to Lewis Litt, the corporate finance wizard. And that makes it more interesting.
But there are other times where one specialist jumps ships and lands somewhere else. Things that probably wouldn’t typically happen in the real world. After all, why spend years learning to be one thing, and then dabbling in another (with a lot less knowledge)?
Rich Man Poor Man
In the world of movie lawyers, they are very, very rich or they have an office about a Chinese takeaway and look like they need a good nap. In reality, there is a lot in between those two things. But for entertainment reasons, it is better to have an underdog that does extraordinary things, or a wealthy, successful lawyer deeply embroiled in a scary and challenging world.
Let’s take a look at a few average salaries for some different specialisms.
Corporate Lawyer - $98,823
Criminal Lawyer - $51,810 public defenders, $115k+ at a firm
Personal Injury Lawyer - $73,000
But those are the median salary. But, as you can see, while there are a top and a bottom of the pay scale, there is a lot of space in between that too. But, an ‘average joe’ isn't exciting enough for the big screen. However, you’ll see them much more often.
Time
It can seem like a case is built in a matter of days, by a trust private investigator and a few lucky breaks. But, Erin Brockovich had it a little bit more correct. They showed that it took over 4 years (and more) of contact people, research, some lucky breaks and more sleepless nights than anyone should have to deal with.
As we live in a consumer society, we expect everything quickly delivered to us in a neat recyclable box. But that isn’t the case. To truly put an airtight case together, you are looking at years. If you consider that the FBI and Police often spend years building cases, it would make sense that in order to finish the job, the lawyers would need all of that information, plus their own findings, and everything from the opposition too. So instead we get the montage scene of the leading players sitting around the table reading book after book looking for the precedent that will play into their favor when they take it to court. And, perhaps if we knew how long it really took it wouldn’t feel as punchy but does that devalue the work that real lawyers do? Maybe just a little. It doesn’t make it less entertaining, though.
Anyone Can Do It
Well… maybe. Legally Blonde anyone? It is a great film, it’s easy to watch, has some beautiful punchy moments and has a lot of feel good to it. But, it is essentially taking what might be seen as a ‘less than clever’ person and turning them into a high-flying lawyer. And, it inspired millions of people actually to apply to law school. Which is great.
A big focus of the film was the fact she couldn’t do anything but study, and that is about as close to the law as the movie really gets. To get into the great schools, you need to put in all the hours you can for those excellent scores.
It isn’t about fitting in, it is about standing out, and Elle Woods does that. If you consider just how many people are applying to the elite firms, then you need to really be something special. High scores, an impressive specialist skill, or a personality that people are always expecting.
Elitism
In a few films, and TV series you will find that many of the big players look down on other staff because of where they went to school, who studied with, or where the finish in their class, it can be pretty brutal. But the truth is that in all walks of life there will be some elitism. People don't have to like you, and in an environment where who you are, your family and your education matter - that does get worse. So there is a real aspect of elitism, but you will find that in every office.
Courtroom
We have all watched the passionate closing arguments, and you want your chosen person to win the battle. You want them to get their client off scott-free. Even if you know that the person is guilty. Or, you want them, as the prosecution to really get them the time that they deserve.
The truth is that if you were to get so dramatic, you would likely be shut down - and fast. There won’t be something that dramatic when you are aiming to get someone sent to prison - regardless of the crime. And, some cases are more high profile than others. They are the ones that fill the media - so lawyers must correctly conduct themselves.
What the movies and TV do get right, on all fronts is the passion. Lawyers have a passion for what they do. They want to get to the bottom of things. They want to get justice for the public or their private clients. While the money is excellent, the principals and reasoning are so much more. Lawyers have a fire in their belly, to do the right thing, and that is what makes both the real-life and fictional characters so damn cool.
The original "Cover of Future" displayed at Tam The Palace of Tam Chuc Temple in Kim Bang, Ha Nam Province, Vietnam during 2019 UN Vesak festival
Scientists warn there are only a dozen years before millions of people experience the risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty due to climate change (more details here).
This warning was also announced loud and clear to world leaders, Buddhist leaders, and Buddhists around the world at the United Nation's 2019 Vesak Festival through one single painting.
Called the "Cover of Future", Vietnamese artist Nguyen Thi Kim Duc used traditional Vietnamese silk, Van Gogh inspired water colors, soft but bold strokes, together with deep and lifeless colours to paint a dying tree, partly submerged in sea water. This painting depicts the devastating results of climate change - a world without green trees, animals and humans.
Using a simple painting style, Mrs. Nguyen wanted the artwork to pass from "heart to heart", relaying her love for the environment, like in Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu's words: "People rely on land, land relies on God, God relies on religion, religion relies on nature". She also wanted people to realize that the planet can only be saved if they change their wasteful and polluting habits.
105 copies of this painting were given to the heads of states and leaders of Buddhism from over 100 countries who attended attend the Vesak celebrations. They include Buddhist leaders such as Professor, Dr. Phra Brahmapundit - Chairman of the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV), Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung - Minister of Information and Communication of Vietnam, Ryan Giggs - Coach of the Welsh National Football Team, the Prime Minister of Nepal, the President of Bhutan's Senate, and Sang Ji Zha Xi - Deputy Secretary General of the Chinese Buddhist Church. They were all very sympathetic and touched upon receiving the painting.
"Through the "Cover of Future, I want to remind world leaders about their responsibility of preserving our world. As the decision-makers, they must take the lead in this fight to spread the message of taking responsibility to protect the environment to their people and if they don't take action straight away, the world will end. I want to see them hang this picture in their living room, so they can be reminded of their duty daily," said artist Nguyen Thi Kim Duc.
Artist Nguyen Thi Kim Duc - A Vietnamese businesswoman who wants to see a green future and succeeded in captivating world leaders' attention on this issue at the 2019 UN Vesak festival
About the Artist
Nguyen Thi Km Duc currently serves as the Director of the Institute of Human Resources – HV Talent and the Chairman of the board of HTD Media Joint Stock Company. She also founded Butta, the first social network for the Buddhist community in Vietnam.
Mrs. Nguyen's passion for the environment is a result of her father's influence. Her father is the well-known Vietnamese author Nguyen Son Dong who wrote the famous novel "Xu Doai May Trang" and many Vietnamese poems. Mrs. Nguyen said her father's poem "The Freshness To Life" shaped her passion in helping preserve the world humans live in.
"On a block of wood this afternoon Raindrops were so small It pained my heart But the forest was vast People's immensity as well, Please join me! For evergreen forest The freshness to life"
Mrs. Nguyen hopes that "Cover of Future" will be considered as a brand ambassador for our environment and anti-climate change, and hopefully be present around the world to promote the Green Planet protection in the future.
"You can be proud of who you are supporting by having your Primary Pal on your desk, in your home, or anywhere else you may go."
Build Dolls, Not Walls… that's the motto of one veteran toymaker who is set to launch Primary Pals, a humorous plush collection featuring the top six front-running Democratic primary candidates just days before the first Democratic Presidential debate on June 26th.
Developed by Neal Hoffman, a Shark Tank veteran and entrepreneur, the new plush collection features candidates like Ridin' with Biden and Bernie on a Journey and 'campaigns' for your support as it launches exclusively on Kickstarter today.
"With Primary Pals we are looking to lighten the mood and at the same time add a hint of playfulness and humor to the serious political climate currently blanketing the United States," states Neal Hoffman, a long-time toy industry executive and entrepreneur.
Hoffman also sees the dolls as another way to show support for your candidate beyond the standard buttons and bumper stickers and developed the entire product line to most accurately reflect each candidate's personality in a fun and engaging way.
Featured in the collection are the top six candidates by most recent polling, and each dubbed with an amusing and friendly nickname, including:
Ridin' with Biden
Bernie on a Journey
My Buddy Beto
Mayor Pete in the Street
Courageous Kamala Harris
Persistent Elizabeth Warren
Hoffman has set a funding goal of $20,020 to support production for the line, which will be shipped this fall. Voters can purchase their favorite Primary Pals candidate for $25 each or a special collector's edition for $30, exclusive to Kickstarter supporters. The complete Primary Pals collection is also available for $100.
Once the Kickstarter campaign is completed, Primary Pals will be available for purchase on the Primary Pals website (coming soon) where 5% of the proceeds will be donated to the candidates' election funds based on the sales of each doll. To make it even more interesting, the donation will increase to 10% of proceeds to the candidate who sells the most dolls on Kickstarter.
Persistent Elizabeth Warren(image via Kickstarter)
In addition to each individual product, a collector's edition will be available for most candidates in the line, which includes unique features including variations in the objects representing each candidate.
For fans of Cory Booker, Amy Klobuchar, Kirsten Gillibrand or the many other Democratic contenders, Hoffman has said he will add additional candidates based on demand and feedback on the Primary Pals Facebook page.
For Republican fans, Hoffman has hinted of "Trump vs. Democratic Presidential Candidate" Battle Pack in timing with the 2020 presidential election.
The Primary Pals Kickstarter campaign is now live. Stay tuned for Primary Pals social media accounts to launch across multiple platforms.
Drawing more than 350,000 attendees from across the world Anime Expo, the largest anime event held in North America each year, prepares to welcome some of the most passionate Japanese pop culture fans to the Los Angeles Convention Center July 4-7.
Drawing more than 350,000 attendees from across the world Anime Expo (AX), the largest anime event held in North America each year, once again welcomes some of the most passionate Japanese pop culture fans to the Los Angeles Convention Center July 4-7, including a special Pre-Show Night on July 3. In its 28th year, AX is the preeminent event featuring the newest anime films, television series, fashion, video games, manga, dance, music concerts, exhibitors and exclusive convention merchandise, all combined to deliver unforgettable experiences to fans of anime and Japanese pop culture.
"We are super excited with the AX 2019 line-up and know our fans will find plenty of events and activities to entertain and keep them engaged through-out the four-day show. From the exclusive screening of Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution and the impressive works from world-renowned composer Yoshihiro Ike, to crowd favorites like the Fashion Show and all of the fabulous cosplay, we encourage AX 2019 attendees to sample it all - creating many amazing and lasting memories," said Ray Chiang, CEO of The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, AX's organizer.
AX 2019 features 400+ exhibitors, 19 premieres, 500+ artists and hundreds of hours of programming, as well as multiple programming tracks like Culture Day, Family Day and Career Day, many interactive events and 22 Guests of Honor and 100+ industry appearances.
Keeping things mobile and with so many cool events to see, AX makes it easy for fans to know when and where to be with their own App. The Anime Expo 2019 Mobile App is a virtual tour guide - turning a phone into a digital companion, accompanying fans on their journey while providing guidance and information about everything AX! Fans with smartphone access can get up-to-date schedule information, maps, guest information, exhibitor list, artist alley list, and more.
AX 2019 offers four-full days and nights jammed-packed with panel discussions, live performances and special appearances.
Here are some must-see events:
4DX Anime Film Fest (July 3 & July 4 Regal LA Live Theater):
At the first annual 4DX Anime Film Fest experience exclusive screenings of Detective Conan: Zero The Enforcer, Mobile Suit Gundam NT (Narrative) and Mobile Suit Gundam 00 the MOVIE – A Wakening of the Trailblazer - enhanced with immersive, multi-sensory 4DX motion and environmental effects!
In addition, a 30-minute Q&A panel with screenwriter and cast follows the Mobile Suit Gundam NT (Narrative) screening to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the series.
Music Galore:
From DJ's, dance and AMVs to live concerts and karaoke, it wouldn't be AX without plenty of music-related events to choose from.
Yoshihiro Ike: Anime Soundtrack World (July 7, 12:30 – 2:30 pm, Main Events/Hall B): This international debut concert by legendary composer and musician Yoshihiro Ike is sure to awe the audience. Ike is one of the most recognized music composers in Japan, having worked on more than 100 titles in the last 20 years.
School idol group Aqours makes a return appearance with LOVE LIVE! SUNSHINE!! Aqours World LoveLive! in LA 〜BRAND NEW WAVE〜 (July 5, 7 p.m. & July 6, 1 p.m., The NOVO).
Artist Alley (Kentia Hall):
A must-see are the more than 500 artists who showcase a variety of handmade creations for sale to attendees, including original artwork, prints, crafts, clothing and comic collections in what is the largest gathering of amateur and semi-professional artists at any convention.
This year's featured artists are Shinnosuke Uchida, the world's only wall-manga live paint artist, and LA-based pop culture artist Jared Yamahata.
Anime Expo Fashion Show (July 5, 12:30 – 3 p.m., Live Programing 1/Petree Hall):
Japan is home to many of the most cutting-edge, fashion-forward trends in the world. AX takes pride in showcasing and introducing a variety of designers and their creations to the American market.
Throughout the years, AX has featured authentic Japanese clothing brands, as well as a new generation of models and this year AX is honored to have Michelle Nguyen Bradley MC the Fashion Show.
Designers include: h. NAOTO, Acryl CANDY, HYPLAND, amnesiA¶menesiA, Metamorphose and Hot Topic.
In addition, in The Annex attendees are able to meet and get an autograph or photo from the designers and models, and shop each brand's offerings.
Charity Auction (July 7, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in Live Programming 3 (408 AB):
AX is proud to give its support to a very worthy local organization Terasaki Budokan, and encourages fans to stop by the auction and bid on items donated by AX 2019 Guests of Honor, and anime-related vendors and companies that will include signed merchandise, memorabilia, and original artwork.
Terasaki Budokan's mission is to provide a facility in Downtown Los Angeles for youth, families and seniors that offers sports, community activities and opportunities to connect visitors to Japanese American culture and to a vibrant, sustainable Little Tokyo.
Last year's Charity Auction raised nearly $18,000.
Masquerade & World Cosplay Summit US Finals (costumes) (July 6, 8 – 11 p.m. Main Events/Hall B):
AX encourages and embraces cosplay and the AX Masquerade is a celebration of cosplay and performance competition steeped in history of more than 20 years. AX is excited to welcome all of the performers who are hoping to win the US preliminary for World Cosplay Summit.
Gaming (Entertainment Hall):
With more than 200 gaming stations, including eGaming and eSports arenas, tabletop, mobile and arcade games, AX 2019 delivers the latest from Dream League, PUBG, KONAMI, Fate/Grand Order and others. With tournaments, learn-to-play, and free-play sessions, there's something for everyone at all skill levels in the tabletop games section. eGaming fans can compete with Xbox, Nintendo, Playstation consoles, plus an arcade section to compete with others or just have fun.
Additionally, fans can join the biggest names in the industry as they unveil their latest projects and releases during panels and workshops.
During all show days, attendees who can't fit everything into their schedule can connect to the Anime Expo Livestream channel to watch events in LP1/Petree Hall and exclusive interviews.
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