| PORCHLIGHT ADDS NEW BOARD MEMBER |
April 13 2009
PORCHLIGHT ADDS NEW BOARD MEMBER
(LOS ANGELES)—Rick Eldridge has joined PorchLight Entertainment’s Board of Directors, it was announced today by PorchLight’s CEO, Bruce Johnson.
“With over 30 years in the entertainment business as a musician, producer, director and entrepreneur, Rick knows how to make projects happen,” said Johnson. “PorchLight is moving in new directions and Rick gives us access to new people, places and ideas that can aid in our expansion.”
“I’m very pleased to be joining PorchLight’s Board of Directors,” said Eldridge. “I have worked with PorchLight in the past on the distribution of several of my films and we have similar visions and goals. PorchLight is known as a destination for family and value driven entertainment and I look forward to helping the company as it pursues this strategy.”
Currently Eldridge is President/CEO of The Film Foundry, a multifaceted film/video post-production company that works on weekly television series, specials, and film projects for networks including CBS, A&E, HGTV, PBS and The Speed Channel. Eldridge has headed up the creative vision and production of The Ultimate Gift, Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius, and Running the Sahara, a Matt Damon narrated documentary about the adventure of three marathon runners who ran across the Sahara desert to bring attention to the water crisis in Africa. Under the banner of GlueWorks Entertainment, an animation company prized with numerous awards of excellence, Eldridge has produced Hermie & Friends, Gigi, The Pond and On the Farm.
Eldridge is actively involved as a member of many educational and civic boards including Executive Officer of the Board of Trustees for Brevard College, Compass Film Academy Board of Directors, Heartland Film Festival Board of Directors, Queen University Advisory Board and the Damah Film Festival Board. He has also been awarded the International Who′s Who of Entrepreneurs.
PorchLight has recently announced new additions to its executive staff, as well as the launch of its new digital platform KidMango, which is available online at KidMango.com, and will launch as a branded block on the MyFamilyTV network later this year.
About PorchLight Entertainment
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality family entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executive Bruce D. Johnson, PorchLight has produced more than 30 live-action and animated movies and a number of major animated series including the Emmy Award-winning series, Tutenstein, for Discovery Kids and Jetix Europe, Jay Jay The Jet Plane for PBS, Four Eyes for France 3, Nickelodeon Asia and Nickelodeon Australia; and Adventures from The Book of Virtues for PBS, and a series of direct-to-videos for Leapfrog, the leading electronic toy company. The company co-produced Animalia for the BBC, PBS, CBC, and Nickelodeon and Network Ten in Australia and CBC in Canada; and is currently producing The Secret Saturdays for Cartoon Network. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
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| New PorchLight Executives |
April 6 2009
PORCHLIGHT NAMES COURTNEY COLMAN
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Industry Veteran Don Mirisch Joins PorchLight Team As Senior Vice President
Los Angeles – April 6, 2009 -- PorchLight Entertainment, global producer and distributor of award-winning family entertainment, has appointed Courtney Colman to the company post of CFO and Don Mirisch as Senior Vice President, it was announced today by Bruce D. Johnson, President & CEO of PorchLight.
“We are very pleased to add Courtney and Don to our team,” said Bruce Johnson, “Both have immense industry experience and bring vast knowledge and skills to PorchLight. We look forward to their contributions to our strategic growth plan for 2009 and beyond.”
As the Chief Financial Officer Colman will be responsible for overseeing PorchLight’s Finance, Accounting, Human Resources and IT departments. Prior to joining PorchLight, Colman was Executive Vice President of Finance at First Look Studios, where she oversaw the finance, accounting and participation departments. Before First Look Studios, Colman held the position of Chief Financial Officer of Lieberman Research Worldwide, a market research company specializing in the entertainment sector.
Colman’s extensive experience in the entertainment industry includes serving s Vice President of Participations at Sony Pictures Entertainment; Vice President at Universal Music’s Interscope label; Vice President of Film Finance at PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, and Senior Vice President at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group. Her tenure at PolyGram Filmed Entertainment extended over six years in throughout Canada, the US, and the UK.
Colman received her Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Toronto, and is a Chartered Accountant (CA) in Canada and the UK.
“I’m excited to join PorchLight,” said Colman. “The company is growing rapidly and being a part of the team gives me the opportunity to help guide the financial side of the company, from production through its distribution capabilities on a global scale.”
Relative to today’s announcement, Don Mirisch, having over twenty-five years of entertainment industry experience, joins PorchLight as Senior Vice President, where he will oversee the company’s business and legal affairs.
Most recently, Mirisch founded and served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of MGM Animation, which produced and distributed theatrical and direct-to-video features and television series notably including “All Dogs Go to Heaven 2”, “The Pebble and the Penguin”, “The Pink Panther” and “Babes in Toyland”.
Previously, he was Senior Vice President of MGM’s Entertainment Business Group, with responsibility for corporate business affairs, including feature and television production, acquisition and distribution, music, merchandising and licensing.
Earlier, Mirisch headed business affairs for such companies as Hanna-Barbera, Embassy Home Entertainment and PolyGram Pictures. His varied career includes stints at Twentieth-Century Fox and Universal.
He is a cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Brandeis University, a cum laude graduate of the Harvard Law School, and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the State Bar of California.
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About PorchLight Entertainment
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality family entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executive Bruce D. Johnson, PorchLight has produced more than 30 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including the Emmy Award-winning series, Tutenstein, for Discovery Kids and Jetix Europe, Jay Jay The Jet Plane for PBS, Four Eyes for France 3, Nickelodeon Asia and Nickelodeon Australia; and Adventures from The Book of Virtues for PBS, and a series of direct-to-videos for Leapfrog, the leading electronic toy company. The company co-produced Animalia for the BBC, PBS, Nickelodeon and Network Ten in Australia and CBC in Canada; Secret Saturdays for Cartoon Network; A Tad of Christmas Cheer for Leapfrog, and a line-up of live-action and animated movies for the international television and DVD market. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
Contact:
Georgia Scott Bruce Johnson
Global Strategies, Ink PorchLight Entertainment
(818) 432-1434 (310) 477-8400
georgia@theagency.tv bjohnson@porchlight.com
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| CCTV Animation and PorchLight Entertainment Partner on Snap! Let’s Go! |
March 28 2009
CCTV Animation and PorchLight Entertainment Partner on Snap! Let’s Go!
CCTV Animation and PorchLight Entertainment Form Historic Partnership on New Preschool Series
(Beijing / Los Angeles - March 28, 2009) The Chinese animation production powerhouse CCTV Animation and PorchLight Entertainment have entered a co-development agreement to develop and produce the 52 X 12 minutes preschool series Snap! Let’s Go! This agreement marks the first collaboration on the development of a long format TV animation series between CCTV Animation and a North American production company.
“We take the co-development with PorchLight as a very important step for our international collaboration strategy,” The GM of CCTV Animation Wang Ying said, “Both PorchLight and CCTV Animation have successful credits of creativities and experiences in producing animation and programming in their respective cultural territories. The collaboration is a meaningful start for enhancing more international projects for both companies.”
“We are very pleased to be announcing our partnership with CCTV Animation,” said Bruce Johnson, President & CEO of PorchLight. “CCTV has the largest children’s audience of any broadcaster worldwide and has shown exceptional quality in their animated programming. They bring enormous expertise and experience to this historic collaboration. With international interest in China roused during the Summer Olympics, the timing is perfect for this type of show.”
Snap! Let’s Go! follows the adventures of a Chinese girl named Mandy (Wang), a western boy named Matt (Johnson), their life-sized Panda bear mentor, and a mischievous, surprise-loving dragon named Snap as they explore new locations and learn about each others’ culture. Intertwined with the adventures, the series will teach Chinese viewers English phrases and all other worldwide viewers the same phrase in Mandarin Chinese. In each episode, the kids, Pandy and Snap will travel to a preschool friendly location like a fire station, library, or zoo, where they will join in the fun of each new place they visit. If appropriate, they will visit the same type of place in both China and the western world, out of which will arise enriching experiences of a new culture.
“Snap! Let’s Go! shows preschoolers that although we may come from different places across the world, we have so much in common,” said Shea Fontana, Vice President of Children’s Programming at PorchLight. “But this program celebrates the differences, like the food we eat, the games we play, and the words we use. But no matter how we say ‘This is fun!’ the feeling is the same across the globe.”
Snap! Let’s Go! is based on the Mandy & Pandy book series created by Chris Lin and illustrated by Ingrid Villalta. The Mandy & Pandy book series introduces preschool and elementary age students to Chinese words and phrases with pictures books that include an accompanying CD which reads the story in both English and Chinese.
About CCTV Animation
CCTV Animation Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of CCTV (China Central Television). CCTV is Chinese state TV broadcaster and the largest network, which reaches over 1 billion viewers in China and 100 million overseas families. CCTV Animation has more than 700 hours of high-quality animation series (permanent IP rights) with a steady increasing of over 5000 minutes annually, which are created and produced by first-class creative talent of the country and state-of-the-art equipment. It has the most award-winning animation series in China, such as Journey to the West, The Legend of Nezha, The Adventures of Little Carp, Young Detective Di Renjie, New Fables and so on so forth, which are blockbusters with extensive merchandising market as well. CCTV Animation’s core business includes original animation production, distribution, merchandising, licensing and cooperation in new media. Its main broadcasting platform is CCTV Children’s Channel, which covers over 96% of mainland China, and is in the top eight of satellite television channel share. For more information, visit http://ysdh.cctv.com.
About PorchLight Entertainment
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality family entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executive Bruce D. Johnson, PorchLight has produced more than 30 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including the Emmy Award-winning series, Tutenstein, for Discovery Kids and Jetix Europe, Jay Jay The Jet Plane for PBS, Four Eyes for France 3, Nickelodeon Asia and Nickelodeon Australia; and Adventures from The Book of Virtues for PBS, and a series of direct-to-videos for Leapfrog, the leading electronic toy company. The company co-produced Animalia for the BBC, PBS, Nickelodeon and Network Ten in Australia and CBC in Canada; Secret Saturdays for Cartoon Network; A Tad of Christmas Cheer for Leapfrog, and a line-up of live-action and animated movies for the international television and DVD market. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
Contact:
Junfei Zhan Shea Fontana
CCTV Animation PorchLight Entertainment
(8610)51862713 310.477.8400
junfeizhan@yahoo.com.cn sfontana@porchlight.com
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| PORCHLIGHT PROMOTES SHEA FONTANA TO VP, CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING |
March 18 2009
PORCHLIGHT PROMOTES SHEA FONTANA TO VP, CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING
(LOS ANGELES—March 2009)— Shea Fontana has been upped to Vice President, Children’s Programming, it was announced today by Bruce Johnson, company President & CEO. In this new position, her responsibilities will expand to include the development, production and acquisition of all genres children’s programming for PorchLight Entertainment.
“Shea has been working on most of the animation projects that have come through PorchLight over the past 3 years, including production, development and domestic sales,” said Johnson. “She has made a great contribution to our team and I look forward to working with her as she expands her areas of responsibility.”
Ms. Fontana joined PorchLight in 2006. She quickly moved into the animation production process and has been deeply involved in the production and development of PorchLight’s slate of animated programming. She has been involved with production of THE SECRET SATURDAYS (Cartoon Network), ANIMALIA (BBC), TUTENTSTEIN (Discovery Kids) and LeapFrog’s A TAD OF CHRISTMAS CHEER (PorchLight Home Entertainment). Most recently, as Manager, Children’s Programming, she has been overseeing the development of PorchLight’s preschool and tween series.
About PorchLight Entertainment
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality family entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executive Bruce D. Johnson, PorchLight has produced more than 30 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including the Emmy Award-winning series, Tutenstein, for Discovery Kids and Jetix Europe, Jay Jay The Jet Plane for PBS, Four Eyes for France 3, Nickelodeon Asia and Nickelodeon Australia; and Adventures from The Book of Virtues for PBS, and a series of direct-to-videos for Leapfrog, the leading electronic toy company. The company co-produced Animalia for the BBC, PBS, Nickelodeon and Network Ten in Australia and CBC in Canada; Secret Saturdays for Cartoon Network; A Tad of Christmas Cheer for Leapfrog, and a line-up of live-action and animated movies for the international television and DVD market. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
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| PORCHLIGHT TEAMS WITH CABOOM ON BEARY BOO, ; PorchLight to Represent New Conservation-Themed Preschool Show |
September 23 2008
(Los Angeles--September 23, 2008) PorchLight Entertainment has partnered with Caboom of Dublin on Beary Boo, a new animated series, which, in the fun, familiar, and aspirational context of earning merit-based “Lend-a-Paw” patches for their Fuzzy Scout troop, is focused on inspiring its young audience to incorporate ecological awareness into their everyday lives. The series, which was developed by Caboom, targets kids ages 3 to 6. Under the agreement, Caboom will produce the series and PorchLight will have worldwide distribution rights for the preschool property.
“We are pleased to be working with the talented team at Caboom on Beary Boo,” said Fred Schaefer, PorchLight’s SVP of Animation. “With Beary Boo, Caboom has created an exceptional series that combines great designs, humor, and entertaining stories with messages on conservation, recycling, and other eco-conscious themes.”
In Beary Boo, a brown bear cub named Beary joins the Fuzzy Scouts and marches to the tune of conservation and living green. In the town of Greenly Woods, Beary and his cub pals, Nate, Carlotta, and Growell are dedicated to their Scout motto, “A clean world is a green world.” Green living inspires everything they do: how they study at school, help out at home, and romp in the park. They are always discovering more about their environment and ways in which they can help keep it alive and thriving. These young scouts, along with our young audience, are growing up in a world where living green is not an abstract obligation, but rather a fun and fulfilling part of their own daily routine that actually enhances their own lives and the lives of those around them.
“Beary Boo deals with important and timely issues in an exciting and kid-friendly way,” said Shea Fontana, PorchLight’s Manager of Children’s Programming. “Under the guidance of Beary Boo, preschoolers become honorary Fuzzy Scouts and participate in the fun and adventure of Greenly Woods.”
Caboom’s creative director, Damian Farrell, describes the association with PorchLight as not only a great move forward for the Beary Boo project but also for Caboom. “Beary Boo is part of a slate of original animated and liveaction projects that we are developing and pitching in the US. We are very excited to partner with the PorchLight team as their knowledge, experience and most importantly their enthuasism, will be invaluable in helping us bring Beary Boo to life. PorchLight have been distributing animation throughout the world for many years and are well respected internationally. We are looking forward to working with them.”
This deal marks Caboom’s first distribution deal of an original property in the US.
About Caboom
Caboom is an award-winning production company with offices in Los Angeles and Dublin, working in animation (Flash, 2D, and 3D), puppetry and live action for series television, long form and commericials. Under the creative direction of director, animator, producer, and Henson-trained puppeteer Damian Farrell, Caboom has produced a wide variety of materials for broadcast in many territories, including the US, UK, and Ireland. Original series development is run out of Caboom’s LA office, which is headed up by experienced animation executive Joanne Roboz.
Since opening the office in LA last year, Caboom has done concept, design, and production work with a variety of US partners, including Disney, Icebox, Fox, TSB and American Greetings. Caboom’s most recent original series production is the puppet series “I’m On Setanta Sports,” produced for Setanta Sports UK, which has also become something of an international hit on YouTube. For more details visit www.caboom.ie.
About PorchLight Entertainment
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality family entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has produced more than 30 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including the Emmy Award-winning series, Tutenstein, for Discovery Kids and Jetix Europe, Jay Jay The Jet Plane for PBS, Four Eyes for France 3, Nickelodeon Asia and Nickelodeon Australia; and Adventures from The Book of Virtues for PBS, Animalia for the BBC, PBS, Nickelodeon and Network Ten in Australia and CBC in Canada, and A Tad of Christmas as well a series of direct-to-videos for Leapfrog, the leading electronic toy company. The company is currently producing Secret Saturdays for Cartoon Network; Tutenstein: Clash of the Pharaohs for Discovery Kids; A Martian Christmas, and a line-up of live-action and animated movies for the international television and DVD market. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
Contact:
William Baumann
PorchLight Entertainment
(310) 477-8400
wbaumann@porchlight.com
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| PORCHLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT TO SHOWCASE TAN AT MIPCOM; First Episode of New Animated Series to Premiere at MIPCOM Jr. |
September 21 2008
(Los Angeles---September 21, 2008) PorchLight Entertainment will unveil Tan, the new animated series from Lincoln Butterfield Animation, at MIPCOM 2008 in Cannes. According to Bruce Johnson, PorchLight’s President and CEO, a fully animated 11-minute episode will be screened during MIPCOM Junior and the series will be presented during the market.
“Tan is an animated comedy-action series that’s as twisted and sweet as a fortune cookie,” said Fred Schaefer, SVP Animation. “The first episode establishes Tan’s loony, infectious humor and off-the-wall martial arts action. We’re excited and proud to premiere it during the market.”
Tan (who just so happens to be an egg) lives in a wondrous place inhabited by good guys, bad guys and a few crazy monkeys who wear little red Fezzes. As recent graduate from the Lo Fat Martial Arts Academy & Cooking School, Tan sets out to make friends, find fortune and learn the ways of the world. He joins Foo Young, Tamago and Curry on adventures filled with laughs, wisdom and martial arts mayhem. The series targets kids ages 6 to 12.
“The character’s good-natured, kid-like confidence—he’s both endearing and very funny—makes this series appealing to a broad audience,” said Schaefer. “That, plus the enormous talent that Lincoln Butterfield brings to the table virtually ensures that the series will be both a creative and commercial success.”
Tan was created and developed by Lincoln Butterfield, LLC, a new animation studio comprised of industry veterans: director Robert Hughes (director on Disney’s “Phineas & Ferb”), Mitch Schauer (creator, Nickelodeon’s “The Angry Beavers”), producer Michael Lessa, and business exec Joseph Walker.“We all knew we had a hit on our hands with Tan, but to have a company on board with PorchLight’s history of successes is truly validating our efforts,” said Lincoln Butterfield’s Robert Hughes, “We look forward to working with them to see our vision for the series realized.”
Lincoln Butterfield will produce 26 half hour episodes, each consisting of two 11-minute shorts and PorchLight Entertainment will distribute the series worldwide. The television premiere for Tan is targeted for fall of 2009.
About PorchLight Entertainment
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality family entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has produced more than 30 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including the Emmy Award-winning series, Tutenstein, for Discovery Kids and Jetix Europe, Jay Jay The Jet Plane for PBS, Four Eyes for France 3, Nickelodeon Asia and Nickelodeon Australia; and Adventures from The Book of Virtues for PBS, and a series of direct-to-videos for Leapfrog, the leading electronic toy company. The company is currently co-producing Animalia for the BBC, PBS, Nickelodeon and Network Ten in Australia and CBC in Canada; Secret Saturdays for Cartoon Network; A Tad of Christmas Cheer for Leapfrog, and a line-up of live-action and animated movies for the international television and DVD market.
For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
About Lincoln Butterfield
Founded in 2004 by veteran animator Robert Hughes (director on Disney’s “Phineas & Ferb”) and business executive Joseph Walker, Lincoln Butterfield draws upon long established relationships with talented writers, artists, directors and technical experts worldwide in order to develop and produce a wide range of innovative animation-based intellectual properties.
The founders, along with core team members Mitch Schauer (creator of “The Angry Beavers”) and Michael Lessa, have produced and directed over $150 million worth of award winning animated TV series for various studios in North America, Asia and Europe.
Contact:
William Baumann
PorchLight Entertainment
(310) 477-8400
wbaumann@porchlight.com
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| PORCHLIGHT FINDS “WRITE” IT WITH PASCUALINA, ; PorchLight and Pascualina Producciones to Co-develop Hit Diary Series for Television |
September 12 2008
(Los Angeles, CA—September 12, 2008) -- PorchLight Entertainment has partnered with Pascualina Producciones to develop Pascualina, an animated series based on the diary book series of the same name. Under the agreement, PorchLight will be the worldwide distributor to the tween targeted series which will be produced through PorchLight’s animation studio in Los Angeles.
“We are thrilled to be working with Pascualina Productions,” said Bruce Johnson, PorchLight’s President & CEO. “In the Pascualina diaries, creator Paulina Monckeberg has made a unique world with exciting designs. The international flavor of the designs and the rich storylines provide great source material for the television series.”
Since 1990, the Pascualina diary series created by Paulina Monckeberg has sold over 5 million copies worldwide and has become a trusted companion to millions of young girls and preteens. Unlike the average diary, Pascualina is an interactive diary experience with each page a guide through the emotions and challenges facing preteens. Filled with fully illustrated color pages, stickers, greeting cards, comic style stories and much more, the Pascualina diaries tells the story of a girl named Pascualina, her family, friends and pets. Like the owner of the diary, each year Pascualina ages, matures and discovers new adventures and obstacles. The Pascualina diaries invite their owners to express themselves through writing, drawing, collage, and journaling.
In making the announcement, Shea Fontana, Porchlight’s Manager of Children’s Programming said, “The Pascualina book series offers adolescents a chance to share their lives with Pascualina, who is on the same emotional journey through life and growing up. We are excited to bring this fun and intimate relationship between the audience and characters to the television series.”
Alvaro Baeza, CEO of Pascualina Producciones noted, “We feel that the creative team at PorchLight Entertainment is the right group for us to work with on this exciting project.”
Magdalena Ross of Magma Partners, Pascualina Producciones’ representative in North America who negotiated this agreement, added, “We are excited to partner with Porchlight and Pascualina Producciones to introduce this wonderful property to the world. With the strong characters, stories and positive messages of the diaries, an animated series is the natural next step for the Pascualina brand.”
The Pascualina television series will focus on Pascualina and her eccentric, globe-trotting family. Pascualina and her siblings discover adventure, mischief and important lessons about growing up that they will share with their audience. Inspired by unique design of the journals, the series will maintain a funky, “doodled” look in 2D animation. Each half hour episode is full of tween-relatable fun and genuine emotional heart. With humorous, relevant stories, the series targets kids 6-12 years old.
Pascualina is one of four children’s diaries created and illustrated by Paulina Monckeberg. It began with Monckeberg’s interest in illustration and writing comic story lines, combined with her interest in childhood development. The diaries sell more than 1 million copies annually worldwide, with a strong following of tween girls in Latin America. Born in Santiago, Chile, Monckenberg has a degree in advertising, marketing and graphic design from University of Chile.
About PorchLight Entertainment
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality family entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has produced more than 30 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including the Emmy Award-winning series, Tutenstein, for Discovery Kids and Jetix Europe, Jay Jay The Jet Plane for PBS, Four Eyes for France 3, Nickelodeon Asia and Nickelodeon Australia; and Adventures from The Book of Virtues for PBS, and a series of direct-to-videos for Leapfrog, the leading electronic toy company. The company co-produced Animalia for the BBC, PBS, Nickelodeon and Network Ten in Australia and CBC in Canada; Secret Saturdays for Cartoon Network; A Tad of Christmas Cheer for Leapfrog, and a line-up of live-action and animated movies for the international television and DVD market. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
About Pascualina Producciones S.A.
Pascualina Produciones, located in Santiago, Chile, is a company in charge of the development of the business related to the family of products and bands Brujo Films, specializing in the creation of characters, illustrations and story lines for children and teens. The main brands are Pascualina, Artilugia, Rosamunda and Ludovico. The commercialization of the main product, diaries, began in 1989 by the creator and illustrator, Paulina Monckeberg. In 1998 the company began selling the diaries and related products internationally, with great success. Today, the diaries are sold throught Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia. For more information visit www.Pascualina.com.
About Magma Partners
Magma Partners LLC was formed in 2004 to help develop the Pascualina property in the US Market and around the world. Magma Partners consists of three principals, Patrice Auld, Martha Moseley and Magdalena Ross. The partnership was formed in May of 2004 and has since secured distribution partnerships with major retailers throughout the world. Magma Partners LLC is based in Seattle, Washington.
Contact:
William Baumann
PorchLight Entertainment
(310) 477-8400
wbaumann@porchlight.com
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| TUTENSTEIN REIGNS WITH FEATURE LENGTH MOVIE, Clash of the Pharaohs to be Presented at MIPCOM Junior |
September 12 2008
Los Angeles, CA – September 12, 2008 -- The first feature length Tutenstein movie based on PorchLight Entertainment’s two-time Emmy winning television series, is set to debut on Discovery Kids in the US this fall and premiere internationally at MIPCOM Junior in October, according to Bruce Johnson, PorchLight’s President & CEO and series executive producer. Tutenstein: Clash of the Pharaohs picks up where the previous three seasons of the series left off and takes Tutenstein, the mummified boy pharaoh who was brought back to life in a modern day museum, on a more exciting journey than ever before. PorchLight will unveil Tutenstein: Clash of the Pharaohs during the MIPCOM Junior screenings and will present the movie during MIPCOM 2008.
“We are thrilled to expand the Tutenstein franchise with Tutenstein: Clash of the Pharaohs,” said Johnson. “Tutenstein has been a hit on Discovery Kids in the US and we are excited to build on the mythology, fun, and adventure in the movie.”
“Tutenstein was the first animated series for Discovery Kids and we are pleased to see the brand continue to grow with Tutenstein: Clash of the Pharaohs,” said Dea Perez, VP of Programming, Production and Operations. “Tutenstein is a classic character whose humor and charm in this movie will entertain audiences across the world.”
In Tutenstein: Clash of the Pharaohs, Tutenstein, Cleo and Luxor take the trip of a lifetime - to ancient Egypt! When Tut is plagued by nightmares concerning his death, he journeys to the past with hopes of stopping his death. But the gang arrives too late, nearly 1000 years after Tut lived. His hopes for the royal treatment are dashed when Cleo is mistaken for Cleopatra, the current Pharaoh of Egypt. With their roles reversed - Cleo playing the arrogant queen while Tut begrudgingly taking the role of her servant - Tut and Cleo’s friendship is challenged. While Cleo lets the crown go to her head, Tut and Luxor discover the Grand Vizier’s plan to take control of the kingdom by getting rid of Cleo. Tut must stop the Grand Vizier and rescue Cleo before she’s sent to the Afterlife! By the time they return to the present, Tut and Cleo learn the importance of true friendship--no matter what the era!
Both the Tutenstein movie and television series combines ancient Egyptian mythology with contemporary, urban humor and attitude. Its goal is to accurately portray the diverse Egyptian mythology, utilizing stories and characters that reflect the lives of kids today. In order to do so, PorchLight’s production team works closely with Dr. Peter Lacovara, Tutenstein’s Egyptology consultant who authenticates the Egyptian content.
As well as leading Tutenstein: Clash of The Pharaohs production, PorchLight holds worldwide TV distribution rights and licensing and video rights, excluding the United States and South America. PorchLight Entertainment produces Tutenstein for Discovery Kids. The series is co-produced by Telegael. Executive producers are Bruce Johnson, William Baumann, Martha Ripp and Paul Cummins.
About Tutenstein:
Tutenstein tells the tales of a 3010 year old boy-mummy-Pharaoh who is brought back to life following a lightning strike upon his sarcophagus on display in a modern day museum. Short on stature but long on attitude, he believes he is the supreme ruler of the world and schemes to take his rightful place through the antics and adventures that only a 3010-year-old boy-mummy could muster in this day and age. Tut is joined by Cleo (a hip, 21st-century, 12-year-old girl) and Luxor (his faithful, talking-cat servant). PorchLight Entertainment produces Tutenstein for Discovery Kids. Tutenstein can be found on the web at www.tutenstein.com and www.discoverykids.com.
About PorchLight Entertainment
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality family entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has produced more than 30 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including the multiple Emmy Award-winning series Tutenstein, for Discovery Kids and Jetix Europe, Jay Jay The Jet Plane for PBS, Four Eyes for France 3, Nickelodeon Asia and Nickelodeon Australia; and Adventures from The Book of Virtues for PBS, and a series of direct-to-videos for Leapfrog, the leading educational toy company. In addition to ANIMALIA, the Company is currently producing Secret Saturdays for Cartoon Network; A Tad of Christmas Cheer for Leapfrog, and a line-up of live-action and animated movies for the international television and DVD markets. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
For more information contact:
Bruce Johnson
PorchLight Entertainment
(310) 477-8400
bjohnson@porchlight.com
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| PorchLight Home Entertainment Acquires U.S. DVD Rights to Together Again for the First Time From Brownie Films |
August 11 2008
LOS ANGELES — August 11, 2008 — For Immediate Release — PorchLight Home Entertainment (PHE) has acquired U.S.DVD rights to the feature film Together Again for the First Time from Brownie Films, it was announced today by Robert Yu, vice president, feature films acquisitions, PorchLight Entertainment. Additionally, worldwide distribution rights in all mediums were acquired by parent company PorchLight Entertainment.
The holiday-themed comedy will be released on PHE’s newly launched Ocean Park label, which spotlights cutting-edge, independent films with diverse appeal.
Together Again for the First Time stars Julia Duffy (TV’s Newhart, Drake and Josh), David Ogden Stiers (TV’s M*A*S*H, The Dead Zone), Kelly Stables (The Ring, The Ring Two), Joey Lawrence (Blossom, Master of Dance, Rest Stop) & Larisa Oleynik (10 Things I Hate About You, TV’s 3rd Rock From the Sun). The film was written, produced, and directed by Jeff Parkin and was based on a play by Reed McColm , who also co wrote the script and was a producer on the project.
In Together Again for the First Time, the Wolders-Frobisher family hasn’t been in the same house since their parents marriage seven years before. The long awaited reunion this holiday season would normally be cause to celebrate, if they could only stand each other’s company…but they can’t. Matters only get worse with the unexpected arrival of an ex-boyfriend, an unannounced television broadcast, and the revelation of a dark family secret. Together Again for the First Time reminds us of the importance of family, even when you don’t like each other very much.
Pre-order date is Sept. 10. Street date is Oct. 14 and the suggested list price is $24.98
Commented Yu, “Together Again for the First Time is an engaging, light-hearted comedy with universal appeal and soul. This film is a shining addition to the PorchLight Home Entertainment/Ocean Park library.”
Executive Producer James Huntsman, Brownie Films, added, “We’re thrilled to work with PorchLight on this title. They’re synonymous with family entertainment and have built a terrific brand. Their team has a strong track record of getting product into the marketplace.”
The acquisition was brokered by Todd Slater on behalf of Brownie Films.
About Brownie Films:
Brownie Films is an independent film production company created in 2006 by James Huntsman and shortly thereafter acquired the film rights to the play Together Again for the First Time. Company is based on Los Angeles.
About PorchLight Home Entertainment:
Launched in early 2007, PorchLight Home Entertainment (PHE) is a division of PorchLight Entertainment. PHE emphasizes positive family values, informing as well as entertaining.
Among the titles being distributed by PHE are: LeapFrog’s holiday special, A Tad of Christmas Cheer; The Family Holiday; the award-winning Wheels on the Bus series; Little Playdates series; Travel With Kids series; and the upcoming release of the classic PBS series Adventures From the Book of Virtues. In spring 2008, PHE launched the Porchlight INSPIRE label, featuring inspirational and faith-based children’s and family entertainment, and Ocean Park Home Entertainment, showcasing cutting-edge, independent films with diverse appeal. PHE
is headed by Gary Jones.
About PorchLight Entertainment:
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has built a large and diverse distribution library of nearly 200 movies, over 1,000 episodes of children’s programs and a growing non-fiction and music programming library. PorchLight has produced more than 40 live-action and animated movies and major animated series including Tutenstein, the multiple Emmy Award-winning series, for Discovery Kids; Jay Jay the Jet Plane for PBS; Adventures From The Book of Virtues for PBS; and a direct-to-video series for LeapFrog, the leading electronic toy company. The company is currently co-producing Animalia for PBS; The Tutenstein Movie for Discovery Kids; and The Secret Adventures of Zak Saturday for Cartoon Network. For more information, visit www.porchlight.com.
Contact:
Vicki Greenleaf
Greenleaf & Associates — 323-660-5800
vicki@greenleafandassociates.com
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| PorchLight Home Entertainment Proudly Presents Funky Town: Volumes 1 & 2 -Where the Animals Go Urban |
August 1 2008
LOS ANGELES — Aug. 1, 2008 — For Immediate Release — Following in the foot prints –make that hoof prints – of Funky Valley, Funky Town, Volumes 1 & 2 gallop onto DVD for the first time ever Aug. 26 from PorchLight Home Entertainment.
In Funky Town, for ages 2-5, two friends from Funky Valley, Clara the chicken and accident-prone Dippy the Cow, have left the farm and traveled to the city where they now run a laid-back milk bar. While Clara runs the business, Dippy attempts to deliver milk on the milk float … though it’s a mystery why Clara allows her clumsy friend to do it!
Funky Town: Volume 1 episodes include: “Turbo Charged Dippy,” “Beautiful Chipolata,” “Teeny Weeny,” “Sale! Sale! Sale!,” “Super Dippy,” “Aliens Attack,” “Gone Bananas,” “Mayor Norris,” “Super Dooper Vending Machine,” “Cheesy Peasy,” “Dippy and the Dog,” “Fairy Nice Cakes” and “There’s Something Down the Sewers.”
Funky Town: Volume 2 episodes include: “The Big Game,” “The Raindance,” “Money Money Money,” “Power Cut,” “Boat Race,” “Oh! Baby!,” “Dippy’s Breakdown,” “The Daily News,” “Beauty and the Feast,” “Chipolata’s Birthday,” “Home Movies,” “A Star in Their Eyes,” “Norris’ Milk Bar” and “The Great Grass Pudding Disaster.”
Funky Town, Volumes 1 & 2 are presented in full screen with an aspect ration of 4:3.
About PorchLight Home Entertainment:
Launched in early 2007, PorchLight Home Entertainment (PHE) is a division of PorchLight Entertainment. PHE emphasizes positive family values, informing as well as entertaining. Among the titles being distributed by PHE are: LeapFrog’s holiday special, A Tad of Christmas Cheer; The Family Holiday; the award-winning Wheels on the Bus series; Little Playdates series; Travel With Kids series; and the upcoming release of the classic PBS series Adventures From the Book of Virtues. In spring 2008, PHE launched two specialty labels, PorchLight INSPIRE, distributing inspirational and faith-based children’s and family entertainment, and Ocean Park Home Entertainment, featuring cutting-edge, independent films with diverse appeal. PHE is headed by Gary Jones.
About PorchLight Entertainment:
PorchLight Entertainment is a multi-faceted company focused on the production and distribution of high-quality entertainment and licensing and merchandising representation for children’s and family brands and trademarks. Since its formation in 1995 by veteran entertainment executives Bruce D. Johnson and William T. Baumann, PorchLight has built a large and diverse distribution library of nearly 200 movies | |
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