Comedy Central Turns To Facebook To Promote New Season Of FUTURAMA

Source: Comedy Central

COMEDY CENTRAL is taking “Futurama” fans on a 50 day multi-platform journey leading up to the season premiere on Thursday, June 23 at 10 p.m. The "Countdown To 'Futurama'" launches on Facebook on Wednesday, May 4 – every day for 50 days, the network will release a new piece of exclusive content including preview clips, character designs, episode stills, story boards and much more. For the kick-off, COMEDY CENTRAL will post a sneak peek clip from the season premiere episode. "Futurama’s" Facebook page has over 12 million fans and ranks among the Top 5 animated television show pages.

In addition to Facebook, COMEDY CENTRAL will feature the "Countdown To 'Futurama'" on-air and online, including a daily feature on CC Insider, the COMEDY CENTRAL blog and on mobile with SMS messaging.

"Futurama" focuses on the life of Philip Fry (Billy West), a 25-year-old pizza delivery boy who accidentally freezes himself on December 31, 1999 and wakes up 1,000 years later with a fresh start at life and a "diverse" new group of friends including Leela (Katey Sagal), a tough but lovely one-eyed alien and Bender (John DiMaggio), a robot who possesses human characteristics and flaws. The series aired for five seasons on Fox (1999 to 2003) earning Emmy® nominations each season while winning three times, including "Outstanding Animated Program" in 2002.

"Futurama," created by Matt Groening and developed by Groening and David X. Cohen, is produced by twentieth Century Fox Television, with Rough Draft Studios, Inc. contributing the animation.

20th Century Fox Television, a division of News Corp, is a leading supplier of entertainment content domestically and around the world.

Futurama

See Also:Futurama - The Only Good Human Is A Dead Human - Paper Giclee Print / 26 New Episodes Of FUTURAMA On Deck For Comedy Central / The Philosophy Of Fry / Futurama - Series 1 - Nibbler Plush Doll / Futurama - Rebirth Paper Giclee Print / FUTURAMA Hits The Century Mark! 100 Episodes And Still Going Strong! / FUTURAMA And Other Comedy Central Panels At Comic Con / The Triumphant Return Of FUTURAMA - Part 3 - Video Montage! / The Triumphant Return Of FUTURAMA - Part 2 - New Images / Storyboards! / The Triumphant Return Of FUTURAMA - New Images! / Four Brand New Images From FUTURAMA! / "We're Back Baby!" Futurama Cast Members Returning To Show! / Bad News Everyone! Futurama Voice Actors Unlikely To Return For New Series / Good News Everyone! Fox And Comedy Central Order 26 New Episodes Of Futurama / Wizard World Texas Scores The Premiere Of Futurama Bender’s Game / Futurama: The Beast With A Billion Backs Trailer / Futurama Series 2 Action Figure Set / Futurama: The Beast With A Billion Backs

New Trailer & Images From RISE OF THE APES Lack Charm Of Original

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Rise of the Planet of the Apes / Facebook

Weta Digital has just released several concept images from "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" (I liked 'Rise of the Apes' better) via the film's official Facebook page. Though the images are pretty cool I can't help thinking that the film lacks the basic charm of the original film series. Granted, the apes .... well look like 'real' apes, it was the human-like qualities of using actors in ape make-up that allowed audiences back in the 60s and 70s to identify with with them. I wonder how much modern audiences will embrace these apes?

For me ..... I'm just not feeling it right now.

Some of these new concept photos look really cool, apes attacking soldiers in downtown San Francisco, apes scaling the Golden Gate bridge and apes with spears on top of a building. The others kinda look rather comical, apes jumping on cars like they used to do at Lion Country Safari and apes scaring shoppers at the mall.

A mixed bag in my mind.

It, of course, is way too early to pass any kind of judgement on this one. Part of me wants to like it, the other wants to ignore it and watch Taylor, Cornelius and Zira on DVD.

Check these out and formulate your own opinion:








See Also: The First Image Of Caesar From RISE OF THE APES

Digital Effects House Turns To Columbia Professor For "Rise Of The Apes"

Planet of The Apes - Chimpin' Ain't Easy T-Shirt

The 100 Greatest Monsters From Movies And Television #21 - #30

Harry Potter Star Felton Cast In RISE OF THE APES

Brian Cox To Be The Bad Guy In RISE OF THE APES / Andy Serkis To Play Caesar In RISE OF THE APES / James Franco Cast In The New PLANET OF THE APES film / Planet of the Apes: Caesar Set To Begin Production In July / Scott Frank Plans To Take Planet Of The Apes In A New Direction / Is Fox Planning To Re-Boot The Planet Of The Apes? / Escape From The Planet Of The Apes (1971)(20th Century Fox) / Beneath The Planet Of The Apes (1970)(20th Century Fox) / Actress Profile - Linda Harrison / Planet Of The Apes (1974)(TV) / Planet Of The Apes (1968)

Fox's TERRA NOVA Turning Into A Real Prehistoric Monster

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: New York Magazine

Remember last year when I spent a lot of time getting all geeked up about the upcoming dinosaur themed TV show being produced by Steven Spielberg called "Terra Nova"? Remember when I reported last August that the show had begun filming in Australia?

What ever happened to that thing?

Well according to the latest reports from the production the show has turned into a real monster of T-Rex proportions suffering from too many chiefs in charge of too few Indians. Sources on the set note that the production has twelve producers, no scripts beyond the pilot episode and not enough footage in the can to fill an episode.

The problems initially started when the script for the pilot was submitted to Fox. The story was too long for an hour-long episode and the production team began bickering about whether to lengthen the pilot or break it up into multiple episodes. When a two-hour pilot was decided upon Fox then opted to lay off most of the writing staff until the show got underway. With twelve producers trying to flex their creative muscle and pour weather conditions in Australia "Terra Nova" has developed into a real mess.

Fox is presently looking for a new hit show, which it desperately needs, so there is even more pressure to get these dinosaurs into households across America, and fast.

It looks like Terra Nova will need a monster of an enforcer to come in and put this all together or the whole soup will likely implode upon itself.

Plot - "Terra Nova," will follow the exploits of a family from 100 years in the future, that travels back in time to the age of dinosaurs.

See Also: Steven Spielberg Heads Down Under To Shoot TERRA NOVA / Steven Spielberg To Bring Dinosaurs To Fox

The First Image Of Caesar From RISE OF THE APES

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Obsessed With Film

When 20th Century Fox first announced way back in 2008 that they were planning to reboot the "Planet of the Apes" movie franchise using modern computer generated effects many in the fan community spoke out in objection. How would CGI Apes stand up against the legendary makeup effects created by John Chambers for the original films?

Well today we have our first glimpse of what the main character, Caesar, in "Rise of the Apes" will look like.

Fox revealed many images from their upcoming releases at the Las Vegas’ CinemaCon including the above image, albeit only the nose and eyes, of Andy Serkis as the genetically altered ape who will bring about the fall of mankind.

The apes in "Rise" are being digitally created by Weta Studios with hair effects by Columbia University’s Eitan Grinspun, who created brand-new state of the art animation software for the Disney animated feature "Tangled".

The look of the character has some flair of Chambers work ..... but then again ..... not really.

I guess the jury will be out until we get a good look at the whole design.

Pity, I really loved the look actual actors in ape make-up.

See Also: Digital Effects House Turns To Columbia Professor For "Rise Of The Apes" / The 100 Greatest Monsters From Movies And Television #21 - #30 / Harry Potter Star Felton Cast In RISE OF THE APES / Brian Cox To Be The Bad Guy In RISE OF THE APES / Andy Serkis To Play Caesar In RISE OF THE APES / James Franco Cast In The New PLANET OF THE APES film / Planet of the Apes: Caesar Set To Begin Production In July / Scott Frank Plans To Take Planet Of The Apes In A New Direction / Is Fox Planning To Re-Boot The Planet Of The Apes? / Escape From The Planet Of The Apes (1971)(20th Century Fox) / Beneath The Planet Of The Apes (1970)(20th Century Fox) / Actress Profile - Linda Harrison / Planet Of The Apes (1974)(TV) / Planet Of The Apes (1968)

26 New Episodes Of FUTURAMA On Deck For Comedy Central

Source: Comedy Central

The future is looking bright for Fry, Leela and Bender!

COMEDY CENTRAL and Twentieth Century Fox Television have announced today the pick-up of 26 new episodes (Seasons "7- A" and "7-B") of Matt Groening and David X. Cohen's brilliantly subversive animated sci-fi comedy, "Futurama." The announcement was made today by Twentieth Century Fox Television Chairmen Gary Newman and Dana Walden, and David Bernath, Executive Vice President, program strategy and multiplatform programming for COMEDY CENTRAL. The first installment of 13 new episodes will premiere in the summer of 2012, with the additional 13 new episodes to air the following summer of 2013 on COMEDY CENTRAL.

Seven years after its last original episode aired on Fox, the sixth season premiere of "Futurama" last June led COMEDY CENTRAL to its best Thursday prime ever among young men. The animated sci-fi comedy continued its out-of-this-world winning streak throughout the summer, averaging 2.5 million viewers each week, along with a 1.5 P18-49 rating, a 3.0 M18-34 rating and 3.3 M18-24 rating. In the social media realm, the "Futurama" Facebook fan base has grown from one million "likes" prior to its return last summer to over 11 million "likes" today, making it one of the top television sites on Facebook.

"Successfully bringing the show back last summer was gratifying enough," said Bernath. "Now, being able to extend the series for two more years is beyond our expectations! The dedicated fans have spoken and we are excited to bring them 'Futurama' for the foreseeable future.""We're very grateful to COMEDY CENTRAL and Twentieth Television for this show of support," said Matt Groening and David X. Cohen. "Our entire staff will celebrate tonight by going out and getting even drunker.""Matt and David created one of the most brilliantly subversive animated comedies ever made in 'Futurama' and we consider its continued life on COMEDY CENTRAL to be a huge victory for this studio," commented TCFTV Chairmen Dana Walden and Gary Newman. "This show is a tremendous labor of love for all concerned, from its talented voice cast to the incredible writers and animators who pour so much of themselves into every episode. And its fans are among the most loyal and passionate there are, so we're especially pleased to be able to promise them many more original episodes to look forward to in the years ahead."

The show's entire original voice cast will be returning, including stars Billy West, Katey Sagal, and John DiMaggio. "It is my great honor to be back with all my friends and colleagues," said West. "There's nothing better."John DiMaggio commented, "Winner, winner, chicken dinner!"

"Futurama" was a staple of Fox's Sunday night animation block from 1999 to 2003 before ceasing production on original episodes. In June 2006, COMEDY CENTRAL acquired the rights to the existing 72 episodes of the series, which the channel began airing in January 2008 and four recently-produced extended-length "Futurama" adventures: "Bender's Big Score," "The Beast with a Billion Backs," "Bender's Game" and "Into the Wild Green Yonder," which enjoyed enormous success both on COMEDY CENTRAL and in DVD release.

"Futurama" is only the second series in the history of the medium to go back into production based on the strength of its DVD sales and repeat airings on cable.

"Futurama" focuses on the life of Philip Fry (Billy West), a 25 -year-old pizza delivery boy who accidentally freezes himself on December 31, 1999 and wakes up 1,000 years later with a fresh start at life and a "diverse" new group of friends including Leela (Katey Sagal), a tough but lovely one-eyed alien and Bender (John DiMaggio), a robot who possesses human characteristics and flaws.

The series aired for five seasons on Fox (1999 to 2003) earning Emmy® nominations each season while winning three times, including "Outstanding Animated Program" in 2002."

See Also: The Philosophy Of Fry / Futurama - Series 1 - Nibbler Plush Doll / Futurama - Rebirth Paper Giclee Print / FUTURAMA Hits The Century Mark! 100 Episodes And Still Going Strong! / FUTURAMA And Other Comedy Central Panels At Comic Con / The Triumphant Return Of FUTURAMA - Part 3 - Video Montage! / The Triumphant Return Of FUTURAMA - Part 2 - New Images / Storyboards! / The Triumphant Return Of FUTURAMA - New Images! / Four Brand New Images From FUTURAMA! / "We're Back Baby!" Futurama Cast Members Returning To Show! / Bad News Everyone! Futurama Voice Actors Unlikely To Return For New Series / Good News Everyone! Fox And Comedy Central Order 26 New Episodes Of Futurama / Wizard World Texas Scores The Premiere Of Futurama Bender’s Game / Futurama: The Beast With A Billion Backs Trailer / Futurama Series 2 Action Figure Set / Futurama: The Beast With A Billion Backs

FUTURAMA Hits The Century Mark! 100 Episodes And Still Going Strong!

Source: Comedy Central

Leela leads an army of underground mutants in a revolt against the surface people in the milestone 100th episode of "Futurama," premiering Thursday, September 2 at 10:00 p.m. on COMEDY CENTRAL. This sixth season finale episode brings to a close a record-breaking premiere run of the resurrected series on COMEDY CENTRAL.

In this landmark episode, titled "The Mutants are Revolting," the Planet Express Crew has been hired to make their 100th delivery and Bender begins planning the party of the millennium. Meanwhile, however, the rest of the crew attends a fundraiser where Fry accidentally outs Leela as a mutant who is illegally living above ground. For that, she is banished to the sewers where her fellow mutants reside in futuristic squalor. Feeling guilty about his slip-up, Fry and the rest of the gang – along with the mutated members of Devo – join Leela in an epic mutant revolution against the surface dwellers.

After almost seven years since the last original episode aired, the sixth season premiere of "Futurama" in June led COMEDY CENTRAL to its best Thursday prime ever among young men. Since then, the animated sci-fi comedy has continued its out-of-this-world winning streak, with a season-to-date average of 2.5 million viewers each week, a 1.56 P18-49 rating, a 3.02 M18-34 rating and 3.26 M18-24 rating. In the social media realm, the "Futurama" Facebook fan base recently reached a milestone by crossing the 4 million mark.

"Futurama" follows the life of Philip J. Fry (Billy West), a pizza delivery boy who accidentally stumbles into a freezer on December 31, 1999 and wakes up a thousand years later. In his future home of New New York City, Fry goes to work for the Planet Express Intergalactic delivery company, where he befriends Bender (John DiMaggio), a booze-fueled robot and sets his romantic sights on Leela (Katey Sagal), a sexy cyclops who enjoys beating him up.

Futurama	Thursdays 10pm / 9c
Preview - 100th Delivery
http://www.comedycentral.com/
Futurama New Episodes Big Lake A New Comedy from Will Ferrell and Adam McKay

See Also: FUTURAMA And Other Comedy Central Panels At Comic Con / The Triumphant Return Of FUTURAMA - Part 3 - Video Montage! / The Triumphant Return Of FUTURAMA - Part 2 - New Images / Storyboards! / The Triumphant Return Of FUTURAMA - New Images! / Four Brand New Images From FUTURAMA! / "We're Back Baby!" Futurama Cast Members Returning To Show! / Bad News Everyone! Futurama Voice Actors Unlikely To Return For New Series / Good News Everyone! Fox And Comedy Central Order 26 New Episodes Of Futurama / Wizard World Texas Scores The Premiere Of Futurama Bender’s Game / Futurama: The Beast With A Billion Backs Trailer / Futurama Series 2 Action Figure Set / Futurama: The Beast With A Billion Backs

New Toy Tuesday! - Futurama Edition

Steven Spielberg Heads Down Under To Shoot TERRA NOVA

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: WENN

Last February Fox had announced that they had acquired the rights to the prehistoric adventure television series "Terra Nova" from writers Craig Silverstein and Kelly Marcel after the duo had failed to sell the series in the UK and to CBS. Apparently the network was so enamoured with the idea of a 'time travel' show that featured dinosaurs that that they quite literally snatched the program up before the rival network could even begin negotiations, and immediately hired Steven Spielberg and Peter Chernin to develop it.

Since that time Spielberg and company have been busy putting all the pieces together to start work on the series, and now Fox has announced that the production team is gearing up to head to south-east Queensland in Australia to begin shooting.

Jim Sharp,the vice president of production at Fox,explains, "Queensland had the right look, climate and terrain, a vibrant production community and attractive economic incentives. We are very excited to be shooting our first production there."

It is quite obvious that the remote areas of Australia would be ideal for a location shoot of this type for two reasons. One, the area is already 'primeval' enough on it's own, virtually untouched by man, and two, filming in Australia is way cheaper than filming in either the United States or Canada. With the estimated budget for the show already weighing in at a hefty $4-million-per-episode, any cost cutting move would be more than welcome I'm sure.

Reportedly "Terra Nova," will follow the exploits of a family from 100 years in the future, that travels back in time to the age of dinosaurs.

Think of it as a modern "Land of the Lost" or "Valley of the Dinosaurs".

Rumor has it that actor Jason O'Mara ("Life on Mars", "Grey's Anatomy") has been cast as the shows lead.

See Also: Steven Spielberg To Bring Dinosaurs To Fox