Iwerks EntertainmentÆ Expands Turbo Ride 3D Simulation Film Library With ""7th Portal,"" In Association With Paramount Parks, Stan Lee Media And Blur Studio

17-Nov-00

Iwerks EntertainmentÆ (OTCBB: IWRK), announced an agreement with Paramount Parks and Stan Lee Media Inc. (NASDAQ: SLEE), giving Iwerks exclusive worldwide rights to distribute the new ride simulation film, Stan Leeís ""7th Portal"" 3D Simulation Experience. The film, set for release in summer 2001, is being executive produced by Paramount Parks and Stan Lee Media, and produced by Blur Studio. It will premiere simultaneously in ride simulation theatres at Paramount Parks venues and in Iwerks TurboRide simulation theatres around the world in both 2D and 3D formats.Stan Leeís ""7th Portal"" 3D Simulation Experience will feature superhero characters, such as Thunderer, Gossamer and Oxblood, who are well known to cyberspace fans who visit www.stanlee.net, where they appear regularly in the animated series ""7th Portal."" Not only is ""7th Portal"" the first global Internet franchise to become a ride-simulation film, a feature film is already in the works, to be produced by Mark Canton (""Men in Black,"" ""Batman""). Stan Lee is a household name, known best for co-creating some of Americaís most beloved superheroes, including ""Spider-Man,"" ""The Incredible Hulk"" and ""The X-Men."" ""We are delighted and honored to be working with Paramount, Stan Lee Media, and Blur Studio, all leading-edge entertainment providers of bold creativity,"" says Don Iwerks, Chairman of Iwerks Entertainment. ""The 7th Portal attraction will enable audiences to enjoy an out-of-home adventure - with characters they have already come to know well through the Internet. Thatís a powerful combination of in-home and out-of-home entertainment and it sets a new standard for the way entertainment will be marketed and delivered in the future.""In a show of support for this new venture, Stan Lee made appearance at the Iwerks booth at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA.org) at the Georgia World Congress Center and Georgia Dome in Atlanta on November 17. Trade show attendees also saw Mongorr, the ""7th Portal"" villain, who roamed the show floor November 16 and 17, handing out 7th Portal entry forms to win autographed Stan Lee Memorabilia. ""The great success of our first online animated franchise ë7th Portalí has made this partnership with Iwerks, Paramount Parks and Blur Studios possible,"" says Jon Corfino, Executive Vice President - Business Development for Stan Lee Media. ""This is a big first step in launching our plans for out-of-home entertainment experiences."" ""7th Portal"" is co-directed by Yas Takata and Aaron Powell of Blur Studio, with Tim Miller as creative director. Stan Lee has taken an active role in supervising the story, script and art direction. The film will be 100 percent computer-generated 3D animation, with motion capture. ""Weíre thrilled with this opportunity to combine storytelling with our CGI expertise, and overwhelmed by the chance to work with a legend like Stan Lee,"" says Takata.""Weíre proud to add ë7th Portalí to the Iwerks simulation film library,"" says Claire OíReilly, Iwerks Director of Film Distribution. ""Iwerks is constantly seeking new, quality titles for its library. By keeping our film selection fresh, diverse, and in tune with what audiences want and expect, we support theatre operators in a changing market. And by making these films available we empower smaller venues, which usually canít afford to produce their own films, to offer a competitive, high-end experience to their guests.""For more information about Iwerks Entertainment, visit www.iwerks.com. For more information about Stan Lee Media, visit www.stanlee.net.

Read More:
http://www.iwerks.com
http://www.stanlee.net