Thursday, December 27, 2012

ANIME EXPO “MEET THE GUESTS” TICKET GIVEAWAY AND AX2013 PREVIEW!



LOS ANGELES, CA, December 27th, 2012 – Anime Expo, North America's largest anime and Japanese pop culture convention, presents a new offer for AX2013 registrants! Everyone who purchases a four-day badge before January 1st, 2013 will be entered in drawings for tickets to our “Meet the Guests” event at the convention! Three winners will be selected, each receiving a pair of tickets. All 2013 registrants who have already purchased their badges will automatically be entered in the drawings, as well.

Anime Expo 2013 is coming to the Los Angeles Convention Center July 4th – 7th, 2013. We have a variety of activities and special events lined up, and would like to offer a preview!

Voice actors Eric Vale, Kyle Hebert and Christopher Sabat are joining us as Guests of Honor, and will appear as part of our Dragonball Z panel! We are also welcoming Johnny Yong Bosch as a Guest of Honor, and he will be holding a free concert with his band Eyeshine! Anime Expo 2013 will feature an all-new Masquerade! Look for big changes and an exciting new format for the cosplay competition! We'll be announcing the full details in the spring!

Anime Expo presents the best in Japanese music entertainment, featuring concerts from major J-Pop, Ani-Song, Japanese rock, and Idol Performers. Attendees have the opportunity to see the hottest acts straight from Japan in the Main Events hall in the company of thousands of enthusiastic fans. We'll have announcements on AX2013's concert lineup coming winter – spring 2013.

Other returning activities include AXDance, Concerts, Panels, Karaoke, Lounge 21, Charity Auction, Artist Alley, eGaming, Table Top Gaming, Battle of the Bands, AMVs and AMV Chef, AX Maid Café, AX Fashion, Manga Lounge, Otaku Parliamentary Debate, and more! This is your last chance to register for a four-day pass for $55. Be sure to act now, as prices increase January 1st, 2013. Registration is open at www.anime-expo.org.

The “Meet the Guests” tickets are offered as a complimentary registration upgrade to selected winners, who will be notified by email on or after February 1st, 2013. To be eligible for the drawings, entrants must purchase an Anime Expo 2013 four-day registration prior to 11:59 PM, December 31st, 2012. You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in the drawings.

About Anime Expo

Hosted annually in Los Angeles, SPJA event Anime Expo is North America's largest celebration of Japanese culture. Anime Expo 2013 will be held July 4 - 7, 2013 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register, or for more information, please visit the Anime Expo website.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation

The SPJA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the American public about Japanese entertainment culture, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. For more information, please visit the SPJA website.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Andrews McMeel Publishing & ComiXology Announce Digital Distribution Deal

Perennial favorites like Dilbert, Doonesbury, Big Nate are now available today across comiXologys entire revolutionary digital comics platform!



December 19, 2012 Kansas City, MO - New York, NY Andrews McMeel Publishing (AMP), the premier producer of cutting-edge comics and best-selling humor, cookbook, gift, and nonfiction books, has today announced a digital distribution agreement with comiXology the revolutionary digital comics platform available across the iPhoneiPadAndroidKindle Fire, Windows 8 and the Web, that also boasts the consistently top grossing iPad app in the entire iTunes app store.

AMP and comiXology celebrate this announcement with a launch featuring a select group of perennial favorites, including office drone hero Dilbert, by Scott Adams, the incomparable and iconic Doonesbury, by Garry Trudeau, and colorful sixth-grade star Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce across comiXologys entire platform. Additional AMP releases will be available in future months.

We are thrilled to bring our cutting-edge, world-renowned comics and best-selling humor books to comiXologys global audience, said Kirsty Melville, Publisher and President, Book Division. Andrews McMeel prides itself on publishing exceptional and innovative content, and making it available to consumers wherever and however they choose to read. This digital engagement with comiXology, through their innovative buying and reading experience, provides a perfect way for new audiences to discover our titles.
Andrews McMeel represents extraordinary talent that is outstanding in the industry, to which were happy to add our amazing reading experience and global reach to engender an even bigger fan base for Andrews McMeel, said co-founder and CEO David Steinberger. Weve become the dominant digital comics platform available today by creating a unique experience that were sure fans will love!

Most recently comiXology was announced as iTunes #3 top grossing iPad app of 2012 and is the only app repeated in the top ten in both 2011 and 2012. 

About Andrews McMeel Publishing
Andrews McMeel Publishing has a passion for publishing original talent, delighting consumers with innovative books and gifts that are worth sharing.

AMP fall highlights include: How To Tell If Your Cat is Plotting To Kill You, Pearls Freaks the #*%# Out, and I Cant Remember if Were Cheap or Smart by New York Times Best Selling authors Matthew Inman (The Oatmeal), Stephan Pastis (Pearls Before Swine), and Scott Adams (Dilbert); Fire in My Belly by Top Chef finalist Kevin Gillespie; Canal House Cooks Every Day by Melissa Hamilton and Christopher Hirsheimer; monthly additions to the bestselling Pocket Posh ® Puzzles series, and the introduction of the AMP! Comics for Kids series.

AMP is also the nations top calendar publisher, annually producing calendars based on many top-selling properties and selling more than 15 million calendars each year. 

About comiXology
Founded in 2007 with the mission of bringing comics to people everywhere, comiXology has revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel world. With the development of the comiXology digital comics platform - with buy-once, read-anywhere availability across across iPhoneiPadAndroidKindle Fire, Windows 8 and the Web comiXology provides the easiest way worldwide for people to enjoy comics anywhere they happen to be! Regularly ranking as the top grossing iPad app in the entire iTunes App Store, comiXology is one of the leading drivers of the iPad economy. Providing the most digital comics on the most devices, comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the planet has been turned into a comic book fan.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Steven Dunning wants to know:

"Are You Ready For Hollywood?"


Steven Dunning is a Director, Writer, and Producer of Domestic and International films, television, music and online products. His forte? Handling management of large creative teams, budgets, diverse projects with specific goals and solutions from concept to public acceptance through all current media and distribution channels.

Steven was raised in a small farming community of rural Pennsylvania. His strong work ethic and individual dreams pushed him to tell stories for the masses that could inspire the individual in us all. Leaving everything behind he came to Los Angeles -alone - years ago. Going door to door in the Entertainment Capital of the world, he worked endlessly with no pay and proved his desire. This led to paid work, but still at the very bottom of the ladder. Determination and a clear goal kept him climbing over the bumps along the way. Production Assistant, Production Coordinator, Production Manager, Director of Photography, Post-Production Supervisor, Associate Producer, Writer, Producer, Director: This was the path taken over the years.

Having previously worked for Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment inside of Universal Studios, Steven's weekly delivery to NBC of prime time shows strengthened his production and post-production expertise. He has worked in multiple production roles over the years with the following: Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., Wayfarer Studios NYC, Amblin Entertainment, HBO, NBC, PBS, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Nike, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, General Motors, Levi-Strauss, American Red Cross, BMW, McDonald’s, AT&T, and many more. He has also worked with such entertainment icons as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Metallica, George Burns, Boyz to Men, Mariah Carey, Silk and others.

Along with continuing feature film projects, international co-productions and broadcasts, Dunning's past work was at Playtone, for Tom Hanks, on domestic projects like the Emmy Award winning HBO series “From the Earth to the Moon,” and for Twentieth Century Fox with Chris Carter at 1013 Productions. Also, his working at HBO overseeing the syndication projects for “Sex and the City”, “Sopranos” and “Arliss” while additionally combining his music and film work producing creative show elements for Lionel Richie’s European tour.

Using his wealth of knowledge, experience and mettle, Steven Dunning presented his question, "Are You Ready For Hollywood," at the GI FilmFest Hollywood.



Hollywood and Music Insider
While at Darque Pictures, Steven Dunning wrote, produced and directed the multi award-winning feature “Now Chinatown” which traveled and scored on the world festival circuit and now resides at Blockbuster, Netflix, Barnes and Noble and all other major retailers. Voted Top Ten dvd of the year by Einsiders.com with Lord of the Rings, Monsters Inc., Beauty and the Beast, Amelie, Reservoir Dogs and E.T.. With excellent reviews from The Los Angeles Times and four-star reviews from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Steven was happy to screen it for the Golden Globe members in a private setting garnering four-star reviews.

Steven augmented his stable when he added a record label releasing “The Next Santana”- Cesar. Cesar has performed all through Europe as a solo artist. He also performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Frank Sinatra, Al Dimeola, recorded with producer Bebu Silvetti (Luis Miguel, Placido Domingo), and currently meeting with Andrea Bocelli and The Gipsy Kings for performing services. Dunning’s relationship with the USO and Armed Forces Entertainment has already netted tours for his artist Cesar, including Iraq and the Middle East, from where Steven returned from a month of shooting reality programming.

Improving the Lives of Others
Steven Dunning has agreed to open a joint-venture with Beijing (Peking) University for a film/television/music college for the oldest and most prestigious university in the one billion plus emerging market. The school in China is set to include a separate commercial entity for producing and promoting foreign film/television/music productions.

Additionally, Dunning is frequently invited as a special guest lecturer at American and International universities such as The Beijing Film Academy, Florida Pacific University, California State University, Cal Poly, amongst others. He serves on the Cal Poly (California State Polytechnic University) Advisory Board for their new entertainment business, law and marketing degree program and holds the honor of being a proctor at Harvard University.

Steven Dunning also founded the “The Greater Good Award” to recognize those who sacrifice themselves in order to benefit many more around them.

Currently at NBCUniversal, Steven Dunning continues his work in final delivery of finished products, both feature film and television.

Former National Co-lead of the NBCUniversal Veterans Network, he has worked with and continues to support myriad charitable organizations, the Pentagon and White House. As an original core member of the high profile Got Your Six campaign, supported by luminaries Tom Hanks, Michael Douglas, Jay Leno, Jessica Chastain, etc., in and outside of work he aims to help all Veterans and family members by bringing awareness and solutions to these issues nationwide: www.gotyour6.org .

 
The Got Your 6 Campaign is creating a new conversation in America where Veterans and Military Families are perceived as leaders and civic assets. Dunning's work with the Got Your 6 Campaign has been honored by the Army.  He was one of five who were given the Outstanding Civilian Service Award Medal* as presented by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno.
 
Steven shared, "I grew up around Valley Forge, and as a kid I always would think of the sacrifice members of the military have endured over the years so all of us can live free lives. This award is such an honor. If there is one thing I would like to tell every American, if I could, it would be to take time and honor the military members and their families for all that they do for us."
 
*The Army Outstanding Civilian Service Award Medal is the third highest honor within the Department of the Army civilian awards scheme and is presented to civilians for service that makes a substantial contribution to the Army and its Soldiers.


Friday, December 14, 2012

ASSASSIN'S CREED ARTEFACT II

This project is the sequel of Assassin's creed Artefact I

HOLLYWOOD ACTOR CAS ANVAR (ALTAIR'S VOICE) HAS JOINED ON TO BE PART OF THE  TEAM!


Abarai D. Furedo has created a project set around the ASSASSIN'S CREED universe, a video game developed by UBISOFT. There was so much craze about the franchise that we made a first episode called ARTEFACT.

This short film was based on the assassin's creed story. It brought some revelations about the artifact of Yonaguni. Yonaguni was briefly evoked in the first episode of Assassin's creed.

It was a zero budget short film made by a fan and for the fans of Assassin's creed. The main purpose was to go deeper in the details or clues left in the game. We always stuck to the logic and style of the storyline. Even if we had our own story, it remained consistent with the main plot.

At first, ARTEFACT was just a bet between friends. "[We] bet that [we] could gather inexperienced people, with no stage combat skills, no acting skills, around the camera and make a rather decent short film."

Although the short was an amateur endeavor, the team was encouraged by the cybernauts through their various heartening messages; and, the team decided to move forward with ARTEFACT II! (Ubisoft also congratulated them and published the short film on their Facebook page. Check out ARTEFACT here):





The ultimate trailer that was made was done with no professional equipment since there was no access to that level of equipment until December.


The team has now set forth to produce a very demanding sequel which will be on a totally different level using professional equipment! They're plans include using Martial artists, free runners and tailor made costumes!

"We are bringing ARTEFACT to a higher level! We want to gather all the fan community around this project." The team wants the fans to know that, "ARTEFACT II will be your movie! Only you can help achieve it!"
This is where you, the fans and friends of fans step in! The team is sharing their project, ASSASSIN'S CREED ARTEFACT II, with fans everywhere through IndieGoGo's crowd-sourcing site here: http://igg.me/p/267246.

Here's a sampling of what they need and what YOU get:

"This project is lead by fans uniting to offer the quality Assassin's Creed deserves! We are driven by passion and we would like to share this passion! Everyone in the cast and crew is volunteering their time and expertise, but we still need a small budget to cover some production costs such as: costume fabrication, stunts equipment, filming and recording equipment, props, food on set, and fuel."


"We would need a budget amounting to 5000 dollars. We are offering interesting awards according to the donation. Prizes go from being featured in the credits to being featured as a co producer. You can also be rewarded with dowloadable contents such as: original concepts and illustrations, a DVD version of the short film. You can also appear in the 10 most wanted assassins list... a list that appears in the movie!! Check out all the rewards detailed in the column on the right."


Characters have been casted, storyboarding and character design have been completed as well. Locations are being scouted.


They have even secured Hollywood Actor, Cas Anvar (Altair's Voice), to join them in being a part of their team!



You can help directly by donating, contributing social media time, or finding any way that works for you to just spread the word. Like Foued says on the campaign page, "There is no small donation! Every dollar counts and helps us reach our goal! EVERY SINGLE ACT HELPS! MAKE THIS PROJECT A REALITY! MAKE IT YOURS!"

Friday, December 7, 2012

Artists In Music Awards Emerges As New Contender In Independent Music Shows

Mikey Jayy, Executive Producer of AIMA Hollywood, CA), December 2, 2012—The Artists In Music Awards (AIMA) offered an exciting line-up of live performances during its red carpet nomination show at the historic Whisky A Go-Go on Sunset. The highly attended December 2nd event, produced by Mikey Jayy, was hosted by Hollywood personality Nic Creznic and benefited the PAIN Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing awareness against domestic violence and child abuse.

“We are here tonight to present to you the nominees for the 2013 awards celebrating the very best in independent music while also serving an important charity,” said Nic Creznic at the beginning of the program.

Indeed, a number of highly acclaimed independent musicians are nominated for the AIMA this year. The LA Music Awards winner Willie Ames, hot off a trip from Australia and a U.S. tour, is up for Best Folk/Acoustic Artist. In the Midst 777, another LAMA winner, is receiving two nods for Best Christian/Gospel Artist and Best Metal/Hard Rock Band. Similarly, The Controversy is also having a good year, accepting nominations for Best Music Video and Best Alternative Artist, as is Jazz Artist Tom Slack, who won this year’s LAMA, and is competing in three AIMA categories including Best Adult Contemporary Artist. On December 5th, Slack will know whether his two hit songs “Missing You” and “Spend The Night With You” will carry one or both of the Grammy nominations they are being considered for.


Marneen Lynne Fields, who surprised the Whisky last September during the LA Music Awards Voting Party for her “James Bond” theatrical performance with International Actor Pierre Du Lat for her song “Shadows”, is carrying an AIMA nomination for Best Blues Artist. Derik Nelson, who could not attend the event because he was performing with pop star Katy Perry, is being recognized for Best Jazz Artist. Perhaps one of the most competitive categories could be Best Pop Artist, where Melanie Taylor, Amy Barbera, Beu Sisters, Cheating Daylight, and Jamie Alimorad are all vying for the award. Taylor gave a highly energized concluding performance at the show, which had the crowd thrilled, as well as Executive Producer Mikey Jayy. “I do enjoy a good, happy ending. Melanie Taylor put on a fantastic performance. That was a demonstration of why she's nominated for Best Pop Artist and Best Dance Artist”, said Jayy. Indeed, industry insiders believe that she could be a strong favorite for the award, but only at the final AIMA red carpet in February will fans know for sure.

Other nominees include Janice Whaley (Best Singer/Songwriter), Juan Francisco Zerpa (Best Latin Artist), Leave it to Us (Best Punk/Post Punk Artist; Best Alternative Artist; Best Rock Artist), Gus Summers (Best Radio Disc Jockey), and Katie Cole, Alex Cartwright, and Abi Ann (all of whom are competing for Best Country Artist). Abi Ann also performed on stage at the event.

Others who gave live performances aside from Melanie Taylor and Abi Ann were Glitter Rose, In Air, Deedub, Cheating Daylight, Andreas Desmond, and Soren Bryce. All of the performers were also nominated. Glitter Rose, who electrified the crowd with her set of three songs, received nods for Best Country Artist and Best Rock Artist and is an odds on favorite. In Air gains a nod for Best Alternative Artist, Deedub for Best Urban/Hip Hop Artist, Soren Bryce for Best Folk/Acoustic Artist, and Andreas Desmond for Best Adult Contemporary Artist. Cheating Daylight, the LAMA winner, is up for Best Alternative Artist and Best Indie Rock Artist.

John Carvalho Like last year, the Dec 2nd AIMA show also featured some nominations in other categories. Five individuals vied for “Producer of the Year” and two nominations were given for the “Lifetime Achievement Award” (one of which went to the radio icon Brad Mercer, who was in the news this past month for receiving the 6th Annual Hollywood F.A.M.E. Award). An “LGBT Person of the Year” nomination was also announced for individuals who have furthered the LGBT voice in the music industry. International pop sensation Adam Lambert, West Hollywood Arts, Music and Entertainment Advocate John Carvalho, and Singer/Songwriter Laura Vall (who was the recipient of the award last year) were among those mentioned.

Executive Producer Mikey Jayy established the Artists In Music Awards (AIMA) two years ago in order to recognize and promote the best independent music artists from around the world. Since then, AIMA has climbed into the top music awards organizations, competing alongside the Grammys, American Music Awards, Los Angeles Music Awards, Latin Grammys, and MTV Awards. In terms of its World-Wide Web presence on Google search for “music awards”, AIMA recently ranked 4th. “I suspect that like with the Los Angeles Music Awards, AIMA will be the prelude to the Grammys, whereby artists who have won either a LAMA or AIMA will place themselves in perfect position for a Grammy nomination consideration,” suggested John Carvalho on the red carpet. Indeed, a number of artists, such as Black Eyed Peas, No Doubt, Sugar Ray, Eddie Money, and Kris Searle, have done just that, and this year the Jazz Artist Tom Slack is in contention in two Grammy categories. “I am really happy with how far this awards show has come so far and the great attendance that we are getting at these events. I am looking forward to another exciting year for AIMA as it continues to grow,” said Executive Producer Mikey Jayy.

AIMA Artists have been showcased throughout the summers and nominations are given out in multiple categories. Executive Producer Mikey Jayy also founded the #1 ranked podcast music and talk show, “The Great Unknowns Presents” and is the Managing Editor of “All Indie Magazine.” His latest project, launched in April 2012, KGUP 106.5FM “The Emerge Radio Networks,” is a radio station created to promote and showcase worldwide emerging independent artists. Jayy’s work for the independent music industry also earned him a Community Service Award from The LAMA, which was presented to him by industry leader Al Bowman at the Dec 2nd event.

Among the sponsors of the event were 101distibution, Independent Music Promotions, Greg Bennett Entertainment Group, Music Xray, KGUP 106.5FM, The Emerge Radio Networks (the official radio station of the Artists In Music Awards), and John Cassese (one of the most recommended dance instructors on the West Coast who received a “Come Back Album of the Year” AIMA for his “Never Too Late”). Taylor Van Arsdale of Tailfish Productions helped publicize the event.

The Artists In Music Awards will hold a concluding red carpet show on February 8, 2013 during awards season at Whisky A Go-Go. At that engagement, the winners of the AIMA categories will be announced.

To view all of the nominees or get more information on the Artist In Music Awards and submissions for the awards, please go to: www.aimusicawards.com

The PAIN Foundation, also known as Prevention Awareness In Neighborhoods, is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing awareness against domestic violence and child abuse through film. To make a donation or learn more about the organization go to: www.unmaskingthepainwithin.com

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

AM2 ANNOUNCES 2013 DATES AND NEW CONVENTION MODEL

2013 Convention Dates to be August 23-25 at the Anaheim Convention Center!


Get your General Admission and Passports Today and Experience the Difference!





LOS ANGELES, Calif.- ­ With just under 15,000 in UNIQUE attendance in 2012, AM2 proudly announces August 23-25, 2013 as next year’s official dates for the up and coming Southern California convention focusing on anime, manga and music from Asia. In addition, the convention model will change with a nominal daily admission charge in addition with the popular convention “fast pass” collectible Passports. More info and attendee registration can be found at www.am2con.org .

AM² is changing its model for 2013 to include General Attendance. General Attendance will cost $5.00 for one day and $10.00 for all three days. Attendees who pay this minimal fee will have access to our exhibit hall, artist alley, summer festival, general workshops/panels, autograph sessions, dance, arcade, and other unannounced events. The prices will start at $5/day and $10.00 for all three days prior to the official convention dates with online pre-registration. Prices increase to $10/day during the convention itself.

Attendees can still walk around the areas outside the halls and outside our rooms free of charge. Events such as cosplay gatherings that do not take place in our halls will not require the fee. However, if you intend to visit our halls and rooms for our exhibit hall, artist alley, or panels, you'll need to purchase a general attendance ticket.

What is the difference between general attendance and a premium passport?
· A premium passport gets you into all of our events including special "passport only" events including concerts, special Guest of Honor panels/meet-and-greets as well as screening premieres. It also grants
attendees automatic “front-of-the-line” privileges (in order of attendance) over the general attendance. You DO NOT need to pay for both the general attendance and passport. The passport also gives you many discounts with restaurants, amusements parks and many retail stores in the local Anaheim area as well as a souvenir keep-sake Passport booklet for you to take home.

Why did AM² institute this new general attendance fee?
· As our convention continues to grow, there are certain costs in which we need public support for us to continue providing the quality services and experiences that everyone expects of us including high caliber
guests of honor, movie premieres and other events.

AM2 Passport Prices for 2013
Three Day
2012 Special (through September 30th, 2012): $35.00
Early Pricing (through January 31st, 2013): $40.00
Regular Pricing (through May 31st, 2013): $45.00
Late Pricing (through pre-con): $50.00
At-Con Sales: $55.00

Two Day
2012 Special (through September 30th, 2012): $25.00
Early Pricing (through January 31st, 2013): $30.00
Regular Pricing (through May 31st, 2013): $35.00
Late Pricing (through pre-con): $40.00
At-Con Sales: $45.00

One Day
2012 Special (through September 30th, 2012): $20.00
Early Pricing (through January 31st, 2013): $23.00
Regular Pricing (through May 31st, 2013): $25.00
Late Pricing (through pre-con): $30.00
At-Con Sales: $35.00

Attendees can avoid the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by purchasing a Passport fast pass for the event. The Passport fast pass will also provide holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as well as major discounts with theme parks, retailers and local restaurants. Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the difference!

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV’s, Arcade, Summer Festival, Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Masquerade, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AM2Con

Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AM2Con

About AM2
Located in Anaheim, California ­ AM2, established in 2010, is a multi-day (3 day) public fan convention aspiring to be a key meeting place for fans that share a common interest in Asian music, Animation/Anime, and Comics/Manga. Nominal entrance fees are charged for certain activities that attendees choose to participate in. AM2 will be held on August 23-25, 2013 at the Anaheim Convention Center in sunny Anaheim, California. More information can be found at www.am2con.org .

Monday, December 3, 2012

DEREK McLANE TO DESIGN OSCAR® TELECAST SET

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Tony® Award-winning production designer Derek McLane will serve as designer for the 85th Academy Awards® telecast, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. This will be McLane's first time designing an Oscar set.

"Derek is one of our most talented set designers, and we had a very successful collaboration with him on our recent Broadway revival of How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying," said Zadan and Meron. "We were very eager to reunite with him, and we believe he'll bring a fresh perspective to the Oscar telecast."

Over his career, McLane has designed sets for numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, several of which have been nominated for Tony Awards. He received four nominations and won Best Scenic Design of a Play in 2009 for his work on 33 Variations. McLane's other Broadway credits include The Heiress, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Gore Vidal's The Best Man, Follies, Anything Goes, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, Grease and I Am My Own Wife.

The 85th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on Thursday, January 10, 2013, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2012 will be presented on Sunday, February 24, 2013, at the Dolby Theatre™ at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide.

ABOUT THE ACADEMY

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world's preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards–in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners–Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.

SOURCE The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences