Sydney, Australia – August 8 2011 – Facebook is at the heart of the global campaign to create buzz around new action zombie video game Dead Island from publisher Deep Silver, released in early September. A series of bespoke apps have been commissioned by the game’s creators, Deep Silver, to engage their over 200,000 strong (and still growing) community with fans being offered the opportunity to be a zombie star! Social CRM agency Neoco have been brought in to develop three apps for the launch and beyond which aim to identify Dead Island advocates and build a two-way relationship for future releases.

Dead Island fans will have the chance to jump straight into the game’s narrative as a fully-fledged undead by uploading photos of themselves wearing holiday beachwear and zombie mask. The ‘Become a Zombie’ app then enters them into an undead hall of fame. The fan with the most votes will win an valuable Dead Island themed prize.

Future apps include ‘Zombify Your Profile’ where Dead Island fans can choose to have their Facebook profile taken over by game themes based around new content for the game and ‘The Dead Good’ app grabs fans attention by giving them the chance to win a selection of branded and rare prizes by correctly answering a themed set of questions, with Deep Silver running the competition across five different territories in localised languages to truly immerse their global following.

George Larch, Deep Silver’s International Marketing Director said: “Learning more about our fans is hugely important as it means we can deliver the games and downloadable content they really want. We’ve chosen Neoco as a partner because of their extensive video game experience and because of their ability to quickly plug-in Facebook apps and build strategies around them.”

“Dead Island offers something new and exciting in the saturated zombie genre marketplace. It’s going to be a blockbuster and the start of a franchise for sure. We’re massive gamers and zombie fans at Neoco so we just had to be a part of the global campaign for this brilliant piece of new IP,” said Benn Achilleas, director of Neoco. “Our ‘plug-in’ approach to Social, our rich experience with brands like THQ, SEGA, and Ubisoft, and our ability to motivate and segment vast numbers of fans on Facebook meant we were the right partner for this and other game launches.”

Dead Island will be available in stores in Australia and New Zealand on the 9^th September 2011.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Supergiant Games are pleased to announce that Bastion, the award-winning indie action RPG recently released on Xbox LIVE Arcade, is coming to PC in Australia on August 17. Offering high-resolution graphics and an all-new PC control scheme, the game will be available for USD$14.99 and will debut on Steam (currently available for pre-order) before becoming available on other popular PC portals later this month.

Bastion has earned numerous accolades for its unique atmosphere and narrative style, deep yet accessible combat, and distinctive presentation. The game received ten E3 awards this year including the Game Critics Award for Best Downloadable Game, Game Informer Magazine’s award for Best Downloadable Game, and G4tv.com’s award for Most Original Game.

The PC version of Bastion will be available DRM-free and include Steamworks support for Cloud saves, achievements, and leader boards (Steam version only). Featuring lush and imaginative artwork in full 1080p resolution as well as an innovative reactive narration system that responds to players’ actions in real time, the game challenges players to build a new world after a cataclysmic event shatters the land to pieces.  As players journey into the wild unknown, they will confront savage beasts, forge an array of customizable weapons, and gain new powers from specially-brewed spirits as they become immersed in the game’s rich atmosphere. Gameplay is designed to reward player skill, offering great customization including the new re-mappable PC control scheme. Bastion for PC will also support game pad controllers.

For more information about the game, please visit the developer’s official site at www.supergiantgames.com or follow @SupergiantGames on Twitter. To pre-order Bastion on Steam, visit its product page: http://store.steampowered.com/app/107100

What would Disney Universe be without Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy?  Now you can suit up as the world’s famous mouse as well as three of his favourite pals as  new additions to the many characters you can be in Disney Universe.  

When asked why he chose the epic four characters to star in Disney Universe, the game’s produce Mark Orgel said: 

“First and foremost, Disney Universe is about allowing players to experience their favorite moments from many of our greatest Disney properties, and the experience wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t give them the option of suiting up as their favorite characters. For some players, this may be a few of our more contemporary characters, like Mike and Sully from Monsters Inc.  For others, playing as their favourite Disney character might mean Goofy or Donald. It was always our aim to not only include as many of our most popular characters as possible, but also to ensure we provided a range of options that would appeal to Disney fans of all ages. Taking that into consideration, how could we possibly overlook Mickey and the gang, who are some of the most iconic and beloved characters in the Disney library.”

• Mickey Mouse: Suit up as the one and only Mickey Mouse!
• Minnie Mouse: Suit up as the lovely and fashionable Minnie Mouse!
• Donald Duck:  Have a quacking good time as Donald Duck!
• Goofy: Suit up as happy-go-lucky Goofy!  Gawsh!

Sam Sarkar is proud to announce that the first printing of the deep sea, horror masterpiece, THE VAULT #1, has sold out at the distributor level, with very few copies remaining at a select number of comic stores across the country. Hurry while you can and pick up a copy before it?s gone! For members of Comixology, THE VAULT #1 will be available, in a digital format, on Wednesday, August 10th.

Published by Image Comics, written by Sarkar and illustrated by the immensely talented Garrie Gastonny (Warren Ellis? Supergod), THE VAULT is about a small team of treasure hunters, struggling to excavate a dangerous and legendary treasure pit before a massive storm hits Sable Island, the “Graveyard of the North Atlantic.” Equipped with all the latest technology, the scientists believe they are prepared against all of nature’s fury, but nothing can prepare them for what they are about to unleash.

Critics who?ve read THE VAULT had this to say:

“Sarkar and Gastonny tell the story well and end with just enough questions that you want to pick up issue 2. I know I will.” – Newsarama

“What a gem of a book! I can totally recommend The Vault. Get it now.”
– Weekly Comic Book Review

“The comic book equivalent of a big-budget summer blockbuster” – Blogcritics Books

“Readers looking for adventure and suspense thrillers will want The Vault.” – Comic Book Bin

“I could see it being a sleeper hit of the year and would recommend checking it out.” – Comic Book Realm

“If you’re keen on action comics and sunken treasure, you are going to like this comic.” – Sequential Tart

“An excellant debut issue. Can?t wait to read more.” – Kitty’s Pride

“Sarkar did such a great job of keeping me hooked from start to finish that I could not put this book down.” – From the Tomb Magazine

“5 out of 5 stars” Novel Chatter

ABOUT SAM SARKAR
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Sam Sarkar is a 23-year veteran of the entertainment industry. He began his career as an actor and was one of the leads on the long-running, syndicated television series Neon Rider. Following the series, Sam decided to pursue writing and worked for the hit television series Beverly Hills 90210. Stemming from his work on the show, he also co-wrote a television pilot for Spelling Entertainment under the direct guidance of TV legend Aaron Spelling.
Deciding then to embark on feature films, Sam took some chances, following a varied path of writing screenplays and working as a sound technician. In 2004, after working on several films with actor Johnny Depp, Sam was asked to help run Depp’s production company, Infinitum Nihil, headed by Christi Dembrowski. As Senior VP at the company, he continues to serve the varied needs of Hollywood as an executive, producer and writer.

ABOUT GARRIE GASTONNY
Having worked as a comic book artist and illustration lecturer, Garrie Gastonny now mainly focuses on illustration to avoid getting beaten up. Garrie also serves as Senior Artist at Imaginary Friends Studios.
His credits include Warren Ellis’ Supergod, Caliber: First Canon of Justice and Lady Death. For more information about the artist, please visit http://thegerjoos.deviantart.com/.

Put Yourself in the Picture… with the 2011 ATOM Awards

MELBOURNE – Monday 8 August, 2011 – ATOM (the Australian Teachers of Media) is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2011 ATOM Awards, which recognise and celebrate the excellence displayed by Australian and New Zealand productions for the screen.

“We are thrilled to be announcing this year’s list of most deserved finalists for the 2011 ATOM Awards. The judges really had their work cut out for them this year as we were yet again impressed by the quality of the entries we received,” commented ATOM Awards Executive Officer, Simon Wilmot.

“The inclusion of new awards – Best Children’s Factual Television, Best Children’s Fictional Television, Best Factual Television Series and Best Docudrama – also resulted in some fantastic submissions for this year’s ATOM Awards program.”

“I congratulate everyone who is announced as a finalist today and encourage each and every one of them to be proud of their achievement. I would also like to thank all other entrants into our program and whilst they are not in the finalist listing this year, I urge them to look to next year and make sure they submit again. It’s all about the evolution of your craft and the constant pursuit of improvement,” he added.

The annual ATOM Awards recognise excellence in over thirty categories of Film, Television, Animation and Multimedia (including video games) and celebrate the very best of Australian and New Zealand screen production.

The competition was open to anyone who had produced a short film, documentary, animation, electronic game, educational resource, television program or innovative new media work in the past twelve months.

“We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our 2011 ATOM Awards Finalists and Winners at the 2011 ATOM Awards night in October,” Mr Wilmot concluded.

The 2011 ATOM Awards winners will be announced at the 2011 ATOM Awards Night, which will be held at the Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne on Friday 21 October, 2011.

The 2011 ATOM Awards program is presented by ATOM.

The 2011 ATOM Awards is sponsored and supported by Aurora Community Channel, Swinburne University, Madman, Encore Magazine, Griffith University, Holmesglen Institute of TAFE, Deakin University, AFTRS, Federation Square Melbourne, ScreenHub, Quest Collins Street Central, Wide Angle, Qpix, Inside Film, Metro Magazine, Screen Education Magazine, Northbridge Piazza – City of Perth, Scotch College, Big Mouth Marketing Communications, Australian Directors Guild, Screen Producers Association of Australia, Screenworks, Film Making Summer School, Australian Short Films, Screen ACT, Film & Television Institute WA, Australian College QED, VCA School of Film and Television and Australian Screen Editors.

The 2011 ATOM Awards is funded by Film Victoria and the South Australian Film Corporation.

For more information about the 2011 ATOM Awards please visit www.atomawards.org

With Human, Charr and Norn Weeks successfully concluded, NCsoft and ArenaNet would like to announce Sylvari Week as the fourth installment to their ongoing series dedicated to the races featured in Guild Wars 2. Beginning today, the official ArenaNet Blog will focus on the race most recently introduced into the world of Tyria, the plant-born sylvari. As a race that has recently emerged, the sylvari are still finding their place in the world. But as fast learners in the ways and cultures of Tyria, the sylvari will play a prominent role in the events about to unfold in the upcoming story of Guild Wars 2. 

Visit the official ArenaNet Blog and GuildWars2.com this week for insights on the writing and creation of the sylvari, and introduction into the lore and history of the race, and special videos featuring new footage of the sylvari as well as an in-depth interview with the creative team that are on the way.

JOHNNY DEPP AND GRAHAM KING TO ADAPT THE VAULT

Sam Sarkar is proud to announce that his latest title, THE VAULT, is being adapted for film by Graham King?s GK Films and Johnny Depp?s Infinitum Nihil. Based on the comic miniseries created and written by Sarkar (Caliber: First Canon of Justice), illustrated by Garrie Gastonny (Senior artist at Imaginary Friends Studios, Warren Ellis? 

Supergod) and edited by Dave Elliott (current Editor-in-Chief of Benaroya Publishing), THE VAULT will be produced by Johnny Depp, along with Infinitum Nihil?s president, Christi Dembrowski, as well as Graham King and Tim Headington from GK Films. Sam Sarkar is repped by Jon Levin at CAA and Nicole Romano and David Schiff of The Schiff Company.

THE VAULT is about a small team of treasure hunters, struggling to excavate a dangerous and legendary treasure pit before a massive storm hits Sable Island, the “Graveyard of the North Atlantic.” Equipped with all the latest technology, the scientists believe they are prepared against all of nature’s fury, but nothing can prepare them for what they are about to unleash.

?So thankful and happy to have the support of Johnny, Christi, Graham, Tim and Denis in bringing the movie of the Vault to life.? States Sarkar. ?Lots more surprises to come!?

THE VAULT is a 3-issue miniseries published by Image Comics, with issues #1-3 available to order through Diamond Comic Distributors (www.diamondcomics.com).

ABOUT GK FILMS

Academy Award winning producer Graham King launched his independent production company, GK Films, in May 2007 with business partner Tim Headington. GK Films is determined to leave its mark on the independent film world, acting not only as a production company, but also with premium marketing, publicity, business affairs and International sales divisions. Under King’s previous banner, Initial Entertainment Group, he produced such critically and commercially successful films as Gangs of New York, The Aviator, Ali, Traffic and The Departed. In total, his films have been nominated for 41 Academy Awards, 27 Golden Globes and 35 British Academy Awards, and have made over $1.5 billion at the worldwide box office. For more information, visit www.gk-films.com

ABOUT INFINITUM NIHIL

Johnny Depp and Christi Dembrowski, whose Infinitum Nihil has a production deal with GK Films, have been busy: The Rum Diary, which was written and directed by Bruce Robinson and stars Depp, will be released by FilmDistrict on October 28th, 2011; the Martin Scorsese-directed 3D Hugo Cabret will be released Nov. 23rd, 2011 by Paramount Pictures; and they are now shooting the TV series transfer, Dark Shadows, at Warner Bros, with Depp starring and Tim Burton directing. Both Dark Shadows and The Night Stalker were based on series produced by the late Dan Curtis.

ABOUT SAM SARKAR

Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Sam Sarkar is a 23-year veteran of the entertainment industry. He began his career as an actor and was one of the leads on the long-running, syndicated television series Neon Rider. Following the series, Sam decided to pursue writing and worked for the hit television series Beverly Hills 90210. Stemming from his work on the show, he also co-wrote a television pilot for Spelling Entertainment under the direct guidance of TV legend Aaron Spelling. Deciding then to embark on feature films, Sam took some chances, following a varied path of writing screenplays and working as a sound technician. In 2004, after working on several films with actor Johnny Depp, Sam was asked to help run Depp’s production company, Infinitum Nihil, headed by Christi Dembrowski. As Senior VP at the company, he continues to serve the varied needs of Hollywood as an executive, producer and writer.

ABOUT GARRIE GASTONNY

Having worked as a comic book artist and illustration lecturer, Garrie Gastonny now mainly focuses on illustration to avoid getting beaten up. Garrie also serves as Senior Artist at Imaginary Friends Studios. His credits include Warren Ellis’ Supergod, Caliber: First Canon of Justice and Lady Death. For more information about the artist, please visit http://thegerjoos.deviantart.com/.

Bethesda Softworks are pleased to announce that during QuakeCon 2011 (August 4^th – 7^th)  several iPhone titles from id Mobile – Wolfenstein 3D Classic Platinum, DOOM II RPG, DOOM Classic, and DOOM Resurrection– will be on sale on the Apple iTunes store. In addition, we’re excited to announce that once the RAGE Facebook page reaches 100,000 “Likes”,  RAGE HD for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch will be available for free for one week. Like us on Facebook: www.facebok.com/rage

Wolfenstein 3D Classic Platinum is now available on sale for $0.99 AUD 

Play the original legendary game that launched the First Person Shooter genre! You must escape from Castle Wolfenstein and defeat the twisted Nazi regime. Includes all six original episodes plus the full Spear of Destiny levels.

DOOM Classic is now available on sale for $1.99 AUD  

Relive the First Person Shooter that defined a generation with the legendary original DOOM. DOOM Classic includes the original three episodes as well as Episode Four, Thy Flesh Consumed, spread across 36 levels of non-stop carnage and action.

DOOM II RPG is now available on sale for $0.99 AUD

Choose one of three different characters and get ready to battle through hordes of deadly monsters and towering bosses. Interact with other survivors of the invasion to get information about your environment and solve puzzles in this sequel to id Software’s hit turn based mobile game DOOM RPG.

DOOM Resurrection is now available on sale for $1.99 AUD  

DOOM Resurrection, included on the iTunes Rewind 2009 “Top Sellers” list “, is another heart-pounding chapter in the legendary DOOM saga. Scientists on a remote research facility on Mars have lost control of their experiment and all Hell has broken loose. As the last surviving Marine in your unit, you must defeat Hell’s minions and unravel the mystery of what has happened on Mars.

id Mobile titles can be purchased on the Apple iTunes store. For more information please visit: www.idsoftware.com/iphone-games/

About Warlords

Warlords is a one-to-four player, arcade action game in which players defend their castles from mischievous minions and ferocious fireballs spun from the mouth of a maniacal dragon. In this whimsical reinvention of the beloved classic, players will face the ultimate battle of speed, strategy and survival. Warlords increasingly challenge players to multitask as they strive to shield the castle walls and simultaneously rally troops to capture control points, collect power-ups and destroy the other warring factions.

KEY FEATURES:

• Protect the stronghold!  Defend your castle walls from the destruction of fast-flying fireballs with your mighty shield.  Move the shield around the perimeter of your castle with precision and speed to deflect the fireballs or grab onto and charge fireballs to release even more devastating attacks back at your opponents.
• Multiple local/online game modes sweeten the quest for power and allow for cooperative and competitive battles with up to 4 players.  Select the faction of your choice and engage in a number of competitive variations, including co-op siege mode, 2v2 or classic free-for-all battles.
• Rally your Troops and pit them against your foes.  Your loyal posse brings a layer of depth and replayability to every battle, and can be sent off to capture control points, gather power-ups to immobilize your enemies or bolster your defenses.  Manage your troops wisely to gain the battlefield advantage!

Developed by Griptonite Games, Warlords will be available on XBLA and PSN in Autumn 2011.  For more information, please log onto www.atari.com or www.atari.com/warlords

FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA’S TWIXT TRAILER

ANDY LAU AND JACKIE CHAN’S SHAOLIN TRAILER

LIKE CRAZY TRAILER

OFFICIAL IN TIME TRAILER

KILLER ELITE TRAILER

THE DARKEST HOUR TRAILER

THE SITTER TRAILER

TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY

RED TAILS