press release

SKYWRITER PARTNERS WITH RODDENBERRY ON NEW ANIMATED KIDS’ COMEDY SERIES

Series Based on Gene’s Journal® Web Comic, A Chronicle of Gene Roddenberry’s Adolescent Years

TORONTO – (July 20, 2011) – Skywriter Media and Entertainment Group, and Roddenberry Entertainment are joining forces to develop an animated kids’ comedy series, Gene’s Journal®, based on the hilarious web comic created by Trevor Roth and illustrated by cartoonist David Reddick; it was announced by Skywriter Media and Entertainment Group CEO Kevin Gillis.

A chronicle of legendary science-fiction icon Gene Roddenberry’s adolescent years, the new animated Gene’s Journal will be targeted to Kids 6-11. Alex Galatis (Atomic Betty, Jimmy Two Shoes) is attached to the project as head writer of the new series.

“We are beaming with excitement at the opportunity to bring television audiences a glimpse into the life and experiences that shaped a young Gene Roddenberry into one of the greatest and most imaginative storytelling minds of the 20th century. Roddenberry’s successful web comic offers a wonderful foundation for this fantastic journey and we look forward to expanding on it in an animated series worthy of the Roddenberry tradition,” said Gillis.

“It’s fun to play with the what-could-have-been part of my father’s life. Gene’s Journal is a concept full of imagination and possibility. I’ve always thought about what the idea could become when it’s able to really spread its wings in a new medium. I couldn’t be more thrilled than to see it making that evolutionary step, and I can’t think of any better place to announce it than here at Comic Con,” said Rod Roddenberry.

“There’s nothing better than working with people who recognize the true potential of a concept you created. Gene’s Journal has always been the story of a unique young boy trying to reconcile the trials and tribulations of adolescence with the hilarity that science fiction has to offer. To adventure into the childhood of such an extraordinary character alongside Alex and Kevin is going to be a real treat, for Roddenberry and for TV audiences,” said Roth.

Gene’s Journal® is the untold, true story behind the adolescent years of Gene Roddenberry. It was during these years that Gene was continuously abducted by aliens for the extraterrestrial purpose of studying human beings – all of his experiences recorded faithfully in his boyhood journal.

The fantastic stories detailing the alien wonders he encountered would later inspire Gene to create some of the greatest science fiction television the world has ever seen. However, in the childhood moments of these experiences, Gene found them to be less than inspiring. Young Gene is constantly trying to reconcile his earthling life with the hilarious alien encounters. After all, it’s quite hard to do your homework, meets girls, play on sports teams, etc., when aliens from the future continue to abduct you for their outlandish needs, missions and entertainment.

About Skywriter Media and Entertainment Group

Headquartered in Toronto, Skywriter Media and Entertainment Group is a fully integrated producer and distributor of original programming and content for all forms of traditional and digital media worldwide. Skywriter was launched in August 2009 by distinguished entertainment industry executives Kevin Gillis (Chief Executive Officer), Michael McLaughlin (President) and Michael Iscove (Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer) as a company committed to the creation, development, financing, acquisition and distribution of quality children’s and family entertainment for the global marketplace. In addition, Skywriter focuses on the production, distribution and marketing of advertiser-supported content for all emerging media in association with leading advertising agencies, technology and digital media companies. Conceived as a destination partner for the entertainment community, Skywriter is a one-stop source for producers of programming and broadcasters alike that nurtures the
creative process and delivers the highest quality product to the global marketplace. For more information about Skywriter Media & Entertainment Group, please visit www.skywritermedia.com.

About Roddenberry Entertainment

Roddenberry Entertainment is a science-fiction leader with a tradition of groundbreaking entertainment. Originally founded in 1967 by Gene Roddenberry, the company has since led a steady stable of science-fiction successes including Gene Roddenberry’s Earth: Final Conflict, Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda and, most notably, Star Trek. Roddenberry Entertainment continues to produce entertainment for all audiences, employing a viewer-centric creative process and resulting in insightful explorations of humanity. The company’s mission is to make good on its namesake’s promise of superior science-fiction while utilizing new and varied vehicles of delivery. Building on its television roots, this entertainment pioneer has also successfully ventured into graphic novels, documentaries, and comic strips, all the while continuing a long and unique tradition in quality merchandising. Roddenberry Entertainment has set itself apart by creating content that surpasses mere entertainment; it challenges
its audiences to think, question and explore the world, as well as those beyond.

For more information on Roddenberry Entertainment please visit www.Roddenberry.com Roddenberry Entertainment can also be found on Facebook (facebook.com/roddenberrycom) and Twitter (twitter.com/roddenberry).

Source: Trekmovie.com

IWG will be organizing the event with Indianapolis’ Creme De Les Femmes burlesque troop.

Here is the schedule of events:

All Night Long – Comic Art Show and Auction

7 – 9:30pm – Dr. Sketchy’s Anti Art School with the Creme De Les Femme Burlesque Troop

10 -10:30pm – Shammers and Left Hand
10:50 – 11:20pm – God Made Robots
11:45pm – ? – Five Year Mission

The theme of this year’s event is Star Trek. The Indy Webcomics Group will we publishing a 10 page mini-comic for the event featuring a starship crew fighting some space pirates. The Creme De Les Femmes girls will be in costume as the starship crew and space pirates.

The Creme De Les Femmes will host and direct a Dr. Sketchy’s Anti Art School event during the Comix Rock show. For more info on the Dr. Sketchy’s scene nationwide go here. This is where the audience participates by drawing (like art class, remember?) the Burlesque girls as they pose in costume. The girls will judge the audiences drawings and choose their favorites and award prizes accordingly.

Throughout the night there will be three local rock bands providing the music. We are damn excited to have Indy’s own Star Trek TOS tribute band Five Year Mission as the headliner along with Shammers and Left Hand and God Made Robots to complete the lineup.

Starting the night of the event July 9th and continuing for the rest of July, Local’s Only’s walls will be covered with artwork by members of the Indy Webcomics Group. 4-5 pieces each most of which will be for sale by the artist.

Also during the event: IWG will be hosting a one-night only art auction featuring more one-of-a-kind art created by members of the Indy Webcomics Group.

List of event contacts:

Show organizers:
Indy Webcomics Group – indywebcomics@gmail.com http://www.indywebcomics.com http://www.twitter.com/indywebcomics
Creme Des Les Femmes – http://www.facebook.com/cremedelesfemmes

Show Promotion and Mini-comic Editor:
Charles Gratner

Music Promotion and Booking:
Wayne Bertsch

Art auctioneer:
Dan Alexander

Tales of Power is an action-packed team-up book that will introduce the many heroes and villains of the KING Comics universe!! Issue one will follow the heroes Apex and Oath as they battle the villains Atomic and Thoom! Also guest-starring Bluejaye, Scripture, and the Green Zap!!

Just what are Atomic and Thoom after? And why?? Will Apex and Oath discover their plans in time? If they do, can even the combined might of our heroes stop them? Where and how does the Khemica Corporation fit into all of this?

If our goal is met, it will pay for the printing fees of Tales of Power # 1! We at KING Comics, LLC thank you for your interest and support! May GOD bless you and your families!

Paul and his partners publish their books all out of their own pockets literally showing their faith in their projects. This time you can help them bring Tales of Power to life!

-Lee

Help spread the word about Dining Out for Life:
Facebook: Dining Out for Life (Event), The Damien Center
Yelp: Event
Twitter: #DOFL, @DamienCenter, @DineOut4Life

Here’s the press release from the Damien Center for more info:

FOOD FIGHTS AIDS

Dining Out For Life®, sponsored by Subaru of America, Inc., is a simple yet substantial way to fight HIV/AIDS while enjoying a meal with friends and family. Thursday, April 28th marks the one-day fundraiser where nearly 3,000 restaurants in over fifty cities across the U.S. and Canada participate by donating a generous percentage of proceeds from the day’s meals to a local AIDS service organization. To participate, just eat at one of the participating restaurants. There’s no code to mention, no special menus – just grab a bite to eat!
The Damien Center is proud to be representing the city of Indianapolis in its 17^th annual Dining Out for Life event with local Event Presenting Sponsor Hoosier Parks and Casino.  On April 28^th, 45 participating restaurants (one of the largest restaurant events in Indy!) will donate 25% of their sales that day to The Damien Center. For an extra feel-good feeling, dine at one of our six Premier Restaurants (Adobo Grill, Downtown Olly’s, Forty Five Degrees, Pearl Bistro, Santorini Greek Kitchen, and The Pita Pit at 1 N Penn) who will donate 50% of your bill to The Damien Center. These funds will be used to support the programs and services offered by The Damien Center, including free and confidential HIV and STD testing, care coordination, a food pantry, housing and financial assistance.

So, which restaurants will be participating in the 2011 Dining Out for Life?  Check out our list online at www.damien.org or www.diningoutforlife.com.  We’ve got some old favorites like Santorini Greek Kitchen, Amici’s, Metro Nightclub & Restaurant, R bistro, Agio, The Legend Café, and English Ivy’s – some of whom have been participating since the very beginning!  We also have some great new places like 501 Eagle, Iaria’s Italian Restaurant, and Served that we can’t wait to try.  Many of our participating restaurants have been named a “Best Of” by Metromix.  Check out some of the http://indianapolis.metromix.com/best-of-awards.  To find a map of the restaurants nearest you, check out the map on our website.

So you want to help even more than eating out? No problem! Individuals can also serve as restaurant ambassadors.  It is the ambassador’s job to encourage diners to dine in “their” restaurant the night of 28^th, and to be present to tell diners about the event and the good work they’re doing simply by dining out!  Information on all these opportunities is available at The Damien Center’s website. (www.damien.org)

For the latest up-to-date information, check out our tweets (@DamienCenter) and Facebook (/damiencenter). We have exclusive online perks, so follow/friend us during and after the event for the latest scoop on The Damien Center.

Support for this event nationally has grown to over 250,000 diners, thanks in large part to the efforts of Dining Out For Life Spokesperson Ted Allen, host of Food Network’s primetime competition series Chopped. Allen will be joined by Pam Grier, actress, advocate and author of the memoir Foxy—My Life In Three Acts. Subaru is the proud Host Sponsor of Dining Out For Life.

We are delighted to have numerous sponsors for this year’s event, including Event Presenting Sponsor Hoosier Park Racing Casino, along with GayIndy.com, The WORD, Entercom Indianapolis, NUVO, Fineline Printing, WTHR Channel 13, Yelp Indianapolis, Just Pop In, The Bilerico Project, and Jockomo’s UpperCrust Pizza.

Phantom Flyer Commission - Kyle Latino

Kyle Latino is a member of our group, and I’m not afraid to say one of our most talented friends. The reason I’m posting about it is because Kyle has just announced that he is now doing comics FULL TIME. Which is awesome. Our group mostly consists of professional artists and illustrators that happen to have other full time jobs. Kyle is now making comics his full time job and I am JEALOUS.

He is accepting commissions in addition to being active on several projects. Kyle has done coloring work for Johnny Recon #2 over at POPGUNPULP, and is currently working on a project called Black Cobra. And excuse the punny title for this post. It’s because Kyle is launching a new webcomic titled the Neptonian soon, which is obviously filled with underwater adventure, hence, diving in. Check out the previews here! So head on over to Kyle’s site and check out this guy’s work, which I greatly admire. While you’re there, order a commission!

I forgot to mention! You can also find some of Kyle’s artwork in our group’s new comic anthology: Welcome to Indiana. Available for sale right here!

-Lee Cherolis

Thank you Gary, for the attention to the book. I’ve added the link to our press section of the book. you can also read a piece Gary wrote for Metromix Indianapolis prior to the book’s release in which Gary and I discuss Webcomics in today’s internet culture.
You can read preview pages of the anthology and see the promo video featuring some of the contributing authors on our site, here. Spread the word!

-Lee Cherolis

UPDATE: Yup. Gary’s review was printed in the latest issue of NUVO released today.

You can see the video on his site, on youtube, or right here on the IWG website. Just click the menu above where it says IWG Anthology. The book can be purchased right here off our site, anywhere it says SUPPORT IWG Buy Now in the sidebar beneath a picture of the anthology cover.

$15 plus shipping will get you 148 pages from 19 different artists, spanning most genres from Slice of Life to Sci-fi and Noir. This is an self-published anthology, printed through Lulu.com, so you can count on the quality and workmanship associated with Lulu.

Here’s the video. We hope you enjoy it and decide to support independent comics.

Thanks for the heads up Gary!

A REMINDER: Don’t miss our show on Friday the 23rd. Welcome to Indiana: A Comic Anthology goes on sale, see artwork on display by 13 different local comic artists and participate in a live drawing event with models from the Creme De Les Femmes Burlesque Troupe, dressed up as super heroines. Then music starting at 10pm, The Dirty Thirty, Beta Male and Destination: Earth!

$6 at the door.

Comix Rock: Art & Music Showcase

It’s hard to sum up our art show happening April 23rd at Local’s Only Art and Music Pub. There’s so much going on at this event. We of the Indy Webcomics Group are releasing our anthology, a collection of comic art and short stories entitled: Welcome to Indiana. The show also launches our display of comics and art which will stay up at Local’s Only through the end of May.

Lady Lenore Evermore and The Creme De Les Femmes Burlesque troupe will be hosting a Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School event, anyone can participate in. The Femmes models will be dressed in super hero garb, and prizes will be given out, donated by Hero House Comics.

Three local bands will be performing after the Dr. Sketchy’s event: The Dirty Thirty, Beta Male and Destination: Earth!

The show will be $6 at the door. Free goody bags will be given to attendees courtesy of Hero House Comics.

This kind of event is a first for us but most likely not a last. There’s something in the mindset of local artists and local musicians that both groups share in common. They occupy overlapping circles of creative energy and interests. The combination of the two, with live art models and costumes and prizes is a no-brainer.

For more information, contact our group organizers.

-Lee Cherolis

A mockup of the new anthology's cover.

Here’s the blurb from the back cover:

“The Indy Webcomics Group was founded in 2007 as a vehicle to connect and promote Indiana’s independant comic scene. IWG is comprised of a diverse group of comic book artists and writers living and working in Indiana.

2010 sees IWG expanding with new blood and new goals, the first of which is this collection of comic art and short stories. Welcome to Indiana is an eclectic mix of styles and genres reflecting the authors’ many influences in today’s graphic media ranging from animation and Manga to the Golden Age of comics.”

We’ll be announcing on this blog as soon as the book is available to buy. And leading up to the book’s release we may post a sample page or two to tease and entice you.

PS. With this post we officially re-launch indywebcomics.com with an updated look and lots more new content on the way.

Hooray!

-Lee Cherolis
Editor, Indy Webcomics Group