D23 Expo - The World According to Disney

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Parent Category: Expos and Conventions

Category: Previews

Published on Tuesday, 16 August 2011 05:00

Written by Film FestivalTraveler Staff

The annual D23 Expo takes place August 19 - 20, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California -- home of the original Magic Kingdom, Disneyland.

"The name "D23" pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official community for fans in Disney's 88-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney."

The D23 Expo -- the Ultimate Disney Event -- brings the entire world of Disney under one roof, providing attendees with unprecedented access to Disney films, television and theme parks."  

Marvel Studios makes its debut with D23 Expo this year, presenting its history from "the evolution of the first comic book in 1939 to Marvel's current position as one of the most important creative forces in the world."

Joe Quesada, world-renowned writer and artist, and Marvel‛s Chief Creative Officer, hosts this presentation, which includes a Q&A. "We're thrilled to be a part of the one-of-a-kind show that is Disney's D23," Joe says. "Whether attendees are new to the world of Marvel or longtime fans, they're going to love what we've planned for them!"

Disney film fans also get to go behind the scenes to explore the up-and-coming projects at The Walt Disney Studios, Pixar Animation Studios and Marvel Studios. This special presentation features never-before-seen footage and star appearances.

The Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming film slate includes

• Disney’s The Muppets
• John Carter
  
• Disney•Pixar’s Brave
• Marvel’s The Avengers
• Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie
• Oz The Great and Powerful

Star appearances include:

• Jason Segel, Kermit and Miss Piggy (Disney’s The Muppets)
• Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins and Willem Dafoe (John Carter)
• Kelly Macdonald and Kevin McKidd (Brave)
• Jennifer Garner (The Odd Life of Timothy Green)
• Jack McBrayer and Sarah Silverman (Wreck-It Ralph)
• cast members from Marvel’s The Avengers
• other surprise guests

Disney‛s legendary "Imagineers" will be on hand to discuss how they use storytelling and technology to make Disney magic. Disney Legend Marty Sklar leads a celebration of Imagineering careers and accomplishments. Other Imagineers appearing are Tony Baxter, Joe Lanzisero and Bob Zalk.

Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) also hosts exclusive sessions with renowned children's authors, readings of timeless stories, and a "book nook" with a complete library of Disney‛s classic tales and new adventures for a good read.

Authors include:

• Pulitzer Prize-winning humor columnist Dave Barry
• best-selling author Ridley Pearson
• filmmaker, Academy Award-nominated producer and author Don Hahn
• Don Ballard

On display are DPW‛s latest books and magazines, including:

• the brand-new It's a Small World publishing program
• Phineas and Ferb magazines
• the Captain America special interest publication

along with new learning products, including the School Skills workbooks and the recently launched Cars 2 Read and Race application

It's a Small World Story Time and Pen Pal Program
Visitors can listen to a live reading from the It's a Small World picture book and the Hello World! book, plus a very special opportunity to become pen pals with a Disney English student based in China

In celebration of 25 years of movie making magic, five sessions will be devoted to the artistry and technical wizardry of Pixar including:

A Conversation with the Pixar Creative Team – Enjoy a rare opportunity to spend some time with the key figures responsible for Pixar’s unprecedented success, including

• John Lasseter (chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios)
• Jim Morris (general manager, Pixar Animation Studios)
• Pete Docter (director, Monsters, Inc., Up)
• Andrew Stanton (director, Finding Nemo, WALL-E)
• Bob Peterson (co-director, Up)
• Lee Unkrich (director, Toy Story 3)
• Mark Andrews (director, Brave)
• Dan Scanlon (director, Monsters University)

Pixar Shorts – This retrospective screening of the animation studio’s legendary short films will be followed by a panel discussion with several of the filmmakers, including:

• Ralph Eggleston (director, For the Birds)
• Andy Jimenez (director, One Man Band)
• Angus MacLane (director, BURN-E)
• Pete Sohn (director, Partly Cloudy)
• Teddy Newton (director, Day & Night)
• Enrico Casarosa (director, La Luna)

Expo attendees also get access to advance screenings of:

• an all-new 3D version of The Lion King, presented by RealD 3D, coming to theaters and homes this fall
• the upcoming ABC holiday special Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice from Walt Disney Animation Studios

Out on the Expo floor, fans can explore the world of The Walt Disney Studios at their leisure with comprehensive exhibits, including:

Walt Disney Studios Animation Pavilion – Experience the art, technology, culture and legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios with filmmaker demonstrations, drawing classes, book signings, meet-and-greets and art exhibits.

Walt Disney Studios In-Home Entertainment Pavilion – Check out cutting-edge home entertainment technology and learn what the future holds for Disney movie fans, with sneak peeks of upcoming films in high-definition Blu-ray 3D™ and more.

Inside Tides: Pirates of the Caribbean Film Prop Collection – Get an up-close look at an exclusive collection of detailed set pieces, props and costumes from the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

For more information, go to http://www.D23Expo.com.

D23 Expo
August 19 - 20, 2011

Anaheim Convention Center
800 W Katella Avenue
Anaheim, California
714-765-8950

New York Intl Gift Fair - Summer Edition

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Parent Category: Expos and Conventions

Category: Previews

Published on Thursday, 11 August 2011 05:00

Written by L E Shannon

The Summer edition of the New York International Gift Fair® is taking place August 14 - 18, 2011 at the Javits Convention Center as well as Pier 92 and Pier 94 in Manhattan, New York City.

NYC & Company, the City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, welcomes back the Summer 2011 New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®) to New York City. International participation across the NYIGF is up 20% this year, with 380+ companies from 46 countries around the world represented at NYIGF.

"NYIGF will showcase the ‘best of the best’ in consumer products for everyday living and giving," said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president.

"Some 35,000 retailers from across the U.S. and around the world will converge on New York City in search of products for 4th quarter resale. The show will present 100,000 products with representation from emerging designers and established brands in its 400 product categories."

Read more: New York Intl Gift Fair - Summer...

Gamescom 2011

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Parent Category: Expos and Conventions

Category: Previews

Published on Tuesday, 02 August 2011 05:00

Written by Christopher Lai

Every gamer in America has heard of the infamous conference known as E3, held every year in the LA Convention Center. Some hardcore gamers may even know of the Tokyo Games Show (TGS), held on the island country.

However, few know about the European version known as gamescom, held August 17 - 21, 2011 in Cologne, Germany at the Cologne Trade Fair Center and that it is open to the public.

This is Europe's biggest trade fair for the interactive games and entertainment industry featuring "E3-esque" entertainment areas and events highlighted by outdoor performances, live acts and latest announcements within the gaming and tech world.

Read more: Gamescom 2011