Marvel Hero Weekend Hosted by Stan Lee -- April 27th - 29th

Details

Parent Category: Other Festivals

Category: Video/TV

Published on Thursday, 26 April 2012 16:58

Written by Noemi Torres

While the media anxiously waited for EPIX CEO & President Mark Greenberg to introduce Marvel Heroes creator Stan Lee, lunch was served in the Beverly Hills SLS Hotel outdoor courtyard. The two were previewing The Marvel Heroes Weekend being hosted by the legendary comic writer/editor Silver Age legend Lee taking place from on the premium digital media service from April 27 - 29, 2012.

Various Marvel Universe-based films will be screened throughout the weekend as a virtual film festival in anticipation of the upcoming release of Marvel's The Avengers.

Three weeks ago, the premium entertainment channel started an $8,000,000 media campaign in key markets such as LosAngeles, New York, Dallas and Houston. Greenberg said it was a key investment in order to get the word out about the EPIX projects coming up and all the additional content it is adding.

"Stan Lee will be hosting this EPIX series," Greenberg added, speaking directly to master seated in front of him. "The opportunity to watch these movies, Iron Man 2, Captain America and Thor before the prequel to the movie, The Avengers, in early May is a great promotional opportunity for all studios involved, following the documentary [called With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story which screens on the 27th]."

Earlier that day, Lee hosted on EPIX Live Q&A for about an hour, in which he was interviewed over the internet. The turnout involved about 20,000 people.

"One of the companies' goals is to reach a younger audience", the EPIX CEO pointed out, "and the internet combined with Mr. Lee was what made sense to our company."

"This young guy," Lee chuckled, pointing at himself -- and the media shared the laugh with him.

Greenberg was also joined by former boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard, since the champ has joined EPIX to help develop their major boxing content.

"For the last 10 years, boxing has been one of my passions," Greenberg said. "We're very pleased this year we did 300 heavyweight matches. We're going to be doing a fight in London on May 26th. Sugar Ray has joined the announcing team and he's going to bring a great element to the EPIX family."

The first fight aired took place a year ago March which took over 100,000 viewers on a Saturday afternoon. Other matches that are coming up are in May and July 2012.

EPIX has been on the air for 30 months. Its content has been boxing events, concerts by the likes of Madonna, Black Eyed Peas, Kings of Leon, Britney Spears and Usher to mention a few.

Mr. Greenberg also added there is a small movie out there called "Hunger Games" which will be bringing 200 billion dollars in the box office on the network this year.

EPIX has built a network which provides features for view on TV and it gives audiences access to major studio libraries from the likes of Paramount, LionsGate and MGM as well from smaller companies such as Goldman Pictures and Roadside Attractions. Over 3000 titles are available on the EPIX linear channel through its website.

Greenberg added, "We also have created an iPhone and iPad app in which content is able to be viewed on the go through providers like Charter Communications, Cox, Dish Network, Mediacom, Suddenlink, Verizon and EPIX as well."

The CEO also mentioned the monumental deal EPIX created with Netflix. That has allowed EPIX to reach over 15 million homes. Greenberg stressed that it will be very exciting year in 2013 with Hunger Games, The Avengers, and GI Joe projects all underway.

After Greenberg concluded his speech, EPIX Chief Digital Officer Emil Rensing was introduced. He did an impressive presentation of the Xbox responding to his voice to change the channel or program. And the legendary master of pop culture Stan Lee was right by listening.

For more information go to: http://www.epixhd.com/marvel-heroes-weekend/

The Marvel Heroes weekend hosted by Stan Lee
April 27 - 29, 2012

• < Prev
• Next >