Mergers and takeovers are hardly news in the tech industry. Indeed in any industry with strong competition and great economic opportunities, the prospect of mergers every now and then is more or less a foregone conclusion. However, all mergers are not the same, some are minor with little or no impact in the industry, and some are major with great implications within the industry. 

The takeover of ZeniMax Media Inc by Microsoft is unlike most takeovers. It is a monumental one that will greatly impact the industry. It is one that could completely topple the power equation in the industry. For context, ZeniMax is one of the largest game developers in the world with different subsidiaries such as Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax Online Studios, Tango Gameworks, Arkane and MachineGames. The company has a large retinue of games designed to be played on consoles, handheld devices and PC. 

The deal, which is worth a whopping $7.5 billion dollars and due to be completed by 2021, will see Microsoft secure ownership of ZeniMax popular games such as:

• Wolfenstein
• DOOM
• Fallout
• Quake
• Dishonored
• The Elder Scrolls
• Starfield

A Potential Knockout Punch to Sony

Most industries comprise different categories of stakeholders spread across various tiers. This categorization is usually determined based on the size, commercial success and financial clout of the companies involved. Even for a company the size of Microsoft, this deal automatically becomes the biggest acquisition in its gaming section. This is because it dwarfs the $2.5 billion paid for the acquisition of Mojang, the Swedish company that developed Minecraft. 

This deal was a masterstroke for Microsoft because Minecraft was popular prior to taking over their parent company. This popularity hasn’t reduced even after the takeover as the game eventually sold over 200 million copies, thereby sealing its place as the best selling game ever produced. 

There is no doubt that ZeniMax’s takeover will produce a similar result in terms of commercial success for Microsoft both in the short and long term. This perhaps explains their willingness to shell out 7.5 billion dollars in cash for the deal. It may not be common practice for deals of that magnitude to be completed with all the monetary value of the transaction paid upfront. 

Microsoft vs Sony Studios

As implied above, this deal is a major power move by Microsoft as it gives them the outright advantage over Sony and automatically crowns them as the reigning king of the gaming industry. Prior to this takeover agreement, for quite a while, Sony had positioned itself as the overall king of the gaming industry due to its possession of 14 studios with a retinue of popular games under its umbrella. 

This dynamic was changed last year when Microsoft increased the number of its studios to 15, thereby overtaking Sony. Whereas Microsoft’s initial 15 studio teams were already higher than Sony’s 14, the takeover of ZeniMax will further bring about an additional 8 studio teams which will increase Microsoft’s creative studio teams to a whopping 23! Hence, with the magnitude of the ZeniMax deal and considering the popular titles that will be coming under Microsoft control, it is hard to see any commensurate response from Sony in the nearest future. For a start, it doesn’t possess the financial war chest at the behest of Microsoft. Hence, taking over a big studio similar to ZeniMax would have been a credible option, but they are likely to be priced out of the deal for most of the big studios available. 

Another sweetener to the deal is the report that Bethesda has started working on two exclusive games by GhostWire: Tokyo and Deathloop. Prior to the announcement of the Microsoft ZeniMax deal, it was touted that these two console games could be featured under Sony console games, now with the latest development, all of this has changed. Quite literally, Microsoft will potentially become the new fixation of gamers worldwide due to the release of two of the most anticipated games for next year.

Microsoft and the Future of Gaming

The symbolism of this deal would not be enough without paying homage to the success of Microsoft Xbox Game Pass, which would now be able to include the lineup of games previously under Bethesda among its vast gaming options. In takeovers such as this, the projection is not always about immediate results. The future projections are another key determinant. Just as in investment, the immediate value of the stock is not the major motivating factor behind the purchase; it is more about the potential future value. The projection of Microsoft is that Xbox unit subscriptions will increase further this year. 

Xbox Game Pass, which has already proven to be a more valuable alternative to Sony’s Playstation now, is also primed for a steep rise in subscriptions. Already, it offers players the option of downloading titles directly on the Xbox one as against Sony’s option of streaming PS3 games via different servers available on the network. The disadvantage with Sony’s offering is that streaming bandwidth and the strength of internet connectivity would impact gameplay, and this could be a turn-off for gamers willing to indulge their passion for gaming uninhibited. 

Additionally, players on Xbox Game Pass could purchase their preferred games when their subscription expires in order to enjoy unfettered access to it.  

Interestingly, this deal was sealed at a time the coronavirus pandemic started ravaging the world. As lockdowns and social distancing measures are being implemented, social contact reduction can only spell more time for gaming enthusiasts. Microsoft has leveraged this to boost its impressive customer base further. 

Autonomy to ZeniMax?

More impressive is the fact that Microsoft plans to grant autonomy to ZeniMax to continue operating independently. This move is designed to help sustain their creative impetus rather than bringing them under undue influence and control by Microsoft. So they get to continue to produce their games under the platform of Microsoft. 

Bethesda will come with significant experience garnered over the 34 years the company has been operational. Cloud gaming service seems to be the future of gaming, and Microsoft has already positioned itself strongly in that field. With Xbox Game Pass options gaining more titles, subscribers to Microsoft gaming services are only likely to increase further. With a staggering 15 million subscribers already, the sky appears to be the limit for Microsoft as their upward progression seems sealed, at least for the time being.  

Growth Opportunities for Microsoft’s Competitors

As massive as it is, this acquisition is not a death knell for others in the industry. Gaming is a quite expansive industry with abundant opportunities for growth. It is also an industry where innovation is a survival skill; hence, without a steady flow of new titles with exciting and innovative features, the stock and value of a company may dwindle significantly within a short time. Therefore with more efforts, Microsoft’s main competitors can also grow and develop. The industry is big enough for everyone. However, presently, Microsoft is the pathfinder and the top dog in the industry as they have just upped the ante and further distanced themselves from the rest of the competition. 

It is highly unlikely that the ZeniMax acquisition would be last by Microsoft. Within the next few years, Microsoft is believed to also acquire or collaborate with online casino software developers in a bid to unify their gaming collection. Can you imagine some new types of slot games like MegaWays slots developed by Big Time Gaming or NetEnt in collaboration with Microsoft? Would it be possible to get to play Spartacus or Ted Megaways demo on Microsoft official site? Who knows. By virtue of acquiring more studios and gaining more exclusives, an average gamer may have no choice than to either subscribe to Xbox Game Pass for easy access to some of the AAA titles or be forced to make a one-off sum for access to a particular game.

All in all, gamers are the winner in all these as they will continually be regaled with new products. This is a clarion call for the other stakeholders in the industry to work towards maintaining their market share.

The nights are drawing in and the mercury is dropping as we hurtle rapidly towards the holiday period. This means we’re putting away the garden furniture, hanging up our summer clothes, and turning on the heating in our homes.

As we move indoors for several months, many of us will be turning to games as a form of entertainment. If you’re one of those people, and you’re looking for something new to play this winter, then look no further than these.

Grand Theft Auto Online

Despite being more than seven years old, Grand Theft Auto V remains in the top-ten best selling video games list. This is thanks to the constantly-evolving world of Grand Theft Auto Online, with Rockstar Games regularly adding new missions and features.

GTA Online is available to anyone who owns a copy of Grand Theft Auto V on Xbox, PlayStation or PC. It’s free-to-play, though you can buy additional in-game cash to use on buying weapons and other items.

With GTA Online, you can do just about anything from car parkour to open-wheel racing, and from bank heists to playing card games in the Diamond Resort Casino. The possibilities really are endless.  

Poker

Poker is one of the most popular card games played today. It’s a great game to enjoy with loved ones over the holiday period, no matter whether you’re a seasoned player or complete beginner.

The basic poker rules are easy to pick up, so you can be up and running in minutes, and because you only need a deck of cards, that’s no fiddly setting up like with other board games.

Alternatively, you could always play online via your computer or smartphone. That doesn’t mean you can’t play with your friends though. Many online poker sites now also give you the ability to set up your own poker room and invite people to it.

Minecraft

Minecraft has beaten GTA V to the top spot in the list of best selling video games of all time. The nine-year-old game has been released on practically every platform ever in the last decade and offers a blank canvas for players to release their creativity.

In Minecraft, you have the freedom to build just about anything you can think of and the game even includes its own programming language to help you make your creations interactive.

There’s also an AR mobile version of Minecraft that lets you bring your creations into the real world by using your phone’s camera.

Monopoly

Monopoly is a board game that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world for the best part of a century. It’s a classic that’s often played during the holiday period, though it has been known to be the cause of the occasional tantrum and argument.

If you enjoy this property trading board game, then you have hundreds of different options, with many regional and special editions of the game being released in the last few decades.

There’s now also an official mobile app that you can buy to play on your own or with others, without the need to set up and tidy up the board. It has two multiplayer modes. One that lets you compete against people over the internet and another where you can pass your device around, with each person taking their turn on the same device.

These games should keep you going through the winter months!

A couple of the Mikes at Media Mikes, bitten some time ago by the love bug, tied the knot with their respective others recently.

Site co-founder Mike Gencarelli took the lovely Channah as his bride while, at an amazing AVENGERS-themed ceremony, critic and staff writer Michael D. Smith said “I do” to the beautiful Pamela!

Best wishes and much love to both couples!

“Playmobil Series 18”

Playmobil

Our Score:  4 out of 5 stars

Playmobil continues to expand their ever growing universe of characters, play sets and vehicles with their latest release of Series 18 blind bags. The series features 24 figures in all (12 girls and 12 boys) and will fit seamlessly into previously released sets adding new elements of adventure and creativity.

As a parent we have all had that moment where we are at the store with our child or children almost ready to check out and they ask if we can look at the toy section. Of course we all know how this inevitably turns out. Within in seconds you have a toy or two in your cart and that quick stop for a couple items has now turned into a bigger purchase. That’s how we first came across Playmobil Blind Bags. Not only were the figures inside all really cool but it turned into a hunt to find them all given the contents were hidden within shiny reflective packaging that helped make it stand out on the robust shelves. That was several series ago and we are still in love with these figures. Series 18 includes some of the coolest additions to line yet! You have a Top Hat wearing female vampire, a stilt walking clown with real squirting flower, a translucent space adventurer and probably our person favorite a bearded, tattoo clad guitar player!

Each figure is stylized in the traditional Playmobil design and includes one or more accessory which corresponds with the figure. As mentioned before the series features 12 girl and 12 boy figures which are denoted by metallic pink packaging for the girls and metallic blue for the boys. This has been a simple yet effective tool for parents going back a couple series now that help decipher which figure might be inside. It’s especially helpful if the youngster in your life is looking for a specific character or attempting to collect a specific series.

We can’t say enough great things about Playmobil and the Series 18 figures. Not only does the latest series add some rather interesting characters to our growing collection but they also gave new life to some of our older figures by bringing them back into the fold. Our older Vampire affectionately known as “Fizzle Faz” now has a female companion. Our knights and dragons now have a bow and arrow carrying fairy along with an impressively armored young lady. Though I would not recommend these figures for non-school age children given the smaller pieces and the need for assembly which at times can be a bit frustrating, everyone else in the family will certainly enjoy getting in on all the fun possibilities these toys can offer. I know I certainly did.   

Employee recruitment is an important stage to bring in talents to any organization. Whether a popular brand is seeking to bring in employees or an organization that is just coming up, it can be a huge task to bring in people who are a fit for the job.

While different companies rely on different strategies to source their talent, some basic tips can be applied to all such strategies on a fundamental level. We have come up with ten comprehensive tips for picking out the best brains for your business. 

Put these on your checklist before you “OK” a candidate for the next stage. Follow these ten tips for an easy and successful employee recruitment process:

• Have crisp job descriptions

The first and foremost important thing to do is have a clear idea of what you’re looking for in a candidate. Chalk out a clear job description so the candidates can apply only if they match the required skills and qualifications laid down by you. Make sure you don’t consider people that don’t fit the bill right from the get-go, so no time and resources are wasted searching in the wrong direction. All this is only possible when you have a detailed and clear job description for reference. 

• Use Social Media platforms

The Internet is a hub for finding people’s truest passions. You can use social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn to find candidates who hold a true passion in the field. Using Nuwber can be a great way to get hold of their contact details for proper interviewing. Find your desired candidates, while also having a look at what they’re working on currently!

• Use Employee referral programs

Employee referral programs give a lot of insights about the candidate that you typically wouldn’t find elsewhere. When an employee of an existing company is referred to you, it almost certainly guarantees a good candidate as the reputation of the company referring them is one stake! Employee referrals are, thus, a sure-shot way of getting candidates who already have some job experience on their resume.

• Read resumes in detail

Many hiring teams make the mistake of not reading through resumes in detail. Read the candidate resumes in detail to see what they are highlighting in their achievements. This can be corroborated at a later stage during interviewing so you can figure out which candidate is truly genuine. You can also direct some questions from their areas of interest, as mentioned in their resume, and build a one-on-one rapport with your would-be employee. 

• Interview in an easy-going environment

Sometimes, interviewers tend to be of strict demeanor to be taken seriously. However, an easy-going interview where a little cheek and tongue is present can help bring out the true nature of the candidate on the longer run. Candidates can ease out their nerves and show their true talents in an environment where they are not too stiff.

• Look into candidates from previous years

Your company can significantly benefit by referring to candidates from previous years. Even though they were rejected in the past, they are likely to have accumulated some experience, and the company can contact them readily without any investment made in reaching out. Find out what they have worked on in the year and consider if these achievements play a part in their current role at the organization.  

• Look for candidates at industry-related events

Any industry-related events and meet-ups that you’re a part of can be a great place to find excellent candidates. These places will bring in candidates who are actually experienced with fieldwork and show an active interest in applying their skills. You can also gauge their personalities in a professional environment, which will speak much more than what you can pick up from a candidate’s behavior in an interview. The next time you’re at an event, remember to keep an eye out for a potential candidate. 

• Have candidates interact with some peers in the company

Peer level interactions are another way of getting the cat out of the bag. Assign the task of candidate interaction and briefing to some younger employees who the candidate is more likely to be comfortable with. Some really unique insights can be collected from here, in terms of how candidates for briefing instructions and are open to ideas, even before the actual interviewing can begin!

• Make yourself available for interaction

When you expect a candidate to give it their all, you must too! While some company seniors prefer to maintain a distance from trainees and new hires to maintain respect. However, you will be surprised by what you can discover by being available for your trainees. Answer their queries and make them feel welcome to collaborate. Making yourself available for such interactions can help your candidates open up to you and show more interest in the interviewing process. 

• Treat candidates with respect

Last but not least; remember to treat your candidates with the same respect that you would like. Creating an environment of respect and harmony is not only professional but also significant to bring out the best from your candidates. As they say, a little bit of respect can go a long way!

Conclusion

Irrespective of the channel you use to source your talent, whether they are from inside the company or absolutely new, these are some pointers you can keep in mind for the screening of your candidates. A clearly defined job description and accurate markers for selection can make the recruitment process infinitely easier! Stop wasting your time in filtration and focus on what kind of a candidate you really want.

It is important to remember that even the most knowledgeable candidates wouldn’t be perfect for the job if they aren’t savvy with the practicality of tasks. Make sure your evaluation metric is comprehensive and open to different personality types that can be extremely productive in the considered job roles. Keep an open mind, and you never know what gems you’ll find on your hiring journey. Happy recruiting!

Some people like the idea of investing in an asset and letting it simmer for quite a while. Others prefer to take a hands-on approach and trade every day. If you belong to the latter group, you know how important it is to be able to make moves at all times. Luckily, if you use a trading app, you can have access to the trade market 24/7. While these apps have been around for a while, they’re still a relatively new concept and some traders are yet to adapt. In case you’re looking for some help, here are five key things to remember when using a trading app.

You can trade the news

Trading is all about making use of momentum. The best time to buy or sell assets is right after an economic event has taken place. With trading apps, news trading has never been easier. All you need to do is make sure you stay up-to-date and you’ll know exactly what kind of moves to make. Another great thing about it is that all economic releases are scheduled. This means that if you’re able to come up with a schedule similar to those of trading tycoons, making profit from news trading shouldn’t be tough. This is because you can learn everything you’re supposed to know about inflation rate releases and trade balance reports right on your mobile device. Make it a habit of checking all announcements once they’ve been made and go on to trade on your app right away. As long as you make trades on your app in a timely fashion, this strategy will prove to be effective.

Getting assistance is easy

There’s a chance you still haven’t tried trading on an app because the entire process seems a bit complicated and you’re used to trading the old way. This makes sense but once you give trading on an app a go, you’ll see that this type of trading is even easier. Once you get used to it, there will be absolutely no reason not to make moves from your mobile device. Even if there’s something you don’t understand about it, there’s no need to panic. People behind these apps know how important it is for traders to have someone who can help them with the technical side of it all. This is why they offer quick and efficient customer support. Some of them even offer multilingual customer support, something traders from across the world will like. Opt for the right app and you’ll know you’ll get top-notch customer support whenever you need help.

You don’t need money to get started

The amount of money you need if you want to start trading from an app is zero. Most of the time, trading on your mobile device is absolutely free. In other words, you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees when making a switch to a trading app. However, keep in mind that some apps require payments if you want extended functionality. So, if you’re just entering the world of trading, all you need to do is find the right app and identify the type of asset you want to trade with. Finding the best stock trading app for beginners shouldn’t be tough, especially if you know where to find out more about them. When starting out, it’s usually a good idea to opt for an app with no fees. That way, the amount of money you need to start trading on your app is only determined by the asset you want to trade with.

Setting stop losses has never been easier

Did you ever wonder why mobile apps in general are so popular? It’s just that the convenience these things offer is unmatched by computer programs. Well, now you can enjoy such convenience when trading. You probably already know how important it is for traders to set the stop-loss order. When markets go down, they go down fast and dealing with it is a must. Not so long ago, if you wanted to set stop losses, you had to do it manually. Now, the app can serve as your defensive mechanism and help you avoid margin closeouts. Let’s say you decided to go at $12,750 Bitcoin and you want you stop loss to be at $12,250. All you have to do is set the amount on your app and once the price reaches $12,250, your position will close automatically.

You can use any device you want

Some investors are yet to transit to trading on an app simply because they believe mobile trading works only on some devices. This couldn’t be any further from the truth and it shouldn’t stop you from trading on an app. Of course, there are some trading apps that only support IOS and Android devices. While that may be enough, some traders prefer apps that are also compatible with Windows. The good news is that such apps exist and if you want to have an option to trade on your desktop, there are apps you can opt for. With one of these apps in your arsenal, you can trade on your mobile device when you’re not home and still make all your major moves on your desktop. It might take you some time to find the right app but once you do, being able to trade from any device you want will definitely be worth it.

The bottom line

Trading with stocks using an app comes with a number of benefits. What’s more, adjusting to trading on an app isn’t tough and it’ll make the entire process even easier. Learn more about the apps available right now, find the one that suits all your needs and you can begin trading more than ever.

The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most amazing wonders. It’s home to different rock formations and rivers that can’t all be traveled within the day. One of the reasons why people love this Canyon is that it’s also home to many rapids.

River rafting is one of the activities you’ll be doing in the Grand Canyon. If you didn’t know, rapids in the Grand Canyon are rated in levels from I-X with X (or Class X) being the most difficult rapids. It’s important to know what levels of rapids you’re only allowed to go in especially when you’re not a seasoned river rafter. At the end of the day, it’s your safety that matters.

So what are the different rapid levels you can find in the Grand Canyon?

Class I: Easy

For a large Canyon, there are still several rapids that even kids can enjoy. If there weren’t, families won’t be able to raft through the Grand Canyon. Class I rapids have very few obstacles and when they do, you can spot them a few meters away. The water is still fast-moving, but there aren’t any obstructions to hit, so it’s really kid-friendly.

Class II: Novice

Compared to Class I rapids, Class II rapids are a little more challenging but not to the point that you’ll struggle. For this level of whitewater, there are a few obstacles and boulders that you have to avoid. The waves are medium-sized so you’ll feel a few bumps along the way. If you have children, your guide might have to give extra assistance for additional safety. Don’t worry, injuries and accidents are rare for this level of rapids.

Class III: Intermediate

Intermediate rapids already include having eddies and large waves. While they’re noticeable from afar, it’s still not as easy given that you have to maneuver around them or risk getting turned over. The water is fast and strong, and it’s ideal that you are able to maintain control of your raft easily for a safer trip.

Class IV: Advanced

Class IV rapids require more advanced skills when it comes to handling eddies and waves. For this level, kids are not allowed given that the whitewater is already powerful. Turbulence may also occur. Sometimes, even adult beginners in rafting are not given leave to go through Class IV rapids.

Class V: Expert

Class V rapids require experts and skilled rafters to go through this type of rapids. If you’re not one of them, then you won’t be allowed to take this route. Rapids in the Class V level means there are unavoidable waves that you won’t be able to see right away. There are several obstructions, but the more challenging parts are the steep holes and congested areas.

Class VI-VIII Extreme

The Class VI-VII rapids are extreme rapids. This means that there are big and long waves. Strength and endurance are key traits required to pass through these types of rapids. There is also unpredictable danger all the time, so even the slightest error can cost your life. What’s even more difficult in rapids like these is that rescue, when needed, is not always guaranteed.

Class IX-X: Turbulent

Is there anything more difficult than extreme? In the Grand Canyon, there is. The Class IX-X rapids are for those who are skilled and professional but find the Class VI-VII rapids too uneventful. At this point, these rapids are only for those who are looking for an adrenaline rush and the thrill of risking life and limb.

There are different rapid levels found in the Grand Canyon. Hopefully, this guide will help you in identifying what type of rafting trip you’ll take with your family or friends.

ReedPop – the world’s leading producer of pop culture events  – announced the second wave of panels for this year’s all-digital New York Comic Con’s and MCM Comic Con’s Metaverse. From October 8-11, the New York Comic Con YouTube channel will exclusively live stream panels from leading entertainment brands.

Coming off the heels of last week’s first wave of content and programming, you will again see that New York Comic Con’s Metaverse will bring huge names from pop culture and entertainment to YouTube over the four day event for an amazing fan experience:

PANELS

Inside the World of Wolfwalkers from Apple TV+

Join directors Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart for a deeper look at Wolfwalkers, a new Apple Original Film. Alongside Cartoon Saloon’s Maria Pareja (production designer), Sandra Andersen (character designer), and Mark Mullery (assistant director), they’ll offer insights into the creative process and answer questions directly from fans.

From Cartoon Saloon, the Oscar-Nominated animation studio behind The Secret of Kells and co-producer with Melusine Productions, comes a magical tale of an unlikely friendship between two girls in 17th-century Ireland. A young apprentice hunter, Robyn Goodfellowe (voiced by Honor Kneafsey), and her father, Bill (Game of Thrones’ Sean Bean), journey to Ireland to help wipe out the last wolf pack. But everything changes when Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl named Mebh (Eva Whittaker) from a mysterious tribe rumored to transform into wolves by night.

Coming Soon to App TV+

In the Writers’ Room of Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous 

Join executive producers Colin Trevorrow and Scott Kreamer, consulting producer Zack Stentz, story editor Josie Campbell, and staff writers Sheela Shrinivas, Rick Williams and Bethany Johnson as they take you inside the writers’ room of Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous.

Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts: The Final Season

Take a final journey inside the post-apocalyptic wonderland of Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts before season three hits Netflix October 12. Join executive producers Radford Sechrist and Bill Wolkoff, story editors Joanna Lewis and Kristine Songco, Karen Fukuhara, Sydney Mikayla and Coy Stewart as they preview the final season. 

Smallville Cast | 20 Years of Fandom, Friendship & Flying

Join Tom Welling, Erica Durance, Sam Witwer, Laura Vandervoort, and Michael Rosenbaum on this look back at this groundbreaking show and a look ahead at what’s next for this Super-group.

Adam Savage’s Favorite Costumes

Adam Savage is well known for his love of cosplay and his “Adam Incognito,” in which he walks the floor in costume, has become a convention staple. In this show and tell from his shop, Adam takes you through three of his FAVORITE costumes — Alien, Captain America and astronaut — one of which is handmade by Adam himself, one of which was a collaboration with multiple makers, and one of which was a commission.

Dylan O’Brien Takes Fans Behind-the-Scenes of Love and Monsters 

Go behind the scenes of the wildly imaginative, post-apocalyptic adventure that’s filled with LOVE AND MONSTERS. Starring Dylan O’Brien, Jessica Henwick, Michael Rooker and Ariana Greenblatt, the film arrives on premium video-on-demand and Digital October 16.  #LoveAndMonsters

Katherine Langford & Charlie Plummer Talk Blowing Up & Growing Up in Spontaneous 

Katherine Langford, Charlie Plummer, director Brian Duffield and more share behind-the-scenes stories about making the explosively funny movie SPONTANEOUS, an outrageous new teen love story about high school students who begin inexplicably exploding…literally.  The film debuts on premium video-on-demand and Digital on October 6.  Based on the novel Spontaneous, the satirical comedy also stars Hayley Law, Yvonne Orji, Rob Huebel and Piper Perabo.  #SpontaneousMovie

50 FREAKin Years Later – A Conversation with the Star-Studded Cast and Team Behind The Freak Brothers 

Based on Gilbert Shelton’s acclaimed comics “The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers” that sold 40 million copies worldwide, this new adult animated series is set in modern day San Francisco and features four cannabis-loving, time-travelling “Freaks” from the late 1960s – Freewheelin’ Franklin Freek (Woody Harrelson), Phineas T. Phreakears (Pete Davidson), Fat Freddy Freekowtski (John Goodman) and Fat Freddy’s Cat aka “Kitty” (Tiffany Haddish). Join some of the cast, Executive Producers and Showrunners for what is sure to be a hysterical conversation as they discuss bringing this 50-year-old comic book series back to life as an adult animation. This incredible cast (which includes Workaholics alums Adam Devine and Blake Anderson) and veteran Hollywood production team are set to release their 3 Freaks, Cat and bevy of other characters into the wild later this year.

All Aboard the Crazy Train! The Osbourne Family Goes Paranormal

Crazy…but that’s how it goes! Get ready as the First Family of Darkness makes their NYCC debut! In a Travel Channel special event, Jack Osbourne is taking his family – including Ozzy and Sharon – on their first-ever paranormal investigation. For the first time ever, the Osbournes are giving fans a sneak peak into their hilariously haunted experience. Viewers will hear about their investigations, ghostly findings, paranormal beliefs and all of the antics one would expect with an Osbourne family ghost hunt. All aboard!

A Conversation with Executive Producers and Cast Members from ABC’s The Good Doctor 

Join the Cast and Executive Producers from the hit ABC & Sony Pictures Television series, The Good Doctor. David Shore, Freddie Highmore, and the cast will break down the season three finale and give fans an exclusive inside peek into what’s to come in the two-part season four premiere “Frontline,” about the Covid-19 pandemic.

A Discussion with the One Day at a Time Executive Producers and Cast 

Join the Cast and Executive Producers to discuss One Day at a Time returning to CBS after forty years, the future of the Sony Pictures Television series and importance of Latinx representation on television. Moderated by Ariana Romero, Senior TV Critic at Refinery29.

A Discovery of Witches S2 | Behind the Magic 

Take a journey to the fascinating and treacherous world of Elizabethan London as Sky original drama A Discovery of Witches returns for season two. Enjoy a sneak peek at the new magical series, adapted by Bad Wolf from Deborah Harkness’s bestselling All Souls trilogy, including an introduction by Deborah herself and Bad Wolf Executive Producer Lachlan MacKinnon, as well as a Q&A with key cast Matthew Goode, Teresa Palmer, Ed Bluemel, Adelle Leonce and Steven Cree who will gather from the set of the infamous Congregation- in Wolf Studios Wales- where witches, demons and vampires meet and where they are also filming season 3.

VIZ & Powerhouse Animation Present Seis Manos

Join the creative team and cast members on a deep dive into Seis Manos as they reflect on their favorite moments and reveal lots of behind-the-scenes secrets. Panelists include: Brad Graeber (Co-creator), Álvaro Rodríguez (Co-creator), Daniel Dominguez (Writer), Willis Bulliner (Director), Jonny Cruz (Voice of Jesus), & Angélica Vale (Voice of Garcia).

The Adventure Zone Graphic Novel – The Crystal Kingdom

They’ve done it again! The co-creators of The Adventure Zone have THREE #1 New York Times bestselling graphic novels—The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins, The Adventure Zone: Murder on the Rockport Limited!, and now The Adventure Zone: Petals to the Metal. And if you haven’t read them yet, now’s the time to catch up, because co-authors Clint McElroy, Justin McElroy, Griffin McElroy, Travis McElroy, and co-adaptor and illustrator Carey Pietsch are coming together to discuss each of these books, the process of adapting a podcast into a graphic novel, and to share an exclusive sneak peek of The Adventure Zone: The Crystal Kingdom (you heard that right! There will be a fourth book!) coming in 2021 from First Second. This conversation will be moderated by Erika Ishii (Destiny 2).

Graphix Out Loud – Kids Comics Come to Life

Graphix comes to life with live readings of some of the best new and upcoming graphic novels, featuring Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright (Author and Illustrator, Twins), Maria Scrivan (Author, Forget Me Nat), Penelope Bageiu (Illustrator, The Witches Graphic Novel), and hosted by Raina Telgemeier (Author, Smile, Sisters, and Guts).

IDW Presents – The World of Locke & Key

Unlock what’s next in the world of Locke & Key, now a hit Netflix original series! Join New York Times best-selling author Joe Hill (Full Throttle, NOS4A2, Dying is Easy) and legendary artist Gabriel Rodríguez in conversation with series editor Chris Ryall, as they welcome you back to Keyhouse. Be the first to hear more about the next wave of comics and graphic novels in the Locke & Key franchise!

X-Men | The Art and Making of the Animated Series 

Meet the creative team behind one of the most celebrated, revolutionary animated TV shows of all time as they discuss their new book, X-Men: The Art and Making of the Animated Series, by Eric Lewald (series showrunner) and Julia Lewald (series writer). The Lewalds are joined by other celebrated creators who helped make X-Men: The Animated Series, including Larry Houston (series producer/director), Rick Hoberg (series artist), Stephanie Graziano (production), and Sven Larsen (VP, Licensed Publishing for Marvel). Panelists will discuss what it’s like to develop, pitch, design, write, draw, direct, and produce a hit animated series, while showcasing never-before-seen production and promotional materials from the art book.

Marvel’s Black Panther: Sins of the King

Step into Wakanda with Emmy-nominated William Jackson Harper and the award-winning writing team for Marvel’s Black Panther: Sins of the King, from Serial Box. Get an inside look into the upcoming immersive e-book and audiobook series and be the first to hear an exclusive audio excerpt from William Jackson Harper (The Good Place), who will be narrating the series.

In Conversation with All the Anime!

Missed your regular fix of MCM Anime? Join familiar faces Andy Hanley and Jeremy Graves from Anime Limited as they give a rundown of All the Anime’s latest exclusives, festival features and new releases. Continue the conversation over on the NYCC x MCM Metaverse Discord channel when the panel is over!

A Celebration of Revolutionary Girl Utena

Hear from iconic Manga Writer, Chiho Saito (Kanon, Revolutionary Girl Utena, The World Exists For Me) and Director, Kunihiko Ikuhara (Sailor Moon, Revolutionary Girl Utena) as they answer fan questions and take a look back at the critically acclaimed and highly influential anime series. Panel hosted by Anime Limited. 

Jackbox Games is back with the Jackbox Play Along area during NYCC x MCM Metaverse!

Join us on the New York Comic Con x MCM Metaverse channel for the chance to play along in the audience during some rounds of your favorite Jackbox titles, including new games from The Jackbox Party Pack 7 (coming later this fall).

The Jedi Mind – Lessons in Mindfulness from Star Wars

The code that all Jedi strive to follow offers principles for being at peace and learning. In fact, these tenets are useful not just in a galaxy far, far away, but here in our own world. While the Force isn’t present in our galaxy, we can still learn from how the Jedi use it to guide their lives. And we can use these lessons about the Force as a gateway to studying mindfulness and putting practices into action. Join us for an exploration of how the practice of mindfulness inspires and empowers some of our favorite Star Wars characters, and how we can bring some of that inspiration into our everyday lives. Panelists include Amy Ratcliffe, Managing Editor of Nerdist and author of The Jedi Mind; Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, and founder of Her Universe; and Dr. Drea Letamendi psychologist and co-host of the Lattes with Leia podcast.

Titans of Graphic Novels

From memoir to retelling to identity exploration, these female graphic novel titans created their stories to entertain and inspire the next generation of women. Join Robin Ha, Kathleen Gros, Lily LaMotte, and Shannon Hale as they talk with Comics Beat editor-in-chief, Heidi Macdonald about their process, their visions, and how they managed to carve out a space for their excellence in a male-dominated world.

From Page to Screen – An Exclusive Talk with the Hunger Games Creators

For the first time ever, the creative professionals behind the Hunger Games come together for one must-see event. David Levithan (Editor of the Hunger Games books) joins in conversation with Nina Jacobson (Producer of the Hunger Games films) to share their behind-the-scenes experiences in bringing  this wildly popular series to life. From bookshelf to big screen, it’s a lot of work being the real-life Gamemasters of a worldwide phenomenon! Watch as these creative forces reminisce about their time with The Districts and learn more about the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Let the games begin!

V.E. Schwab Spotlight – The Invisible Life Of Addie LaRue

Join New York Times bestselling author V.E. Schwab, as Tor Books presents this exclusive panel about The Invisible Life Of Addie LaRue. As part of this special event, V.E. Schwab will be doing a reading of an excerpt from her new novel and answering your fan questions! Tickets purchased will include a copy of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. 

The Grishaverse | Collaboration and Adaptation with Leigh Bardugo and Eric Heisserer

Leigh Bardugo (King of Scars, Ninth House) is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of fantasy novels and the creator of the Grishaverse. The Grishaverse (coming soon to Netflix in an original series titled Shadow and Bone) spans the Shadow and Bone Trilogy, the Six of Crows Duology, The Language of Thorns, and the King of Scars Duology—with more to come. In this virtual NYCC program, she’s joined by the showrunner of the Netflix adaptation, Eric Heisserer (Birdbox, Arrival) to discuss all things Grishaverse, including two new October titles: The Lives of Saints and Shadow and Bone: The Collector’s Edition.

Exclusive Meet and Greet with Leigh Bardugo  

Here’s your chance to meet Leigh Bardugo (King of Scars, Ninth House) in a personal online one-to-one video meet and greet! Tickets purchased will include a branded video recording of the entire experience as a memento, a copy of The Lives of Saints (with a signed bookplate) and a pre-order of Rule of Wolves. 

For more information, please visit FindTheMetaverse.com and NYCC’s social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).

ReedPop – the world’s leading producer of pop culture events – announced the first wave of panels for this year’s all-digital New York Comic Con’s Metaverse. From October 8-11, the New York Comic Con YouTube channel will exclusively live stream panels from leading entertainment brands.

In addition to panels streaming live & on-demand exclusively via YouTube, fans will be able to participate in talent Q&A’s during panels, turn every panel into a watch party and geek out with other fans using YouTube’s Comments, Community Tab, and Live Chat features. 

As you’ll see below, New York Comic Con’s Metaverse will bring huge names from pop culture and entertainment to YouTube over the four day event for an amazing fan experience:

1. Get Heated with the Cast & Creator of Hulu’s Helstrom 

1. There’s about to be one hell of a Helstrom family reunion and you are all invited! Join the cast and creator of Hulu’s upcoming horror series, Helstrom, as they discuss what went into bringing this twisted comic to life and answer fans’ burning questions. All 10 episodes of Helstrom premiere Friday, October 16^th on Hulu.
2. Conversation and Behind-The-Scenes Look at Hulu’s New Horror Series Monsterland 

 .               You can’t escape what lives within! Discover the monsters and unpack the thought-provoking tales brought to life in Hulu’s new series, Monsterland, based on the collection of short stories from Nathan Ballingrud’s “North American Lake Monsters.” Join cast members and creator/showrunner Mary Laws as they delve into the nightmares and share a look at what happened behind-the-scenes. All 8 episodes of Monsterland premiere Friday, October 2^nd on Hulu.

3. Cast of Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K. Reveals First Look At Hulu’s New Animated Series 

 .               First Look At Hulu & Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K. Everyone’s favorite big-headed, egomaniacal supervillain is coming to Hulu! Get an exclusive first look at the upcoming adult animated series, Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K., hear from creators Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum and meet our hilarious cast of characters voiced by Aimee Garcia, Ben Schwartz and Melissa Fumero. Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K. is coming soon to Hulu. 

4. From the Nightmares of Clive Barker | A Conversation with the Cast of Hulu’s BOOKS OF BLOOD

 .               Step into uncharted and forbidden territory, joining the cast and creator of Hulu’s upcoming film BOOKS OF BLOOD for a conversation around the film. Based on Clive Barker’s acclaimed horror anthology, the film will take audiences on a journey through three uncanny tales tangled in space and time. 

5. It’s time for AN-I-MAN-IACS! Voice Cast & Producer Panel 

 .               The Warner brothers, Yakko and Wakko, and the Warner sister Dot are heading home to the Warner Bros. Water Tower.  But first they’re making a quick stop at NY Comic Con to give the fans an exclusive first look at their brand-new series coming soon to Hulu. Join executive producer Wellesley Wild, co-executive producer Gabe Swarr and voice cast members Rob Paulsen, Tress MacNeille, Jess Harnell and Maurice LaMarche for a lively panel that will most definitely be zany to the max.  Animaniacs is produced by Amblin Television in association with Warner Bros. Animation and premieres on Hulu on Friday, November 20. 

6. Metaverse Presents: ‘Lost’ Anniversary Fan Q&A With Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse

 .               Join the showrunners of the hit tv series for this special, one-time event where they’re answering fans’ burning questions, moderated by Josh Horowitz! Be sure to submit your own using the #lostinthemetaverse hashtag.

7. Archer Cast Trivia Showdown (FXX) 

 .               Archer Cast Trivia Showdown (FXX) – Archer, FX Networks’ award-winning animated comedy series about the world’s greatest spy and his cohorts, returns to NYCC for the ultimate trivia battle royale in celebration of the show’s 11^th action-packed season, premiering Wednesday, September 16 at 10pm ET/PT on FXX. Play along with series stars H. Jon Benjamin, Aisha Tyler, Judy Greer, Chris Parnell, Amber Nash and Lucky Yates as they mine their memories and test their knowledge for this not-to-be-missed foray into the trivia daaaanger zoooone, hosted by Executive Producer Casey Willis. And don’t forget to catch up on all seasons of Archer, available for streaming via FX on Hulu.

8. What We Do in the Shadows (FX) Q&A  

 .               What We Do in the Shadows (FX) Q&A – Fresh off its eight (8!) Emmy® nominations, What We Do in the Shadows returns to New York Comic Con for a LIVE discussion with the cast and producers. Come with your burning questions about vampires, slayers, ghosts, necromancers and… Jackie Daytona! Named “TV’s funniest comedy” by Rolling Stone, What We Do in the Shadows is a documentary-style look into the daily (or rather, nightly) lives of four vampires who’ve “lived” together for hundreds of years. Joining the conversation will be series stars Matt Berry, Kayvan Novak, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén, Mark Proksch and the creative team. Seasons 1 and 2 are now available on FX on Hulu.BAAAAT!

9. Spotlight on Doctor Who Featuring Stars Jodie Whittaker and Mandip Gill | BBC AMERICA 

 .                BBC AMERICA, in partnership with HBO Max, spotlight Doctor Who and the series’ return to New York Comic Con with the Doctor herself, Jodie Whittaker, and companion Yaz, played by Mandip Gill. Together with moderator Melanie McFarland, TV Critic for Salon.com, they will look back at their epic past two seasons in the TARDIS, which have been packed with shocking twists, turns and surprises, and discuss their favorite moments to date. The two stars return in BBC AMERICA’s highly-anticipated Doctor Who Festive Special, “Revolution of the Daleks,” premiering this holiday season. Doctor Who is a BBC AMERICA co-production with BBC Studios. In the U.S., Doctor Who premieres exclusively on BBC AMERICA with past seasons available to stream exclusively on HBO Max.

10. The Watch: A First Look At BBC AMERICA’s Newest Series

 .               Dive into the thrilling fantasy world of BBC AMERICA’s newest series The Watch, featuring a discussion with cast and executive producers, special guests and a first look at the series. The Watch follows an unlikely group of misfits, The City Watch, who are forced to find the guts to save the world, surprising even themselves in the process. The comedic yet thrilling series pits trolls, werewolves, wizards and other improbable heroes against an evil plot to resurrect a great dragon which would lead to the destruction of life as they know it. Moderator – actress Yvette Nicole Brown (Community) – joins panelists and series stars Richard Dormer (Game of Thrones), Lara Rossi (I May Destroy You), Adam Hugill (1917), Jo Eaton-Kent (Don’t Forget the Driver) and Marama Corlett (Blood Drive), along with executive producers Simon Allen (The Musketeers) and Richard Stokes (Broadchurch).

11. AMC’s The Walking Dead 

 .               The Walking Dead will present a panel at NYCC spotlighting episode 1016, “A Certain Doom,” which will air as a standalone episode Sunday, October 4 at 9 PM ET/8c. 

In The Walking Dead’s, “A Certain Doom,” Beta engages in the final battle of the Whisperer War. 

12.           AMC’s Fear The Walking Dead 

a.              Fear the Walking Dead will present a panel for the series’ upcoming sixth season, premiering Sunday, October 11 at 9 PM ET/8c. 

Season six of Fear the Walking Dead explores what has become of the unlikely family once united by a mission to help those in need. After being torn apart by Virginia (Colby Minifie) and her Pioneers, the group is now dispersed across her far-reaching settlements. Morgan’s (Lennie James) last message at the end of season five implored the group to “Live” and this season we’ll see what that means to each of them. Some will find the stability and opportunity within Virginia’s communities to be intriguing, some will sink into darkness, while others will fight back against what has been forced upon them. Life behind Virginia’s walls will test each and every one of them in different ways, forcing them to define who they are in this new world.

13.           AMC’s The Walking Dead: World Beyond 

a.              The Walking Dead: World Beyond returns to NYCC as the third series in wildly successful The Walking Dead Universe. The series is set to premiere Sunday, October 4 at 10 PM ET/9c

b.              The Walking Dead: World Beyond delves into a new mythology and story that follows the first generation raised in a surviving civilization of the post-apocalyptic world. Two sisters along with two friends leave a place of safety and comfort to brave dangers, known and unknown, living and undead on an important quest.  Pursued by those who wish to protect them and those who wish to harm them, a tale of growing up and transformation unfurls across dangerous terrain, challenging everything they know about the world, themselves and each other.  Some will become heroes.  Some will become villains.  But all of them will find the truths they seek. 

14.            Cast of Starz’s American Gods Tease Season 3 Details

 .               AMERICAN GODS – #GodSquad are you ready for divine intervention? Stream with your favorite gods as they journey to Lakeside and talk all things Season Three of the hit STARZ Original Series “American Gods.” Following his discovery last season that Mr. Wednesday is his father, Shadow attempts to break away and assert himself as his own man. As he settles into life in Lakeside, he uncovers a dark secret while exploring questions of his own divinity. Guided on this spiritual journey by the gods of his black ancestors, the Orishas, Shadow must decide exactly who he is — a god seeking veneration or a man in service of the “we.”    

15.           The Sound of “The Sandman” with Neil Gaiman and Friends – presented by Audible and DC 

 .               In celebration of the first-ever audio adaptation of “The Sandman” — based on the bestselling DC graphic novel series that rewrote all the rules — Audible will bring together master storyteller Neil Gaiman, aural auteur Dirk Maggs, and other special guests to reveal the creative process behind this groundbreaking audio production. Panelists will discuss how the source material, including the detailed notes for illustrators in Gaiman’s original manuscripts, was painstakingly taken off the page and brought to life in a fully-immersive listening experience featuring a 68-member, all-star cast led by James McAvoy, cinematic soundscape, and original music score.

16.           DC’s Stargirl Cast & Producer Panel 

 .               DC’s Stargirl creator/executive producer Geoff Johns joins series stars Brec Bassinger (Bella & the Bulldogs, All Night), Yvette Monreal (Rambo: Last Blood, Faking It), Anjelika Washington (Tall Girl, Girl’s Room), Cameron Gellman (Heathers), and Meg DeLacy (The Fosters), as they relive the first season’s most epic moments. Join your favorite Blue Valley residents as they share behind-the-scenes tales and scoop on what’s to come for Season 2. DC’s Stargirl: The Complete First Season is currently available to own on Digital, Blu-ray, DVD, and now streaming on The CW app.

17.           The CW’s NANCY DREW Panel featuring the Cast & Producers

 .               NANCY DREW stars Kennedy McMann (Nancy Drew), Scott Wolf (Carson Drew), Alex Saxon (Ace), Leah Lewis (George Fan), Maddison Jaizani (Bess Marvin), Tunji Kasim (Ned “Nick” Nickerson) and Riley Smith (Ryan Hudson), will be joined by creator/executive producer Noga Landau and showrunner/executive producer Melinda Hsu Taylor to discuss The CW’s hit drama.

18.           Exclusive Interviews with the Creators of Steven Universe – The End of an Era

 .               Join Steven Universe series creator Rebecca Sugar and author Chris McDonnell as they discuss Steven Universe: End of an Era (Abrams Books), the new art book that features concept art, storyboards, background paintings, and exclusive interviews about one of the most progressive, imaginative, and beloved animated series of our time. Joined by Kat Morris (writer, storyboard supervisor, supervising director) and Alonso Ramirez Ramos (producer, director on Steven Universe Future), the panel will explore the process of creating season four through Steven Universe Future, as well as the show’s incredible legacy. Moderated by journalist Charles Pulliam-Moore (io9/Gizmodo).

19.           The Godfather of Gaming – An Exclusive Conversation with Sid Meier

 .               Join us for an exclusive talk with one of the most influential game changers in the industry. For years, video games were regarded as just another form of mindless entertainment, devoid of meaning and entirely mechanical. Today, video games are significant cultural commodities and an acknowledged art form because of the contributions of video game giants. Watch as Sid Meier, the game designer and developer behind the Civilization series, discusses the tales of his video game pioneering in a sneak peek of his upcoming book release.
SID MEIER’S MEMOIR!: A Life in Computer Games (W. W. Norton & Company) takes fans through the life and legacy of one of the most influential creative forces in video game history. The memoir will dive into the challenges he faced and how he influenced the strategy game genre we know today. As part of New York Comic Con’s Metaverse, Sid Meier will also be joined in conversation by Soren Johnson (Lead Designer, Civilization IV), as they reminisce about the joys of creation, the excitement of expanding possibilities, and the very heart of playing video games—and of being human.

20.           Dungeons & Dragons & cooking!

 .               The authors of the new official D&D cookbook, Heroes’ Feast, share how they developed recipes and culinary backstory from the different realms of the fantasy RPG. Join Michael Witwer, Kyle Newman, and Jon Peterson as they talk about their process and share some of the dishes featured in the new book.

21.           Lucasfilm Publishing | Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away 

 .               Join some of the biggest and best Star Wars authors as they talk about some of their exciting new projects set in a galaxy far, far away. Featuring Daniel José Older, Preetei Chhibber, Phil Szostak, Katie Cook, Zoraida Cordova and Amy Ratcliffe. Moderated by This Week In Star Wars host Kristin Baver.

22.           Valiant Heads to Hollywood

 .               Before Paramount’s HARBINGER movie hits the big screen in 2021, learn all about Valiant Entertainment’s upcoming comic [CLASSIFIED] and witness this bold new take on the classic franchise. Plus, exclusive reveals from NINJAK, BLOODSHOT, X-O MANOWAR, RAI, and more!

Moderated by Tiffany of YouTube’s ComicPOP, join writers [CLASSIFIED], [CLASSIFIED], Jeff Parker, Dennis “Hopeless” Hallum, and Senior Editors Heather Antos and Lysa Hawkins for an exclusive look at the future of the Valiant Universe and its must-read new comics.

23.           Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Seven Seasons of Amazing Gear & Gadgets with Prop Master, Scott Bauer and Live Auction Preview

a.              Prop Store is bringing over 500 lots of original props and costumes from all seven seasons of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. to an online auction this October 8th to November 10th (go to Propstore.com/Marvel for more information). Join series Prop Master, Scott Bauer, as he talks about his experiences working on Marvel Television’s longest running television series and as he reveals the stories behind some of his favorite pieces in the auction.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Trick or Treaters. Candy bingeing. Horror marathons. Pumpkin carving. Costume contests. Even though this Halloween turned out to be more gnarly than Regan projectile vomiting green pea soup – that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the best time of the year together! Panic Fest won’t let Halloween die! Panic Fest Presents: TRICKS AND TREATS, a special virtual Halloween celebration that runs Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. 

Every year we look forward to these traditions but with the pandemic they are in real jeopardy of not existing this year. Fear not, Panic Fest is here to satisfy your horror appetite.The three day event features new and classic films, shorts, live events including horror themed trivia, live podcasts, special guests and more. Best of all, you, the horror community get to participate with each other throughout the weekend. Hell, we even have a ‘Best in Show’ style pumpkin carving contest. So, grab your costume and bowl of candy and join us for a jam packed weekend celebrating our favorite time of year. Tickets are now on sale with full programming coming in October. 

Have a feature or short? Submissions are open: https://filmfreeway.com/TricksTreats

Tickets on sale now: https://panicfilmfest.com/tricks

Panic Fest enters it’s 9th year and has been recognized for three years running as one of the top 25 best genre festivals in the world by MovieMaker Magazine. Panic Fest is scheduled to take place Jan. 29th – Feb. 4 2021.

Experts and sports fans are used to terms such as the box office, Hollywood, and thriller. These are the words used when describing a hallmark moment. You can attend one or two sporting events to have a first-hand experience of this undeniable fact. There is a high likelihood of hearing similar words in a pitch, ring, or court at least once. Sport can be defined through various attributes such as dramatic, visceral, and unpredictable.

The silver screen lights up at the combination of such factors. A feature-length movie can be designed through the blueprint of the narratives, arc, and redemption stories following specific players and teams all through the season. It is hardly surprising that the cinema industry has made several attempts to distill the stories. IMDb has 4,385 film titles that are based on sports. There is a lot of moment in the sports film making business. The greatest ten sports film hits on IMDb have collectively made $1.9 billion.

Even though the subject matter attracts good cash, it is a bit more complex to make a film. For sports films like Goal III: Taking on the World, there will always be a Rocky. In this case, you may want to know the magnificent from the apparent absurd aspects of it. Towards this end, this article has looked at the top sports movies listed on IMDb and explores the exceptional anatomy in some of them.

The realism factor is one that cannot go unattended. There needs to be a possibility of the events depicted in the film happening in the real world. The movie needs to inspire real emotions to meet the popular choice criteria set by makers in the film industry. Winners and losers are two sides of the same coin. It is probably the fact that it creates some similarities between sports film and an online casino. There will be various emotions when you throw in the probability of a defeat.

When done correctly, you can create the perfect sports film guaranteed raw emotions from the audience. For you to sell this aspect in a sports film, you must convince the audience of the realism degree in your story. You could end up with a parody if this side of the show becomes a miss. Amateur setups still have a lot to learn when it comes to achieving a realism level. On the other hand, professional sports are making the cut here with top thirty IMDb sports films going the extra mile to center their stories on professionals.

It is impossible to spot the difference when this is done to perfection. A lead character, Tom Hardy, was involved in fight scenes where he suffered from real physical injuries on his ribs and right arm during filming. Developing stories that have happened in real-life is also another strong selling point for the silver screen. Nothing can be as convincing as something that happened. It is a strong suit exploited by thirty-one films on the list. Real-life stories with a perfect execution are the real jackpot.

Might Hollywood be on the brink of change? Irrevocable change that goes beyond the rescheduling of celebrity awards events.

The 93^rd Annual Academy Awards have been pushed back while the film industry continues to grapple with the massive upheaval brought on by the global coronavirus pandemic. A return to normal can’t come too soon.

Hollywood understands only too well that the show must go on, that adapting is the only course before it. To what extent though is it prepared to go before the old ways are lost and long-established business models and practices are irrevocably changed?

It’s anybody’s guess.

The 2021 Oscars have been pushed back by two months, the latest celebrity event to be directly affected by the on-going global coronavirus pandemic after both the Golden Globes and Baftas settled on postponement next year.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science (AMPAS) announced it was moving the star-studded event from February 28 to April 25, a move that requires similar proportional extensions to the eligibility period (moved from December 31 to February 28) and the relaxing of some of the Academy’s stringent qualification rules.

President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said jointly in a statement by the Academy, “Our hope, in extending the eligibility period and our Awards date, is to provide the flexibility filmmakers need to finish and release their films without being penalized for something beyond anyone’s control.”

Whether the coronavirus crisis will cooperate with the new timetable is impossible to say. There is genuine speculation about all the big celebrity events actually going ahead as planned next year. Then, if and when they do go to plan, the question becomes logistical.

How will they go ahead? Will it be back to normal? With the usual pomp and ceremony of the red carpet and the whole shebang. Or will it be the “Zoom” Oscars? Forced into the virtual realm, with Academy members and nominees zooming into the event while sat at home in all their designer finery.

The only thing certain these days is uncertainty. But the Academy nevertheless remains optimistic. Somehow, someway, the show will go on.

Like many other industries the film industry was hit particularly hard by the public health crisis. The shuttering of cinemas wreaked havoc on film release dates and the shuttering of studios put a stop to films that were in pre-production, mid-production and post-production. Everything ground to an abrupt, screeching halt.

The verb “to adapt” is, arguably, the underlying theme of 2020 – a most trying and tough year thus far. Working remotely, Zoom meetings, virtual social gatherings, sheltering and social distancing–are just of the many bywords representing the new normal that many people around the world have had to accept.

That Hollywood studios would do their own adapting during this unprecedented time was inevitable, but few could have anticipated the magnitude and implication of some of the measures.

Hollywood studios took the pandemic as an opportunity to experiment with digital-first outputs. For the most part, small to mid-size budget titles skipped cinema release dates in favour of streaming services – motivating this move is the fact that film studios get a larger percentage of the revenue when going direct-to-digital than they do at the box office.

The defining moment, however, came when Universal studios decided in May to give Dreamworks-made Trolls World Tour a digital release at $19.99, instead of delaying its box-office release as some other films have done. The film made $100 million in its first three weeks in the United States. To illustrate the significance: the first instalment of the Trolls film needed a five-month sojourn at the box-office to gross $120 million.

With Disney now announcing it too was taking its big-budget film Mulan directly to digital next month, bypassing cinemas entirely and offering it for $29.99 on its Disney+ channel, a seismic shift has occurred.

Mulan, which was projected to be a $1bn-plus blockbuster, is among some of the early odds-on favourites for the 2021 Oscars Taking it out of the hands of box offices is a big deal.

Suppose, the Academy relaxing the rules for qualification and giving entry to films that would have otherwise qualified but were forced to go to digital outputs was the first significant step towards change. One that may be provisional due to the unprecedented pandemic but, equally, may not be easily undone in a post-pandemic world. This may be the cusp of whole new era in the film industry.

Whether you are a filmmaker, cinephile, or anything in between, you can appreciate the value of great sound design.

I mean, what is Star Wars without Ben Burtt’s sound effects? Is The Lord of the Rings as impactful without Howard Shore’s soundtrack? Would Jurassic Park have become such a hit without the magic of its sound design?

Sound design brings imaginary worlds to life. It takes us — as viewers — out of our normal lives and immerses us in whatever we’re watching. SciFi films become believable dramas, travel videos become windows to remote corners of the world… You get the picture.

Great videos are about more than just the visuals, and top content creators know the value of background music and sound effects. So if you want to build a successful YouTube channel, you can start by taking a page from successful content creators and double down on sound design.

Why Sound Design Matters For Content Creators

Before diving into a shortlist of things you can work on, let’s look at the impact sound design has. And to do that, we’ll have to look at some research on how sound influences people.

Studies done by Scientific American established that sound has a huge impact on how we think and feel. Sound specifically impacts five different regions of the brain, including our emotional response center (which is why a powerful soundtrack will give us the feels, even if it plays during a boring scene).

In fact, sound can trigger our brains to produce dopamine in the same way that it would after exercise, sex, or drug use. And that physiological reaction makes it pretty clear that sound design is a tool filmmakers use to blur the line between fact and fiction.

Boosting Your YouTube Channel’s Sound Design

Now, knowing that sound design matters is great and all. But if you don’t know where to start, how are you supposed to make any meaningful changes to your content?

First things first: No matter which part you want to work on, the most important takeaway is to include sound design as part of your pre-production process — think about how sound can play a role in the stories your videos tell or the experiences you want to deliver.

The easiest way to break it down is to think of sound design as three component parts: music, effects, and quality.

Music

When we think of music for YouTube, we’ll think about the song or clip you include with your intros and outros. And that’s a pretty important part of establishing a brand — a consistent sound gives us an opportunity to associate laughter or wonder with your channel, and that’s how you build a community.

But “music” also includes background music. In some ways, the songs that play behind the scenes are the things that carry most of the weight in your videos, even if all your work is on recording and editing the visual component.

YouTube is a unique channel. Most of us watch videos with the sound off and subtitles on…but YouTube combines news, entertainment, humor, and every other topic imaginable. And that means each viewer will approach a video with a different need.

Some people want a good story. Others want to laugh. Maybe some people want to learn something new. Background music gives you a way to set expectations and control the experience, adding upbeat or sad music to steer the viewer’s emotions over the course of a video.

Effects

Sound effects are where the “magic” of sound really comes into play. They are like the wizard behind the curtain, pulling the strings and plugging holes before the audience ever has a chance to realize that the make-believe story on screen is just actors, lighting, green screen, etc.

When one of our senses takes in some information (like our eyes watching a film), our brain uses the other senses to try and confirm or reject that data. And regardless of what content you share on YouTube, you are asking viewers to step out of their lives and experience something new. Sound design can help their brains make that jump.

Whether it is adding sounds to smooth out transitions, ambient noise to provide texture, or dropping in humor, you can use sound design to add depth and production value. And that is on top of making everything more believable.

Quality

Here’s the no-brainer point on this list. The fact that you’re reading this article means you’ve created content for YouTube. And that means you know that sound quality matters. 

Nothing will turn off viewers faster than bad mic quality, according to a study by USC and the Australian National University. And that goes for your music and sound effects too.

You may want to download songs or effects from free sites, but you get what you pay for. And if what you’re getting is subpar, low-quality stuff, then it’s going to drag down the overall quality of your channel.

In other words, if you’re putting in the effort to improve sound design and strengthen the content on your channel, don’t cut yourself short. Hold yourself to a particular quality standard, and apply that to every part of the videos you make.

How To Actually Use This Information On Your Channel

You want to grow your YouTube channel. (Because let’s be honest, what kind of content creator isn’t always pushing themselves?) To do that, you need to make it as easy as possible for people to love your content and want to keep coming back for more.

That’s why you brainstorm ideas, teach yourself new editing techniques, and study your competition. You know that YouTube is a tough place to succeed, and you’re willing to put in the work to make that happen.

Well, if you’re serious about growing your channel, sound design is an easy place to start. And all you really need to do is study the “masters” of content creation and see how they use background music and sound effects to tell stories.

Filmmakers and YouTubers prioritize sound design during pre-production and post-production. So while you might not have Peter McKinnon’s audience or the budget of an MCU film, you can still deliver the same engaging, immersive experiences that sound design helps create.

Drew Gula is the copywriter at Soundstripe, a company that makes royalty free music and sound effects to help content creators produce better videos.

Japan has accepted online casino gaming, and it has been growing in the last few years. The truth is that the market has been growing since then, and this has given room for an increase in the number of sites that offer Japanese friendly gambling services.

While the online gambling laws in the country have remained strict, it does not prevent the fans of online gambling in casinos from enjoying the fun they crave. There are many online casinos that do not fall within the Japanese government’s jurisdiction, which gambling lovers in the country can enjoy games on, because these platforms have successfully found ways of working around the betting regulations in the country to find favourable grounds. The online casino guide 6takarakuji have reviewed all the popular casino games in Japan.

Haven said that it is also good to inform you that it is easy to play games in the regulated and licensed offshore online casino platforms that accept Japanese players without hesitation. This makes it possible for online casino players in japan to have the chance to play and enjoy fun without any qualms about going against the law of the land.

The Most Popular Casinos Games in Japan

One great thing about online casinos is that through them, players get the chance to enjoy the games that they cherish with a single click of the mouse. These sites offer both worldwide favourites and Japanese favourites at the same time, so you are covered if you are here to enjoy online casinos that are Japanese friendly, and with a huge number of games on offer. All you need is to get to casino rank, and you will have a list of them. This saves you a lot of stress and time, as you don’t need to conduct your own research again. From the list, you can jumpstart your online casino experience effectively.

When it comes to the most popular online casino games in the country, the names on the list below take precedence over the others.

Slot Games

This is similar to the Japanese indigenous game named Pachinko, and it is the most popular online game in the country. In every online casino of today, they stand as a staple, and you will find them in their hundreds in the best casinos. They are normally the top-notch real money and free play games found in the best casinos. The slot machines are very easy to play, and you can quickly play them without the need for any special skill. It is interactive and slot lovers will have many to choose from, including different versions like 3D slots, video slots, multiple payline slots, progressive slots, and classic slots.

Baccarat

High rollers in Japan are normally more attracted to baccarat among the table games. They are among the oldest card games ever, and they come with very few rules. The major objective of baccarat is to get the number 9 or the number closest to it. Whenever a player gets 9 or the number nearest to 9 before others, he wins the game. There are several bets that players can choose here, and they include the tie, banker, and player. In the best online Japanese casinos, players will be treated to a lot of baccarat variations including the Baccarat Banque, Chennin De Fer and Punto Banco.

Poker

Many avid casino players in Japan enjoys online poker. In the game of poker, the person with the hands that rank highest after the players have shown their cards at the end of each game wins.  This is not just a game of luck, but of skill too, and that makes it more exciting. Punters can enjoy different variants of poker games in Japan online casinos. The available variants include Razz Poker, Omaha High, and 7 Card Stud Poker, Five Card Draw Poker and Texas Holdem Poker.

Roulette

This is one of the games that come with the highest ease of play, because it is a pure game of luck. This, as expected, places it among the most loved games in Japan online casinos. It is a game where the players predict and bet on the colour or number or the colour and number that the ball will settle on when spun. This is one game that new players are encouraged to start with. It comes in different variants, including the French, European and American versions.

Lottery Games

This could be played very easily, and it pays amazing jackpot prizes. So, online casino fans in japan love it and enjoy playing it. In japan online casinos, the popular games include jumbo lottery, mini lotto, lotto 6, numbers 4, numbers 3 and the scratch cards.

Dragon Tiger

This could be described as the Japanese version of baccarat, and many players in the country like and enjoy the gameplay. The major goal of the players in this game is to wager on the one to win among the available two hands, and they include the tiger and dragon hands. The hand that wins among them is the one that gets the higher card. When you make the guess and it pans out right, you win. It’s as easy as that. But when the two hands end with the same value, you will be given back half the amount you wagered.

Live Dealer Games

The iGaming industry is now buzzing with live dealer games. These are dealt by professional croupiers in the bid to bring in physical casino-like experience to the online casinos. Here, you are dealt authentic roulette balls and wheels and cards are really shuffled. Players can also interact with the croupiers and other players as they wish, and most Japanese casino lovers cherish it.

“Back to the Future”

DeLorean/Marty Mcfly & Dr. Emmett Brown

Playmobil

Our Score 4.5 out of 5 stars

Playmobil goes back to the future! With the iconic DeLorean vehicle and Marty Mcfly/Dr. Emmett Brown figure two packs. Following in the footsteps of the companies “Ghostbusters” and “Scooby Doo” lines “Back to the Future” is the most recent property to get Playmobil’s signature toy treatment. Both kids and nostalgic parents will enjoy reliving their favorite moments from the films time and time again with these recently released toys.

After a brief construction period our in house toy tester was on his way with his brightly lit DeLorean and highly detailed figures time traveling to different areas of the house taking breaks just long enough to refuel his vehicle with the included plutonium and then he was off again before you could say “Great Scott!” The DeLorean vehicle features gull-wing doors, folding wheels for hover mode, an illuminated flux capacitor inside and a blue illuminated exterior. Included with the vehicle is Marty Mcfly and Doc Brown in their outfits from 1985 along with a plutonium case, skateboard, remote control and Einstein, Doc Browns lovable companion. Also available is a two figure set which again features Marty and Doc Brown however this time outfitted in their 1950’s clothing complete with a guitar for Marty. With the DeLorean already including both Marty and Doc it would have been nice to see some of the other characters from the film available before these two but that didn’t halt our testers imagination any as he switched between the various versions of the characters and their included accessories.

As with all Playmobil products the detail on each piece and figures in the “Back to the Future” line is top notch. Even the included cuffs for Marty’s 1980’s attire feature the same print seen in the movie. Very cool! The DeLorean set is priced at $49.99 and for what all is included we thought that was a pretty fair price. You will need to purchase AAA batteries for the lights as sadly those are not included. The two figure set has a price tag of $7.99 which might deter some purchasers as only two accessories are included and the figures are again based off of Marty and Doc. Collectors will definitely want to get both and if you truly want to recreate the scenes from the films then you NEED multiple Marty’s and Doc Browns. With the latest “Back to the Future” release from Playmobil you “don’t need roads”; all you need is your imagination to bring these really fun toys to life.