Stan Bush reflects on success of “The Touch” in “Transformers: The Movie (1986)”

“Worldwide icon of melodic rock Stan Bush is best known for his song “The Touch,” made famous by Transformers: The Movie (1986). An anthem for Transformers fans around the world, “The Touch” was remixed in 2013 by High Moon Studios for their hit video game Transformers: Fall of Cybertron. It has also been featured on ABC’s The Goldbergs, NBC’s Chuck, FOX’s American Dad, in RBN’s Guitar Hero, Deep Silver’s Saints Row IV and in the motion picture Boogie Nights. In 2014, Stan was inducted into the Transformers Hall of Fame.”

Visit stanbush.com to check out great merch and autographs! Also if you are located in the Florida area, Stan will be attending Hero Convention in Fort Myers during the weekend of November 18-20!

KC’s Halloween ComicFest Is A Spooky Success

Comic enthusiasts found a welcome relief for the end-of-summer blues when they attended Elite Comics 2019 Halloween ComicFest this past Sunday at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kansas.

The event, which was FREE to the public, filled three rooms with dealers and comic artists and featured free comic giveaways to all who attended. Media Mikes was well represented as well. We had a table where we gave out some sweet movie swag from such films as “Countdown,” “Rambo” and the upcoming “Midway.”

And, of course, it’s not an official event unless Cosplay is involved and the 2019 ComicFest was no exception. Fans young and old represented their favorite characters and genre’s proudly.

All in all, a great time was had by all who attended, many of them already making plans to attend next year’s event. Rest assured we’ll be there as well!

20th Annual Planet Comicon Kansas City a Rousing Success!

PHOTOS BY DAN LYBARGER

I had just begun my position as Director of Marketing for Dickinson Theatres in early 1999 when I received a phone call from a gentleman named Chris Jackson, who explained to me that he had an idea for a local convention that would continue to grow into something amazing. Wanting to be involved, I sent Chris a lot of promotion posters (I’m thinking THE MATRIX, THE MUMMY, and STAR WARS: EPISODE I were included) to give away. Chris even arranged for one of the guests, actor Kenny Baker – he played R2D2 in the various STAR WARS films, to sign some posters for me to use as a giveaway. And so it began.

This past weekend, Chris’ vision, PLANET COMICON KANSAS CITY, celebrated it’s 20th Anniversary with another convention that cements PCKC as not only the best convention in the Midwest, but one of the best in the country.

The guest list was a virtual honor role of some of the biggest celebrities in film and television. Such icons as Linda Blair, William Shatner and Henry Winkler made appearances (this was Winkler’s first visit to Kansas /City since early
2010, when he graciously became the first ever interview for Media Mikes).

Mr. Shatner had been at PCKC in the past,but you wouldn’t know it from the legion of fans that lined up to greet him. Other celebrity guests included Oscar-nominee Chris Sarandon, PRINCESS BRIDE co-stars Cary Elwes and Wallace Shawn, “Super-men” Dean Cain and Tom Welling as well as well as WWE Wrestling Hall of Famer Mick Foley.

Graphic art fans were also treated to a bevy of comic and graphic novel artists, and an amazing array of fans dressed as their favorite characters.

The vendor selection, as in the past, was varied, with tables offering pretty much everything for everyone.

All in all, it was an amazing weekend. I can’t wait to see what Chris Jackson has in store for the next 20 years!

 

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Once Again, KC’s Planet Comicon is a Rousing Success!


Planet Comicon, one of the best and biggest fan-driven conventions in the country, ended another great session this past weekend in Kansas City.

With such celebrity guests as Cary Elwes, Michael Rooker and Scott Wilson, the lines for autographs were long (but moved quickly) and there were plenty of vendors ready to work a deal or two. Whether your love was movies, television, comics or toys, there was plenty to see and plenty to do. As in other years, many guests came in the guise of their favorite pop culture characters.

The “Behind the Mikes” podcast team of Moviemike, Loaf and Brett “Movie Quote” Coker, along with photographer Dan Lybarger, worked the vast expanse of Kansas City’s Bartle Hall, speaking with fans and capturing the sights of the event. Fans of every genre’ were encouraged to get on stage for trivia, hosted by a gentleman in an amazing looking suit!

A huge THANK YOU to Chris Jackson and his Planet Comicon staff for making this annual event one of the most anticipated each year!

Moviemike, Loaf and Brett (l-r) bright and early in the morning.

Midwest Wonder Woman

 

The artist with her signed painting

The Walking Dead’s” Scott Wilson

Photog Dan Lybarger and Michael Rooker

The trivia quiz master and his assistant.

Lady Avengers

Three of a kind

 

“Thank you, Walt Disney” trying to raise money to restore Walt’s original Kansas City studio.

Kansas City’s Planet Comicon Another Huge Success

Despite downtown Kansas City being overrun by Big 12 College Basketball fans, more than 40,000 people, many in costume, filled Bartle Hall to participate in this year’s best in the Midwest gathering, Planet Comicon.

Lured by an unprecedented reunion of cast members from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and first time Planet Comicon appearances by genre’ royalty William Shatner and Lee Majors, fans were treated to an event unrivaled in the Midwest.

Every genre’ of fandom was represented, from celebrity guests to well-known comic artists Film and television fans had the opportunity to meet and greet many of their favorite stars. Besides the incredibly popular Shatner and Majors, such stars as Margot Kidder and John Ratzenberger were on hand. “ST:TNG” fans were in heaven as they had the opportunity to chat with many of the original cast members, including Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, Michael Dorn, Levar Burton and Wil Wheaton. Even more of a treat – an unannounced John DeLancy was also in attendance.

Comic fans had the opportunity to meet legendary artist Neal Adams as well as new-to-the-game Darryl McDaniel, best known for his time with the musical group Run DMC.
With nice weather for the weekend (a sincere rarity this year) many fans were encouraged to attend in costume. Characters from “Star Wars” and comic-book heroes seemed to be the most popular costumed characters, though pretty much every genre’ was well represented.

Photo credit: Dan Lybarger





Planet Comicon 2012 a Huge Success!

Edward James Olmos and MediaMikes' Mike Smith

After two days of packed panels and costumed fans, Kansas City’s Planet Comicon 2012 came to a close this past Sunday.

Not even unseasonably warm weather or the fact that the University of Kansas’ basketball team was playing for a spot in the Final Four (they made it) could keep fans away from the Overland Park Trade Center in Overland Park, Kansas, just outside of Kansas City.

Drawn to the show by such celebrity guests as Edward James Olmos, Billy Dee Williams and a trio of stars from “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,” Planet Comicon 2012 may have been the best attended show in the history of the convention.

Buck Rogers himself, Gil Gerard, remarked to me, “this is the busiest Sunday I’ve ever seen at one of these events.” Gerard and fellow “Buck Rogers” actors Erin Gray and Felix Silla spent the weekend meeting and greeting their fans. Other guests included Robin Thorsen and Amy Okuda from “The Guild,” graphic artists like Bernie Wrightson and Blair Butler, star of G4’s “Attack of the Show.”

Shane DeMink took home the prize for Best Costume. His Captain Jack Sparrow was spot on, right down to the accent.

Lionsgate and AMC Theatres “Warrior” Screening Partnership a Success

LIONSGATE® AND AMC THEATRES® SCREENING PARTNERSHIP A SUCCESS

Advance Screenings of WARRIOR for AMC Stubs™ Members Received Enthusiastically Nationwide

September 1, 2011- LIONSGATE® (NYSE: LGF), a leading global entertainment company, and AMC Theatres (AMC), a leading theatrical exhibition and entertainment company, are thrilled to jointly announce the unprecedented success of the AMC Stubs rewards program screenings of the inspirational sports drama WARRIOR. The screenings, which took place at 90 AMC theatres in 47 markets nationwide Wednesday, Aug. 31, marked the first time AMC has offered a free advance screening to members of its AMC Stubs rewards program. Tickets were claimed quickly after they became available to AMC Stubs members on Aug. 12, and over 17,000 people attended the screenings, which were filled to capacity in the majority of their locations.

AMC’s Facebook page has exploded with positive feedback from fans about their experience.  Comments offered raves for the film, with one attendee describing WARRIOR as a “Great flick! Crowd was cheering, laughing and crying; often all at the same time” and another adding, “Intense moments!  Everyone in their seats cheering!  Made me feel like I was there ring side and not at the movies!  GREAT film!”  The film also surprised many attendees with its broader than expected appeal.  One AMC Stubs member explained “I usually don’t like sports films but this one truly was special.  A must see.  Thank you,” while another emphasized how much his girlfriend loved the film.  Along with their gratitude to AMC for offering the free members screenings, many fans underscored that they wouldn’t have otherwise seen the film, and that they plan to attend again on opening weekend and will recommend the film enthusiastically.

Said Lionsgate’s EVP of Exhibitor Relations and Operations, Mike Polydoros of the partnership, “We’ve known for some time that the best tool we have to sell the movie Warrior is the movie Warrior, but these particular sneak preview screenings have so many added benefits for all involved beyond the positive word of mouth that we know the film will generate: we love working with our partners in exhibition to add value for their customers in creative ways and drive people to their theaters, and this was a great example of that.  And we got a great marketing boost from this collaboration as well; the invitation was extended to more than 1.5 million AMC Stubs members, which helps raise additional awareness for the film.”

“Lionsgate shared this special film with us a while ago, and we agreed the story was one worthy of providing to our AMC Stubs members as an incremental benefit,” said Sun Dee Larson, Vice President, Film Marketing and Communications at AMC. “Our members were overwhelmingly receptive to the offer and thanked us personally at the screenings for adding this benefit to the already rich rewards we offer. We also received positive feedback on our Facebook page and Twitter feeds.”

About AMC Stubs

  • AMC Stubs members receive a $10 AMC Stubs reward for every $100 spent at AMC, including  tickets, concessions, gift cards, and more
  • Members receive free upgrades on popcorn and fountain drinks every day– pay for a small, get a medium; pay for a medium, get a large
  • Online ticket purchase fees are waived on Movietickets.com and Fandango.com
  • Members have access to an online ticket stub collection to keep their moviegoing memories
  • AMC Stubs costs $12 a year

About AMC Entertainment Inc.

AMC Entertainment Inc. delivers distinctive and affordable movie-going experiences in 360 theatres with 5,128 screens across the United States and Canada. The company operates 24 of the 50 highest grossing theatres in the country, including the top three. AMC has propelled industry innovation and continues today by delivering premium sight and sound, enhanced food and beverage and diverse content.

www.AMCTheatres.com

About Warrior

Rising stars Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton command the screen as two estranged brothers facing the fight of a lifetime­ in Lionsgate’s WARRIOR, a moving, inspirational action drama from acclaimed director Gavin O’Connor (Miracle).

Haunted by a tragic past, Marine Tommy Conlon (Hardy) returns home for the first time in fourteen years to enlist the help of his father (Nick Nolte) to train for Sparta, the biggest winner-takes-all event in mixed martial arts history. A former wrestling prodigy, Tommy blazes a path toward the championship while his brother, Brendan (Edgerton), an ex-fighter-turned teacher, returns to the ring in a desperate bid to save his family from financial ruin.  But when Brendan’s unlikely, underdog rise sets him on a collision course with the unstoppable Tommy, the two brothers must finally confront each other and the forces that pulled them apart, facing off in the most soaring, soul stirring, and unforgettable climax that must be seen to be believed.

A rousing ode to redemption, reconciliation and the power of the human spirit, WARRIOR is also a moving testament to the enduring bonds of family.   WARRIOR stars Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom, Star Wars: Episode III), Tom Hardy (the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, Black Hawk Down), Jennifer Morrison (“House”, Star Trek) and Nick Nolte (Tropic Thunder, The Thin Red Line).  The film is directed by Gavin O’Connor; screenplay by Gavin O’Connor & Anthony Tambakis & Cliff Dorman and story by Gavin O’Connor & Cliff Dorfman. Lionsgate and Mimran Schur Pictures present a Lionsgate / Mimran Schur Pictures production. A Solaris Entertainment and Filmtribe production.

www.warriorthefilm.com

About Lionsgate 

Lionsgate is a leading global entertainment company with a strong and diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, family entertainment, digital distribution and new channel platforms.  The Company has built a strong television presence in production of prime time cable and broadcast network series, distribution and syndication of programming through Debmar-Mercury and an array of channel assets. Lionsgate currently has 15 shows on more than 10 networks spanning its prime time production, distribution and syndication businesses, including such critically-acclaimed hits as “Mad Men”, “Weeds” and “Nurse Jackie” along with  the comedy “Blue Mountain State, ” the upcoming drama “Boss” and the syndication successes “Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne”, its spinoff “Meet The Browns”,  the upcoming “For Better or Worse,” “The Wendy Williams Show” and “Are We There Yet?”.

Its feature film business has generated more than half a billion dollars at the North American box office in the past year, fueled by such successes as THE LINCOLN LAWYER, TYLER PERRY’S MADEA’S BIG HAPPY FAMILY, THE EXPENDABLES, which was #1 at the North American box office for two weeks, THE LAST EXORCISM, TYLER PERRY’S WHY DID I GET MARRIED TOO?, KICK ASS and the critically-acclaimed PRECIOUS, which won two Academy Awards®. The Company’s home entertainment business has grown to more than 8% market share and is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rate. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 13,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company’s core businesses. The Lionsgate brand remains synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.

www.lionsgate.com

 

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