Friday, May 31, 2013

HELLO KITTY HITS THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL TO GET YOUR VOTE

              
            

Hello Kitty is on the campagin trail and promises to “go to your side and hug you” if she gets to #1. You can cast your vote for Hello Kitty on the ballot page until July 7.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

LIONSGATE SHARES RISE 4.7% AFTER STRONG GROWTH


         
FULL DISCLOSURE: Lionsgate and Harmony Gold have a deal to distribute Robotech: Love Live Alive and Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles on DVD. 

From Deadline.com 
The stock is up about 4.7% in after-hours trading after the studio reported 12-month growth in just about every unit except for television production. In the quarter that ended in March, Lionsgate had net income of nearly $163M, up from a $22.7 loss in the period last year, on revenues of $785.7M, +21.8%. The top line beat the Street’s expectation for $753.0M. And earnings at $1.10 were well ahead of predictions for 44 cents.


Wednesday, May 29, 2013

ROBOTECH RPG BATTLEFOAM BAG UPDATE!



From the Robotech RPG Kickstarter page. 

We are pleased to announce that we have received word from Battlefoam. They have taken a look at the contents and size of the game pieces in the Battle Cry. They have told us that they are working on the specific count but that, "it will fit a FULL Battle Cry pledge, no problem."
This is great news for the "Battle Cry" pledges! 

LIVE ACTION "AKIRA" WRITER SPEAKS OUT ABOUT PROJECT



FULL DISCLOSURE: Warner Brothers has a deal with Harmony Gold for a live action Robotech film.

Collider.com has a interesting interview with, Gary Whitta, about his work on the live action Akira movie. While its not Robotech related, it is interesting to hear the issues that had be dealt with in regards to an adaptation.

And sometimes it’s just not the right time. I always feel like, when you’ve got a piece of material, it will always find a way to get made. Movies are dead for a long time, and then they come back and they find the right time for them. One of the difficulties when I was working on Akira is that Watchmen was coming out around that time. It came out, and it wasn’t a huge hit. It was successful, but I don’t think it was what the studio hoped it would be. And it’s a similar thing, right? Difficult, mature graphic novel that’s not Superman; it’s something only the fans really know about. New York gets destroyed, it’s very uncompromising. And I think they looked at that and said, “Well, why would we want to do exactly that again?” I think that was part of what complicated it.
So, like I said, I had a great time working on it. I got to sit in rooms where we got to design the bike, and you have those days where you’re like, “You know what? This is why this is still the coolest job in the world.” Even with all the aggravation and all the frustrations that you have, you get to sit around and say, “What does Kaneda’s bike look like in this version of the movie?” And we had the concepts, we built some of the models and it’s like, this still a badass job to do.


G4TV TO BE REPLACED BY THE ESQUIRE NETWORK ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2013


Despite a delay announced last month, G4TV will be killed off and replaced with the Esquire Network on September 23rd.

Here is the press release in full:

Los Angeles, CA (May 29, 2013) – Esquire Network will debut on Monday, September 23, 2013, it was announced today. The network will kick off primetime with a two-hour special that commemorates Esquire magazine’s landmark 80th anniversary, timed to coincide with the October debut of the magazine’s anniversary issue. The original ESQUIRE 80TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL (WT) will look back at the social, political and cultural forces that shaped our lives over the last eight decades – told through the lens of the magazine, its stories, images and covers.

Said Esquire Network general manager Adam Stotsky, who made today’s announcement, “As Esquire magazine reaches such a significant milestone, it only seems fitting that Esquire Network kick off by celebrating the rich legacy of this iconic brand. And we will build on this unparalleled 80 year history with a new primetime lineup featuring compelling original programming that hits on the wide-ranging interests, aspirations and passions of men today.”
“Additionally,” said Laura Molen, Executive Vice President, Cable Advertising Sales, NBCUniversal, “Esquire Network is providing advertisers with an opportunity not currently offered by a television network to reach today’s educated, upscale man across multiple platforms.”
The 80th anniversary special joins a growing pipeline of original programming, including previously announced series KNIFE FIGHT, an underground cooking competition hosted by Ilan Hall; THE GETAWAY, exploring the world’s most amazing cities through the eyes of a revolving cast of travel-loving celebs; HOW I ROCK IT, a look at style in all its forms, hosted by NBA superstar Baron Davis; RISKY LISTING, a docuseries set in the exclusive, intensely competitive world of New York nightlife real estate; and AMERICAN FIELD TRIP (WT), a trip across the country with photojournalist Matt Hranek, in search of people, places and objects that embody the timeless American spirit.
In addition, the network is announcing production on two new original series, BREW DOGS (WT) and HORSE PLAYERS.
For BREW DOGS (WT), produced by Custom Productions and Redtail Media, Scottish “beer evangelists” James Watt and Martin Dickie travel across America with a vital mission: to prove that the drink of the masses doesn’t need to taste mass-produced. In each episode of the 6×60 series, James and Martin, who own the UK’s fastest-growing brewery, visit a different American beer town, celebrate distinctive craft beers and create their own locally-inspired draft.
HORSE PLAYERS, a 7×60 series produced by Go Go Luckey for Esquire Network, takes place in the high-stakes world of professional horse race handicapping, where the only thing bigger than the bets are the characters placing them. From Churchill Downs to Saratoga to Santa Anita, each episode follows a group of handicappers as they travel the country in search of instant riches – and compete for the title of America’s top handicapper.
Esquire Network’s offering will also include contemporary series making their network premiere, including: LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON, PARKS AND RECREATION, PARTY DOWN, BURN NOTICE and PSYCH.
 It is unknown if any anime will be shown on the new channel. 

Monday, May 27, 2013

MEMORIAL DAY 2013

Thank to those who fought to give us our freedom.


UPDATE: Col. Kurt Schlichter gives a Memorial Day 201 speech at  Forest Lawn, Long Beach, CA



         

Thursday, May 23, 2013

UPGRADE YOUR ROBOTECH RPG KICKSTARTER PLEDGE


From the Robotech Facebook Page

 All pledges placed before the May 20th deadline will be eligible to increase their backing level to take advantage of Kickstarter exclusives! http://kck.st/10kBVaN
To help here is a nice chart of the add ons available.


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

JAPAN EXPO USA REVISES TICKET POLICY


From Anime News Network

The organizers of the new "Japan Expo, 1st Impact" convention in Santa Clara, California announced on Tuesday that all tickets for the convention will allow re-entry. Fans had objected to an earlier version of the ticket policy that did not allow re-entry for most attendees.
On Monday, organizers released its initial ticketing details which mirrored the policy at Japan Expo Paris. In this earlier version of the ticket policy, standard one-day and three-day convention tickets did not allow re-entry into the convention. Con-goers who exit the convention would have had to purchase a new ticket to regain access to the event, while premium ticket holders had no restrictions.

It's a good thing to see convention organizers adapt to make their convention work in its local market. I often tell conventions that what works in one market will not always work in another market and its important to adapt your show for the local audience. The organizers change in policy to allow Japan Expo USA attendees re-entry is a good thing and goes a long way to helping the show grow goodwill in the marketplace.

WHAT A $140 USD BATTLE CRY PLEDGE IS GOING TO GIVE YOU!

With the Robotech RPG Kickstarter now closed and the people who "know this business" in complete shock and disbelief at its smashing success, now is great time to see what the 3,000 fans who pledged the $140 USD "Battle Cry" level are going to get in a few months.





Tuesday, May 21, 2013

ROBOTECH RPG KICKSTARTER PROJECT RAISES $1.4 MILLION USD


The picture and numbers speak for itself.

So what's next? Well we have an answer for that as well:

So, what's next?

That's the big question isn't it? We've been working feverishly behind the scenes all through the Kickstarter and we're not about to stop now.
First off we'll be sending out the Kickstarter Survey to get an initial round of pledge information from you. After that we will send out information on the pledge manager.
It's going to take us a bit of time to get everything set up, so don't be surprised if you don't receive the survey for a couple of weeks.
After that it's the long wait, but it won't be empty. We'll be providing you with constant updates as we progress along the final stages of making the game.
The Kickstarter may be over, but strap yourself in because the long road back to Earth has just begun!
Next thing you know, Lionsgate Home Entertainment will be distributing Robotech: Love Live Alive and Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles this July. Oh wait... 

Thursday, May 16, 2013

ROBOTECH RPG KICKSTARTER PROJECT PASSES $830,000 USD

It's going to be a wild final days kids. 

Infantry Pack Upgraded!

The Zentraedi Infantry Pack has now be upgraded to include 6x Gluu-Ger Light Infantry. Everyone who purchases the pack will now receive 6x Serau-Ger Heavy Infantry and 6x Gluu-Ger Light Infantry!

Lancers Are On Deck

Next up are the SF-3A Lancer II. Once we reach $850,000 the Lancers will be available as an optional Purchase Add-on.  Lets get some flying guns!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

ROBOTECH RPG KICKSTARTER PROJECTS BREAKS $800,000 USD

And a new bonus is unlocked for fans.


Every pledge of Battle Cry and above receive 3x Nousjadeul-Ger Power Armor for free!


ROBOTECH KICKSTARTER PROJECT ANNUONCES NEW PURCHASE ADD ONS


From the Robotech RPG Kickstarter page.

We are sailing through the stretch goals! The VEF-1/VF-1D Kit can make two complete Valkyries in Fighter, Guardian, or Battloid modes, in either variant.

ROBOTECH RPG KICKSTARTER PROJECT NOW HAS 3,500 BACKERS



From the Robotech RPG Kickstarter page.

Every boxed game will now include decal sheets that will feature both faction and squadron symbols, plus unit numbering to easily identify your units. Additional decals will also be available as an optional purchase add-on.
Our Graphics Ninja is hard at work on the mock-ups so you can see the details and they will be up soon.

ROBOTECH RPG KICKSTARTER PROJECT BREAKS $775,000 USD


The Robotech RPG Kickstarter has passed an new threshold and has a new purchase add on.

The Armored Battloids are here! They are available as an optional Purchase Add-on of 2x Armored Battloids for $20. Armored Battloids can be fields as Core Squadrons of 4x Armored Battloids, and can be added to Valkyrie Squadrons using Support Cards.

Here is what waiting when the Kickstarter reaches $800,000 USD


WHAT A $140 USD BATTLE CRY PLEDGE GETS YOU!


Palladium Books and Ninja Division have updated the chart for Kickstarter Battle Cry pledges. Here is what $140 USD now gets you.

Image-256924-full

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

ROBOTECH RPG DESIGN AN ACE CONTEST!

From the Ninja Division Facebook page.



Robotech® RPG Tactics™
: Design an Ace Contest

All pilots, man your Valkyries! Invasion is imminent! 

As Palladium Books and Ninja Division's Robotech RPG Tactics Kickstarter comes to a close, we would like to invite all aspiring Veritech Ace Pilots to participate in a fun contest!

Design Your Own Ace Fighter and Squadron!

Prizes:
Winners will not only receive their Squadrons/Ace Pilot included in the rule book, but also receive a hand painted version of their Squadron/Ace Pilot's Veritech fighter painted in all three modes to add to your collection!

Instructions/Rules: (How to Participate)
Use the images here, and email entries to info@ninjadivision.com no later than May 31st for a chance to have your squadron and/or ace pilot immortalized in the Robotech RPG Tactics main rule book!

Scan/photograph/email a fully colored version of the VF1-J battloid of your ace pilot/squadron
 

Include the name of your Squadron/Pilot 

(Optional) Include a squadron special marking/icon 

Limit 1 entry per person per day

ROBOTECH KICKSTARTER PROJECT PASSES $740,000 USD IN IT'S FINAL WEEK!


From the Robotech Kickstarter RPG page: 

Miriya is now added to every pledge of Battle Cry and above! Miriya will be a specially posed Queadluun-Rau, that will also feature a removable cockpit showing the mighty warrior inside.
Miriya is a Kickstarter and Convention Exclusive. She is also available as an optional Purchase Add-on for $15.



Monday, May 13, 2013

ROBOTECH RPG KICKSTARTER PROJECT REACHES 3,200 BACKERS!


The Robotech Kickstarter RPG project has reached 3200 backers and that means that all pledges of Battle Cry and above receive and additional 2x Artillery Battlepods that can be built as either Serauhaug-Regult (Heavy) or Gluuhaug-Regults (Light)!

Friday, May 10, 2013

ROBOTECH RPG KICKSTARTER PROJECT REACHES 3,000 BACKERS!



This week the Robotech RPG Kickstarter reached 3,000 backers, so all pledges of Battle Cry and above receive an additional Spartan and Phalanx destroid!

A NEW RDF ROBOTECH RPG TACTICS CHART


The Robotech RPG Tactics folks have put up a new RDF chart. Do you notice something interesting with this?


Thursday, May 9, 2013

ROBOTECH RPG TACTICS GAME PASSES $600,000 USD


Early this morning the Robotech RPG Kickstarter passed the $600,000 USD threshold! With this threshold reached the Super Valkyries have been unlocked as an optional Purchase Add-on! These powerful valkyrie fighters can be fielded in core squadrons of 4 or as support for any Valkyrie squadron in wings of 2. The Add-on Pack comes with 2x Super Valkyries in Fighter, Guardian, and Battloid modes.

But that is not all as a new stretch goal has been announced and its a good one.



A NEW ZENTRAEDI FORCE ORGANIZATION CHART


Here is another force organizational breakdown chart for the Robotech RPG Tactics game.


RDF DESTROID ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

It pretty much speaks for itsself.




Tuesday, May 7, 2013

ROBOTECH RPG BATTLEFOAM BAG NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER


 From the Robotech RPG Kickstarter page.

Palladium Books, in cooperation with Battle Foam are happy to announce the Robotech RPG Tactics Battle Bag.  Protect your game pieces from damage when traveling to the game with these stylish and durable bags. Featuring an array of trays to fit all your mecha, and enough pockets and pouches to carry your book, dice, template, and measuring device.  The Robotech Battlefoam Bag is available as an optional Purchase Add-on for $99.

Monday, May 6, 2013

ROBOTECH RPG KICKSTARTER PROJECT BREAKS THE $500,000 USD BARRIER!


The Robotech RPG Kickstarter project had a great weekend, first it broked the $500,000 USD barrier and then unlocked more free bonus figures for all pledges of Battle Cry and above.  The Kickstarter has updated the Battle Cry pledge graphic showing how much stuff comes with it now.

Here it is!

Friday, May 3, 2013

ROBOTECH RPG ANNOUNCES NEW EUROPEAN SHIPPING OPTION



Interesting news from the Robotech RPG Tactics Project Kickstarter Page

We are pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement to use the UK as a staging area for our European shipping.
What does this mean?
Since we will be shipping your pledge rewards from a local distributor, European backers will not be required to pay VAT or other additional import fees!
Note that International Backers must still pay the additional shipping charge. We still need pay extra to get your product to the UK warehouse, and are already sharing the cost by subsidizing the shipping quite a bit.
If you've been sitting on the fence waiting for this news, or know others who have, spread the word!
 
 

Thursday, May 2, 2013

CAPSULE COMPUTER WEBSITE INTERVIEW WITH STEVE YUN!


 The website CapsuleComputers.com.au has posted an interview with Robotech VP of New Media Steve Yun about the upcoming animated feature Robotech: Love Live Alive. Here is an excerpt. 


CC: How long has Love, Live, Alive been in production and what makes this movie unique?

S: Love Live Alive has been in production for the last year, and is unique in that it features both old and new animation. It was originally a project started by Carl Macek, the original producer of Robotech, a few years ago but unfortunately he passed away. We’ve continued it to completion, sort of as a way to let Carl give his final farewell to the fans.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

ROBOTECH RPG KICKSTARTER BREAKS THE $450,000 USD BARRIER



The Robotech RPG Kickstarter project has broken the $450,000 USD barrier! Click on the link for more information.