Lebron James In “More Than A Game” - Hit Theaters October 2

Five talented young basketball players from Akron, Ohio star in this remarkable true-life coming of age story about uncommon friendship in the face all too common adversities. Coached by a charismatic but inexperienced player’s father, and led by future NBA superstar LeBron James, the “Fab Five’s” improbable seven-year journey leads them from a decrepit inner-city gym to the doorstep of a national high school championship. Along the way, the close-knit team is repeatedly tested—both on and off the court—as James’ exploding worldwide celebrity threatens to destroy everything they’ve set out to achieve together. MORE THAN A GAME combines a series of unforgettable one-on-one interviews with rare news footage, never-before-seen home videos and personal family photographs to bring this heart-warming and wholly American story to life. Lionsgate and Harvey Mason Media in association with Interscope Records present a Harvey Mason Media Production in association with Galley Boy and Spring Hill Productions a film by Kristopher Belman. MORE THAN A GAME is written by Kristopher Belman & Brad Hogan and directed by Kristopher Belman. The film features LeBron James, Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, Romeo Travis and Coach Dru Joyce II.
“More Than A Game” Trailer w/ “Stronger” by Mary J. Blige

Melvin Van Peebles Introduces New Protege At Book Signing

By News One August 11, 2009 4:09 pm

Emerging multi-talent, Caktuz..?13 & legendary father of Black American Film, Melvin Van Peebles (Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song) were spotted together in New York City recently, engaging a store full of eager fans at one of their book signing appearances for the graphic novel adaption to Van Peebles new film Confessions OfA Ex-Doofus-Itchy-Footed Mutha. (Published on Akashic Books www.akashicbooks.com).

The line stretched out the door of the small Revolution Books (146 W 26th st.) Store. Fans of all ages awaited their specialized autographed copy of Van Peebles latest effort in the American graphic novel genre. The room grew quiet as Van Peebles introduced his partner in the book's creation and protege, indie recording artist, Caktuz..?13.

Caktuz..?13, an artist whose list of accomplishments rival most well known artists (art, Music, Fashion, film, etc), illustrated the 60 page story closely with Van Peebles over 6 months. "It was a pleasure, working with Caktuz..?13," says Van Peebles about his new protege'. "It was one of the best experiences I've had. 1st, because the gentleman is talented and 2nd, he tries to get into the mind of the narrator. Very important in communicating ideas back & forth to one another. "

Caktuz..?13, an award wining graphic illustrator, fashion designer, and actor, isn't just making the rounds with Van Peebles. 'Mr. Multi' will be releasing his sophomore project God'z Porno. The EP, a homegrown version of southern hip-hop he calls Carolina Bluez, will be put out through a joint venture with Block Starz Music & his own AMAS Multi-Media label. After working with such artists as Kardinal Offishall & Akon, dead prez, MOP, Bilal, and more, he is regarded by many to be a rising breath of fresh air in today's music. With a cult following of passionate fans, and a successful European tour, completed earlier this year, Caktuz..?13 has plans to head back out this fall to South Africa & Japan.

When asked a question about passing the torch, Van Peebles said, "well he was already well past being an apprentice when I met him. A protege seemed like the next step. He was open to that. If I had to pass the artistic torch I couldn't think of a more capable or enlightened person to pass it to." The elder statesman finished by saying " I am very proud of Caktuz..?13. I think he's gonna be one of the most remarkable multi-talented artists of his time".

Van Peebles' new film has already received rave reviews from magazines such as Variety, and got a standing ovation at the Tribecca Film Festival this past year. Doofus is set to premiere in NYC Aug. 21st at Cinema Village.

Sony OK'd to Produce Michael Jackson Pic

Sony Pictures Entertainment has received court approval to bring Michael Jackson to the big screen in a film based on more than 80 hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage from the late singer's planned "This Is It" London concert series. The film is set for release on Oct. 30th.

According to the deal, Sony will share revenue with AEG Live, the producer of the canceled concerts, after paying a reported $60 million for the film rights.

The deal was negotiated last month by Sony Pictures and its sibling unit, Sony Music Entertainment, with the Michael Jackson Estate and AEG Live, producer of the late singer's planned London concert series.

Director Kenny Ortega ("High School Musical"), who was directing the concert series, is in negotiations with Sony to produce and direct the movie. "The world will see what our team was so fortunate to experience, which was the full commitment, passion and creativity that Michael put into the project," Ortega said in a statement.

Along with the rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage, Sony obtained the rights to include some 3-D sequences that were going to be shown on video screens during the "This Is It" concerts. The film will be a career retrospective featuring footage from Jackson’s last rehearsals, as well as interviews with friends and collaborators, according to a statement from AEG.

Jackson, 50, died on June 25 in Los Angeles, just three weeks before the "This Is It" concerts at London's O2 Arena were to begin. The LA coroners' office has said the autopsy on Jackson's body is now complete, however results will not be announced until a police investigation is complete.