NBC Publishing & Universal Pictures Release “47 Ronin: The Legend Reborn”

Edited from Metrodigi blog

Just in time to coincide with the Christmas Day release of the Universal Pictures feature film 47 Ronin—and with eBook tablets appearing in stockings hung by the chimney with care—NBC Publishing and Metrodigi have collaborated on development of the companion work 47 Ronin: The Legend Reborn, a dazzlingly designed book with spectacularly vibrant movie stills and extensive details about the film’s plot, characters, and design.

47 Ronin, a reimagining of an inspiring legend that is Japan’s unofficial national epic, stars Keanu Reeves as a half-British, half-Japanese outcast who aids a band of samurai in their quest for vengeance after the treacherous death of their lord.

This production, the first English-language big-screen version of an oft-filmed story (it’s also been the subject of many plays, books, and other accounts), introduces fantasy elements to the traditional tale, including demon monks, a shape-shifting witch, and other malevolent creatures. But the foundation is a timeless tale of devotion, of selfless attention to duty, honor, and loyalty.

47 Ronin: The Legend Reborn captures the film’s grand sweep, as well as its dynamic cinematography and design, full of kinetic action, imaginative visual concepts, and bold, lush colors.

The eBook includes a trailer for 47 Ronin, cast member bios, comments from Reeves and key crew members, image galleries of film footage, behind-the-scenes photos, and virtual posters. From right inside the book, readers can share postcards of the lead characters on Facebook and Twitter, plus interact with the film’s various social media platforms—not only Facebook and Twitter but also Instagram, Tumblr, and YouTube—as well as access the official 47 Ronin website.

Available on the iBookstore.

Grimm: The Essential Guide, Seasons 1 & 2 -- Now Available

Grimm: The Essential Guide, Seasons 1 & 2 from NBC Publishing is here!

Download this free interactive, multi-touch book and let the NBC hit drama series Grimm come alive!

• Learn about Homicide Detective Nick Burkhardt and the rest of the characters on Grimm.
• Watch Season One and Season Two Recaps.
• Enter Aunt Marie's Trailer and view her mysterious artifacts.
• Browse pages from Nick’s family journal passed down by generations of Grimms.
• Get a 360 degree look inside Rosalee’s Exotic Tea & Spice Shop.
• Navigate through the Creature Gallery and see their creepy transformations.
• View and maneuver 3D models used to design the mythical creatures.
• See behind-the-scenes photos from the filming of both Seasons 1 & 2.
• Be one of the first to see the terrifying new creature, El Cucuy.
• See exclusive photos from the Season 3 premiere episode. 
• Create your favorite creature, save it and/or submit it to NBC – We just might post it online or in a future edition of this book.
• Meet the cast, test your Grimm trivia knowledge, get each episode, and so much more!

Both die-hard fans (aka Grimmsters) and curious newcomers will discover the ancient secrets of the supernatural Wesens that live among us in this revised edition of Grimm: The Essential Guide, Seasons 1 & 2.

Available for iPad  on the iBookstore now -  So download load it today and can get ready for Season 3 of Grimm!

NBCUniversal's “The More You Know” Unveils Interactive eBook, Growing Up Online, In Collaboration with NBC News

eBook featuring NBC News Journalists Provides Internet Safety Tips for Parents, Teachers and Kids in Spanish and English

NEW YORK, June 10, 2013 – In support of National Internet Safety Month in June, NBCUniversal’s The More You Know, in collaboration with NBC News, has launched Growing Up Online, a free, interactive eBook for parents, teachers and kids about digital literacy and Internet safety.  The first release from The More You Know Learning Series, Growing Up Online offers informative, media-rich tools to help parents in discussions with their children about using technology responsibly and safely, as well as entertaining video comic books focused on real-life situations that might arise when kids go online. The eBook features NBC News journalists including Brian Williams, Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Dr. Nancy Snyderman speaking about the importance of keeping kids safe online.

Growing Up Online is available as a free download on Apple’s iBookstore for iPad and iPad Mini, Barnes and Noble’s Nook Tablet, Amazon’s Kindle Fire, Kobo, as well as online for desktop and laptop viewing at www.themoreyouknow.com.

“When 52% of children have access to a mobile device and one in three kids has experienced cyberbullying, we are proud to provide resources and tools so that people can address the pressing issue of how to navigate the digital world securely,” said Beth Colleton, NBCUniversal Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility.

In collaboration with leading experts from Common Sense Media and NetSmartz Workshop (an education program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children),Growing Up Online addresses the increasing concern around kids’ online privacy issues and cyberbullying in a unique way.

“We all have a part to play to ensure that our kids are navigating the digital world safely and responsibly” said Jim Steyer, CEO and Founder, Common Sense Media. “The eBook content is relevant and practical, and it's organized to encourage conversations between parents and kids. With the right tools and guidance, every kid can thrive with media and technology."

The eBook will soon be made available for Google Play for Android devices along with Spanish language editions releasing to all of these retailers in the coming weeks.

"Our goal in teaching Internet safety is to empower families and their children to make smarter and safer decisions when they are online," said National Center for Missing & Exploited Children CEO, John Ryan. "Education is critical and this free resource teaches families how they can enjoy the benefits of the Internet while avoiding some of the risks."

To download Growing Up Online and learn about digital safety and internet security, visit http://www.themoreyouknow.com/ebooks/ and start a conversation with your kids.

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About "The More You Know"

For more than two decades, NBCUniversal’s Emmy award-winning The More You Know public service campaign has given viewers easy-to-use, concrete, manageable steps to help set realistic change in motion. This multi-platform campaign, through its public service announcements, digital content, programming and community outreach efforts and The More You Know Learning Series eBooks, focuses on some of the country’s most important social issues in the core areas of education, diversity, health and the environment. The More You Know partners with leading nonprofits and government agencies to ensure we deliver the most credible, useful, timely information possible.

For more information contact:

Amanda Collins
(212) 664-4732

Amanda.Collins@nbcuni.com

Les Miserables: The Musical Phenomenon Now Available for Free on the iBookstore

Universal Pictures Launches the Studio's First Multi-Touch Book Created with iBooks Author

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Dec. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Pictures announced today the release of the free Multi-Touch book Les Miserables: The Musical Phenomenon, a digital companion to the highly anticipated musical epic Les Miserables, which hits theaters nationwide on Christmas Day. This represents Universal Pictures' first book created with iBooks Author, Apple's digital book creation app. Available exclusively on the iBookstore, Les Miserables: The Musical Phenomenon was created in partnership with NBCUniversal Digital Publishing and entertainment marketing company Bemis Balkind.

Highlighting the timeless music, celebrated performers, intricate costumes and sweeping cinematography of the film, the book presents an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the artistry of Les Miserables. It includes exclusive interviews, photo galleries and video, musical performances, interactive timelines and more.

Doug Neil , senior vice president of digital marketing, Universal Pictures, stated: "We're thrilled to provide a digital experience for fans of Les Miserables that enhances the vision of the film's director, Tom Hooper . The interactivity of the digital book allows for an immersive experience, putting readers in the world of Les Miserables before they experience the phenomenon in theaters."

Curt Doty , who heads up the digital group at Bemis Balkind, added: "Our philosophy on building these new touchpoints is to create a beautiful, illustrated book and enhance it with content and Multi-Touch interactivity. We always want these to have a balance of the written word, amazing photography and compelling interactive content."

"We are very proud to be associated with this terrific project and to make it available to readers familiar with both the musical and Victor Hugo 's classic story," said Michael Fabiano , vice-president and general manager of NBC Publishing. "This enhanced book is simply a great way of experiencing Universal's behind-the-scenes magic and is sure to reach a whole new fan base as well."

The book details the 28-year history of Les Miserables the musical, as well as highlights each major cast member in the new film and showcases their musical performances with video clips from the movie. Some of the unique interactive features include the "Character Relationships" widget, which allows fans to see how each character is related to the others, and the timeline, which establishes key events in the course of this epic story that is told over 33 years.

Les Miserables: The Musical Phenomenon is available worldwide for free, exclusively on the iBookstore at iTunes.com/iBookstore. The "Les Miserables: Highlights from the Motion Picture Soundtrack" is also available on the iTunes Store at www.iTunes.com/LesMis.

About Les Miserables
Les Miserables is the motion-picture adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe and still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 28th year. Helmed by The King's Speech's Academy Award®-winning director, Tom Hooper , the Working Title/ Cameron Mackintosh production stars Hugh Jackman , Oscar® winner Russell Crowe , Anne Hathaway , Amanda Seyfried , Eddie Redmayne , Aaron Tveit , Samantha Barks , with Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen . www.lesmiserablesfilm.com.

About Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.

About NBC Publishing
NBC Publishing is a division of NBCUniversal Media, LLC that focuses on developing digital publishing projects from content created within the NBCUniversal and Comcast family of properties, as well as publishing original works with outside authors and publishing partners. www.nbcpublishing.com.

About Bemis Balkind
Bemis Balkind draws on the heritage of their conceptual, iconic marketing solutions to develop the structural interfaces that carry marketing and entertainment content effectively for the connected consumer. Based in New York and Los Angeles, they have been creating memorable movie marketing campaigns since 1968 including Rosemary's Baby, Alien, Forrest Gump , Black Swan and Snow White and the Huntsman. The company is led by the legendary brand strategist Aubrey Balkind and film-marketing veteran Peter Bemis .

NBC Offers Free 'GRIMM' eBook with Season One Recap, Season Two Teaser, and Free Episode Download

The free new enhanced eBook, “GRIMM: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE,” is now available on Apple’s iBookstore in iTunes for iPad; the non-enhanced edition will soon be available on Amazon’s Kindle Fire and Barnes & Noble’s Nook Tablet.

NEW YORK - August 8, 2012 - In an innovative collaboration, NBC Publishing and NBC Entertainment will launch “GRIMM: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE” today. This free eBook is an interactive companion to the hit television series kicking off its second season on Monday, August 13 at 10/9c on NBC. NBC Publishing has created a unique eBook that expands the "behind-the-scenes" experience for NBC Entertainment's "Grimm" by providing access to exclusive concept art, 3D renderings, video clips, and the introduction of a terrifying new creature in a sneak preview from the Season Two premiere.

As eBooks continue to grow in popularity, the boundaries of digital publishing have gone beyond its traditional definition. Through this free download, NBC Entertainment’s critically-acclaimed show, “Grimm,” has an opportunity to directly provide its fan base with an entirely new viewer experience. In addition to the interactive features, the eBook includes character and actor biographies, photos, trivia, glossary terms, and a free pilot episode for download from iTunes.

In this collaboration, NBC Publishing takes full advantage of Apple's iBooks Author platform to highlight exclusive illustrations, animations, and video from NBC Entertainment to supplement the text of the “Grimm” universe. Similarly, free of charge, fans are able to fully immerse themselves in the making behind the “Grimm” episodes in anticipation of the Season Two premiere. As viewers become increasingly interested in interacting with shows, stories, and characters, this innovative collaboration presents a unique way to bridge the gap between fan and screen.

Both NBC Entertainment and NBC Publishing are thrilled to help bridge that gap. "NBC Entertainment is excited to explore the new Apple iBook Author, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble publishing platforms to create engaging content that our viewers can access from all of their devices," said Robert Hayes, Executive Vice President Digital, NBC Entertainment.

"We're very pleased to offer this interactive eBook to fans of Grimm," said Michael Fabiano, General Manager and VP of NBC Publishing, "We believe loyal fans will enjoy it and hopefully will prove to be a great way to attract new ones."

The free eBook, “GRIMM: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE,” is available now for iPad at Apple's iBookstore in iTunes. A non-enhanced edition will soon be available for Amazon's Kindle Fire and Barnes & Noble's Nook Tablet.

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About NBC Publishing
NBC Publishing is a division of NBCUniversal Media, LLC that focuses on developing digital publishing projects from content created within the NBCUniversal and Comcast family of properties, as well as publishing original works with outside authors and publishing partners.
For more information visit http://www.nbcpublishing.com.

About NBC Entertainment
NBC Entertainment develops and schedules programming for the network’s primetime, late-night, and daytime schedules. NBC’s quality programs and balanced lineup have earned the network critical acclaim, numerous awards, and ratings success. NBC has earned more Emmy Awards than any network in television history.

For more information contact:

Marie Wicht
NBC News
e: marie.wicht@nbcuni.com

The French (Digital) Revolution: My Week in Paris - Part Two

Ah, the wine, the cheese, the croissants, the cognac, the...eBooks??

Sacrebleu! eBooks!!!

Yes, as I mentioned in a previous Blog post, the publishing and bookselling community in France, along with other European countries, is adjusting to the inevitable embrace of eBooks by the masses. But exactly how it will all play out, and at what rate, is still unclear and heavily debated in the cafes of Paris and beyond.

So, how do the French feel about reading digitally so far? Well, reliable sources tell me over the course of 3 months the popular chain store Fnac sold approximately 12,000 of the FnacBook, which is their own eReading device priced at around $270 and meant to fend off Amazon's Kindle. That's a respectable start, but in a country with a population of more than 65 Million they've got a long way to go before changing people's reading habits or their views about eBooks overall.

You see, our group learned a very curious thing during a meeting at Gallimard, one of the top publishers in all of France: The staff explained how independent booksellers currently represent 60% of the overall market, an incredible percentage, and emphasized this by demoing a new online network called 1001 Libraires (a similar concept to Indie Bound in the U.S.). They further explained that although several of these stores are slowly but surely adapting to the idea of selling electronic books, the government doesn't officially recognize eBooks as books at all. That's right, eBooks are not technically considered a legitimate book format. And that's because print books are seen as cultural products while digital books...well, let's just say at the moment...ain't.

This has many in the industry dismayed since it means eBooks are taxed at the higher rate of 19.6%, like movies, music, and clothing, compared to 5.5% for print books. And if things remain status quo it will only continue to make it difficult for publishers and booksellers to win the e-hearts and e-minds of consumers throughout the French Republic simply due to unaffordable pricing.

But here's some good news: Soon there is to be a vote on whether or not this policy should change, and if it does (which I believe it will), a seismic shift in the adoption of e-reading by the French will undoubtedly occur. This, along with the introduction of low-cost eReaders, the expansion of Amazon.fr, Google eBooks, and Apple's iBookstore, plus savvy indies that face their digital future head on, will all contribute to making "les livres numériques" easier to purchase and enjoy through a variety of channels. For example, one can envision all the Starbucks throughout Paris eventually selling eBooks, just as they're planning to do in America.

At first I'm sure such a scenario will be of great concern to a number of booksellers but with the regulated pricing protections in place (mentioned in a previous post), my hope is they will choose to rise up to the occasion and take on the competition with the same pride and dedication they've offered customers for years and years.

As for publishers, well some frustration was evident because France is two or three years behind the United States in regards to eBooks. And though I understand the desire for things to happen at a quicker pace, I also see this as an opportune moment to avoid glaring mistakes a number of American counterparts have made, and continue to make, by rushing digital works into the marketplace that should've received more editorial care and attention.

Instead, I believe the French will undoubtedly take the necessary amount of time needed to approach this growing medium with the passion, creativity, and artistry they've always applied to the best of everything that represents France's culture; like the wine, the cheese, the croissants, the cognac, and soon...the eBooks. Oui! eBooks!

Vive la Revolution!!!

P.S. - Here's an article by Publishers Weekly about this cultural exchange.

Merci Beaucoup :-)