Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Sony Music Entertainment and Simon Cowell Launch New Global Venture: 'Syco'


Simon Cowell

19 Jan 2010 16:49 Africa/Lagos

Sony Music Entertainment and Simon Cowell Launch New Global Venture: 'Syco'

LONDON and NEW YORK, January 19/PRNewswire/ -- Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment today announced the creation of a new long-term global venture to focus on the production and exploitation of music, television, film and digital content.


The new venture will own all of the existing Syco television and music assets, which include the global TV franchises "The X Factor" and "Got Talent", as well as superstar artists such as Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle and Il Divo. The new venture, which will continue to use the "Syco" name, will be co-owned by Sony Music and a Simon Cowell-owned company. Syco will be based in London and will also have offices in Los Angeles.


As the first project under the new Syco banner, Fox Television announced (on January 11th) that it will launch the U.S. version of the worldwide hit TV show, "The X Factor", in the fall of 2011. Cowell will serve as both executive producer and judge on the U.S. version of the show.


"The X Factor" is a Syco-owned television format, which currently airs in 17 countries and has been the #1 UK entertainment show for the last three years, reaching record UK audiences in 2009 of 20 million with 60% audience share. "The X Factor" is the No.1 music- entertainment format in Europe.


In addition to "The X Factor", Syco is also the owner of the "Got Talent" TV format which currently airs in 27 countries and is the UK's most successful TV format export. In 2009, "Britain's Got Talent" launched the global music career of Susan Boyle, whose debut album, "I Dreamed A Dream", sold over 8 million albums in six weeks, making it the world's biggest selling album of 2009 and the fastest selling album in history.


Syco is also the record label home for such diverse international recording stars as Leona Lewis and Il Divo. Cowell has worked with artists selling more than 180 million albums and delivered more than 150 No.1 records. In 2009, Cowell was named No. 1 in Hollywood Reporter's Top 50 Most Powerful in Reality TV and one of Entertainment Weekly's Top Entertainers of the Year.


"I have had a fantastic relationship with Sony for many years and I'm delighted we are launching this venture together," Cowell said.


"Over the past 20 years, Simon Cowell has been a great partner and is an integral part of the Sony Music global family. We are extremely excited to be able to continue and further develop our relationship with Simon, and significantly grow the Syco venture," said Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment.


"Simon Cowell is one of the most prominent and successful creative music and television executives in the entertainment business today. This new venture will allow Sony Music and all Sony divisions to develop and pursue a host of new opportunities with this supremely talented individual," said Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation.


"I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to extend our long and mutually beneficial partnership with Simon. He is an inspiring and stimulating business partner and working with him closely over the last 10 years has been an absolute pleasure. With the launch of "The X Factor" in the US, we look forward to replicating the unprecedented success the show has had in the UK globally," said Ged Doherty, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Entertainment UK.



NOTES TO EDITORS:

- "Syco" with offices in London and Los Angeles, is a global music,
television, film and digital production and exploitation joint venture
between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment.

- Prior to the creation of the new Syco venture, Syco was the name used
for Cowell's music and television activities within Sony Music
Entertainment UK. Syco currently employs a staff of 28.

- Sir Philip Green will be an advisor to Simon Cowell and a shareholder
in the company, majority owned and controlled by Cowell, which will
serve as the partner with Sony Music in the new Syco.

- Syco Television, produces the BAFTA Award-winning "The X Factor" which
airs in 17 countries and has topped the charts in Europe and in the
U.K, where Cowell continues to serve as both executive producer and
judge. "The X Factor" 2009 reached UK audiences of 20 million (60%
audience share), and in Denmark, the audience share reached a record
high of 80%.

- Syco Television is also the owner of the "Got Talent" television format
which airs in 27 countries worldwide.

- Cowell also executive produces "America's Got Talent" and judges and
produces "Britain's Got Talent.

- In late 2009, Syco Music's Susan Boyle became the biggest selling
artist in the world, when her debut album "I Dreamed a Dream" sold
over 8 Million albums in just 6 weeks, making it the fastest selling
album in history. To date it has reached No.1 in the album charts in
21 countries.

- Cowell has worked with artists selling more than 180 million albums and
more than 150 No.1 records.

- In 2009, Cowell was named No. 1 in Hollywood Reporter's Top 50 Most
Powerful in Reality TV and one of Entertainment Weekly's Top
Entertainers of the Year.




Sony Music Entertainment


Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre, including American Recordings, Arista Nashville, Arista Records, Aware, Battery Records, Beach Street Records, Black Seal, BNA Records, Cinematic, Columbia Nashville, Columbia Records, Epic Records, Essential Records, Flicker Records, Fo-Yo Soul, GospoCentric, Hitz Committee Entertainment, J Records, Jive Records, LaFace Records, Legacy Recordings, Masterworks, Polo Grounds, RCA Records, RCA Nashville, RCA Red Seal, RCA Victor, Reunion Records, Slightly Dangerous, Sony Classical, Sony Music Latin, Star Time International, Verity Records, and Volcano Entertainment. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.



Media Contact:

Sony Music Entertainment
Liz Young

Simon Cowell / Syco
Ann-Marie Thomson
Head of Media, Syco
ann-marie.thomson@sonymusic.com

Sony Music UK
Paul Bursche
paul.bursche@sonymusic.com

Source: Sony Music Entertainment

Media Contact: Sony Music Entertainment, Liz Young, Tel: +1-212-833-8558; Simon Cowell / Syco, Ann-Marie Thomson, Head of Media, Syco, ann-marie.thomson@sonymusic.com, Tel: +44-207-3618127, Mobile: +44-(0)7849-894877; Sony Music UK, Paul Bursche, paul.bursche@sonymusic.com, Tel: +44-207-361-8033


Saturday, January 16, 2010

Movie Commentary: PUNCTURED HOPE



16 Jan 2010 03:45 Africa/Lagos

Movie Commentary: PUNCTURED HOPE

SANTA MONICA, CA, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The last scheduled screening of PUNCTURED HOPE in Los Angeles is taking place tomorrow, January 16th @ 11:00 AM at the Laemmle Monica 4-Plex in Santa Monica (2nd Street and Santa Monica Blvd.). Academy Awards(R) members, in particular, are urged to attend. A Q&A period with Director Bruno Pischiutta and Producer Daria Trifu will follow the movie.


PUNCTURED HOPE is an English language feature film shot entirely in Africa. The actors are all professional Ghanaian and Nigerian actors. The motion picture showcases one of the best and most accurate representations of the African Black Magic displayed on film. Tomorrow's screening gives the chance to more Los Angeles residents to see this unique and powerful film. They will also have the chance to see the African style of acting, which is, of course, very different from the Hollywood one.


Until today, this film's viewers generally agree that the direction (Bruno Pischiutta) is spectacular and brilliant; the photography (Carmelo Dodaro) is excellent, the editing (Bruno Pischiutta) is impeccable and the music score (David Brandstatter) is monumental. The incredible interpretation of Belinda Siamey, leading actress, is unforgettable. Actor Ruffy Samuel Quansah, one of the lead male actors in the film, is a 2009 African Movie Academy Awards Nominee. Quansah and many of the actors playing in PUNCTURED HOPE were students of the Toronto Pictures Film Academy of Ghana prior to joining the cast of the film.


PUNCTURED HOPE is an Academy Awards(R) Qualified Feature Film for nomination consideration as 'Best Picture'.


Already nominated by the Political Film Society as Best Film Expose & Best Film on Human Rights of 2009, PUNCTURED HOPE stands in great company alongside films such as INVICTUS, INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS, AVATAR, THE YOUNG VICTORIA, DISTRICT 9, THE HURT LOCKER, THE INFORMANT, THE COVE, STATE OF PLAY, A WOMAN IN BERLIN.


An excerpt from the "Movie Commentary: PUNCTURED HOPE" article written today by Monica of A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MONICA!! Blog: (... This film is here to wake us up, as you watch it you keep thinking that this is maybe a memoir of an event of a cruel tradition that existed many, many years ago. Deep down you wish, it was one of those historic films, but unfortunately it's not. You will not walk out as the same person that walked in; if you are anything like me you will be wanting to take action to help abolish something so cruel. ...) To read the entire article, please go to:


REVIEW: http://monilazo.blogspot.com/2010/01/movie-commentary-punctured-hope.html


A Company with a conscience - About Toronto Pictures (PINK: TTOPF): Targeting a global audience, Toronto Pictures explores different cultures and addresses controversial issues of our time in a dramatic format. Toronto Pictures develops and releases Hollywood standard, 35 mm feature films that provoke thought, not violence.


Website: http://www.torontopictures.com/


Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/TorontoPictures


Source: Toronto Pictures Inc.

CONTACT: Daria Trifu, (647) 296-3459, corporate@filmail.com


Entertainment Highlights
Star Trek(TM) Online Pre-Release Promotions and Subscription Pricing
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Singer-Songwriter Katy Perry Signs On to Tell Proactiv(R) Story
Rentrak Announces Top Ten Movies-On-Demand Titles Week Ending January 10, 2010
Cable Programming Highlights


Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
16 Jan 2010
08:15
The Critics' Choice Movie Awards Select Katherine Bigelow as Best Director for 'The Hurt Locker,' Making Her the First Female to Win the Award
03:45
Movie Commentary: PUNCTURED HOPE
03:06
Author, Dr. Judi Cineas Finds a Unique Way to Contribute to Haiti, the Country of Her Birth
02:47
Espectacular Fiesta de Lanzamiento de CV24 en Puerto Rico
00:56
Consumers Union Disappointed with FDA's Action on BPA, Despite Admission of 'Some Concern'
00:39
Full Tilt Poker annonce la Semaine 25 millions $ double garantie
00:07
Exclusive Fashion Brand Carmen Steffens Pledges 50% of U.S. Sales to Help Haiti
15 Jan 2010
23:55
New Fourth Edition of 'Employee Duty of Loyalty: A State-by-State Survey' Addresses Causes of Action, Procedural Issues, Emerging Trends, and More
23:53
New Sixth Edition of 'Patent Prosecution: Law, Practice, and Procedure' Covers Significant Changes in U.S. Patent Law
23:42
New 2009 Supplement to Drafting Patents for Litigation and Licensing Offers a Guide Through the Minefield of Court Decisions That Erode the Scope and Validity of Patents
23:10
Reader's Digest Association Restructuring Plan Confirmed by Court; RDA Plans to Emerge from Chapter 11 by January 31, 2010
23:08
National Geographic Channel Acquires Global Broadcast Rights to 'Restrepo', Feature-Length Documentary By Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington, Chosen for Opening Night Premiere at Sundance
22:49
Sergio Sarmiento, President of Caminos de la Libertad, a Grupo Salinas Project to Support Freedom, Addresses the Institute of the America's Freedom of Expression and Journalists' Rights Seminar
22:45
Scripps to Raise Haiti Relief Funds Through Combined Strength of its Nine TV Affiliates
22:42
WXYZ-TV and the American Red Cross Join Forces to Bring 'Help for Haiti'
22:27
Aurora Health Care CEO Among Best Physician Leaders Nationwide
22:24
EDCI Holdings, Inc. Announces Initial Dissolution Distribution Payment Amount and Date
22:16
Movie Turns Into a Growing Movement to Reach Hurting Teens.
22:00
Liberty Announces Semi-Annual Payment on 3.5% Senior Exchangeable Debentures Due 2031
21:56
Jon Bon Jovi Headlines Preview of the JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE and The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles


The Critics' Choice Movie Awards Select Katherine Bigelow as Best Director for 'The Hurt Locker,' Making Her the First Female to Win the Award


Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock did more than share a best actress award at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards — they shared a little tongue, too! Photo Credit: The fablife


16 Jan 2010 08:15 Africa/Lagos


The Critics' Choice Movie Awards Select Katherine Bigelow as Best Director for 'The Hurt Locker,' Making Her the First Female to Win the Award

'Avatar' Wins Big With Record 6 Awards, 'Inglourious Basterds' Takes Home 3 Awards 'The Hurt Locker' Takes Best Picture and Best Director Jeff Bridges Wins Best Actor for His Work in 'Crazy Heart', Lead Actress Award Is a Tie Between Meryl Streep for 'Julie & Julia' and Sandra Bullock for 'The Blind Side' Winners Announced at Gala Awards Ceremony Broadcast Live on VH1 Watch the Show's Best Moments Online Now at CriticsChoice.VH1.com

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) announced the winners of the 15th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards earlier this evening. The star-studded ceremony was hosted by Kristin Chenoweth at the Hollywood Palladium and aired live on VH1. The Hurt Locker was named the year's Best Picture and Kathryn Bigelow won Best Director honors.


Avatar was another big winner with a record six Critics' Choice Movie Awards for Best Action Movie, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, Best Cinematography for Mauro Fiore, Best Art Direction for Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg, and Best Editing for Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua and James Cameron. Jeff Bridges was honored with the award for Best Actor for his role in Crazy Heart, while Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia) and Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side) tied in the lead actress category.


Christoph Waltz was honored with the Best Supporting Actor award for his work in Inglourious Basterds, the film that was also honored for Best Acting Ensemble and Best Original Screenplay for Quentin Tarantino. Best Supporting Actress honors went to Mo'Nique for Precious and Best Young Actor/Actress went to Saoirse Ronan for The Lovely Bones. Up won Best Animated Feature and Best Comedy went to The Hangover.


Renowned actor and philanthropist Kevin Bacon was honored with the third annual Joel Siegel Award presented by Meryl Streep. The BFCA created this award to honor those in the film community whose actions demonstrate that the greatest value of celebrity is the ability to do good work for others. This special award pays homage to beloved "Good Morning America" film critic and BFCA member Joel Siegel, who passed away in 2007.


The 15th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards also included a special tribute to American film director and producer John Hughes, who passed away in August, 2009. In honor of Hughes' life and cinematic achievements, John Krasinski and Amy Poehler presented a poignant tribute followed by a musical performance from Death Cab For Cutie who played "Don't You (Forget About Me)" from "The Breakfast Club" soundtrack.


Nominees in attendance included: Kathryn Bigelow, Ryan Bingham, Neill Blomkamp, Emily Blunt, Jeff Bridges, T-Bone Burnette, Sandra Bullock, James Cameron, Bradley Cooper, Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Lee Daniels, Peter Doctor, Vera Farmiga, Tom Ford, Morgan Freeman, Heather Graham, Woody Harrelson, Jae Head, Ed Helms, Nick Hornby, Anna Kendrick, Diane Kruger, Bailey Madison, Paul McCartney, Christian McKay, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Mo'Nique, Julianne Moore, Carey Mulligan, Kenny Ortega, Jason Reitman, Jeremy Renner, Saoirse Ronan, Eli Roth, Gabourey Sidibe, Meryl Streep, Quentin Tarantino, Stanley Tucci, and Christoph Waltz.


Presenters at the gala included: Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, Kristen Bell, Emily Blunt, Cedric the Entertainer, Bradley Cooper, Rob Corddry, Abbie Cornish, Claire Danes, Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron, Vera Farmiga, Heather Graham, Ed Helms, Samuel L. Jackson, Ken Jeong, Adam Lambert, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Tobey Maguire, Tracy Morgan, Amy Poehler, Craig Robinson, Zoe Saldana, Susan Sarandon, Sarah Silverman, and Meryl Streep.


The show featured Nick Jonas & The Administration as this year's house band.


The 240 members of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, the largest film critics' organization in the United States and Canada, representing television, radio and online critics, selected nominees in each of 25 categories. The awards are bestowed annually to honor the finest in cinematic achievement. Eligible films were released in 2009. The accounting firm of Gregory A. Mogab tallied the written ballots. Historically, the Critics' Choice Movie Awards are the most accurate predictor of the Academy Award nominations.


To watch the best moments, acceptance speeches, red carpet interviews and a complete list of winners visit The Critics Choice Awards.


The 15th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards is sponsored by Walmart and WHEAT THINS.


The 15th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards is executive produced by Bob Bain, Joey Berlin, Jesse Ignjatovic and Lee Rolontz. Paul Flattery serves as producer and Kelly Brock as co-producer.


WINNERS OF THE 15TH ANNUAL CRITICS' CHOICE MOVIE AWARDS


BEST PICTURE
"The Hurt Locker"

BEST ACTOR
Jeff Bridges - "Crazy Heart"

BEST ACTRESS
Meryl Streep - "Julie & Julia" AND Sandra Bullock - "The Blind Side"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christoph Waltz - "Inglourious Basterds"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Mo'Nique - "Precious"

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS
Saoirse Ronan - "The Lovely Bones"

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE
"Inglourious Basterds"

BEST DIRECTING
Kathryn Bigelow - "The Hurt Locker"

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Quentin Tarantino - "Inglourious Basterds"

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner - "Up in the Air"

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Mauro Fiore - "Avatar"

BEST ART DIRECTION
Rick Carter, Robert Stromberg - "Avatar"

BEST EDITING
Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua, James Cameron - "Avatar"

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Sandy Powell - "The Young Victoria"

BEST MAKE-UP
"District 9"

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
"Avatar"

BEST SOUND
"Avatar"

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
"Up"

BEST ACTION MOVIE
"Avatar"

BEST COMEDY
"The Hangover"

BEST PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
"Grey Gardens"

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
"Broken Embraces"

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
"The Cove"

BEST SONG
"The Weary Kind" (Theme from Crazy Heart) - Ryan Bingham and T-Bone
Burnett

BEST SCORE
Michael Giancchio - "Up"

JOEL SIEGEL AWARD
Kevin Bacon

Source: VH1

CONTACT: Andy Gelb, andy@slate-pr.com, or Stephanie Samson,
stephanie@slate-pr.com, both of Slate PR, +1-310-556-0444, for VH1


Web Site: http://criticschoice.vh1.com/



Thursday, January 14, 2010

'NOW That's What I Call Love,' A Perfect Valentine's Day Gift, to be Released January 26


NOW That's What I Call Love," a perfect Valentine's Day gift, to be released January 26. (PRNewsFoto/EMI Music, Sony Music, Universal Music) HOLLYWOOD, CA UNITED STATES

13 Jan 2010 17:00 Africa/Lagos

'NOW That's What I Call Love,' A Perfect Valentine's Day Gift, to be Released January 26

New CD & Digital Release Features 20 Unforgettable Love Songs from Today's Top Artists

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Featuring 20 unforgettable love songs from today's top artists, NOW That's What I Call Love is the latest release from the hugely successful NOW That's What I Call Music! series, which has collectively scanned more than 70 million units in the U.S. during the past decade. A perfect gift for Valentine's Day, NOW Love will be released on CD and digitally on January 26.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100113/LA36883)


The NOW That's What I Call Music! series is a joint venture from EMI Music North America, Sony Music Entertainment, and Universal Music Group. NOW That's What I Call Love will be distributed by EMI Music North America. NOW and NOW That's What I Call Music! are registered trademarks of EMI (IP) Limited.


The NOW That's What I Call Music! series debuted in the U.S. in 1998 after the brand had been a multi-platinum international success for 15 years. The series has generated sales of over 200 million albums worldwide, including more than 74 million copies in the U.S. Every album in the numbered U.S. series has reached the Billboard Top 10, with NOW 3 the first non-soundtrack, multi-artist collection in history to reach #1.


www.nowthatsmusic.com




NOW That's What I Call Love (CD, digital)
-----------------------------------------
Colbie Caillat Bubbly
Maroon 5 She Will Be Loved
Lifehouse Whatever It Takes
3 Doors Down Here Without You
Nickelback Far Away
Daughtry Home
David Cook Light On
Hinder Lips Of An Angel
Hoobastank The Reason
Howie Day Collide
Katy Perry Thinking Of You
Alicia Keys No One
Natasha Bedingfield featuring Sean Kingston Love Like This
Leona Lewis Bleeding Love
Timbaland featuring OneRepublic Apologize
Jordin Sparks (Duet With Chris Brown) No Air
Norah Jones Come Away With Me
Lonestar Amazed
Taylor Swift Love Story
Keith Urban Kiss A Girl

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100113/LA36883
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: EMI Music; Sony Music; Universal Music

CONTACT: Jennifer Ballantyne of EMI Music North America,
+1-323-871-5494, Jennifer.Ballantyne@emicap.com; or Randy Haecker of Legacy
Recordings / Sony Music Entertainment, +1-212-833-4101,
Randy.Haecker@sonymusic.com; or Keren Poznansky of Universal Music
Enterprises, +1-310-865-7797, Keren.Poznansky@umusic.com


Web Site: http://www.nowthatsmusic.com/


Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Apple’s iPhone Or Google’s Nexus One?

Would You Dump Your Apple’s iPhone for Google’s Nexus One?



Would You Dumb Your Apple’s iPhone for Google’s Nexus One?
Symbol


The arrival of the much talked about and much awaited Google's Google Nexus One Android smartphone is definitely the best Happy New Year present to millions of people all over the world who have been praying for Google to launch a smartphone that would be as good or even better than the overhyped and overpriced Apple’s iPhone.



Industry experts have said that the competition over the billion dollar market for smartphones has higher stakes in the mobile advertising market where more billions of consumers would be found as advancement in mobile technologies is attracting more consumers online than those offline.


Google’s Nexus One is not only meant to increase the demand for Google's Android which presently commands only 5% of the market, far behind the 29% market share of Apple's iPhone, and the overall 44% of RIM’s Blackberry devices, but to challenge other smartphones in price and service. Google is going to crash the price of smartphones and trash their makers in competition.

HTC built the hardware of Nexux One which has a light sensor, GPS, and accelerometer, and other unique features. But there is no HTC logo on the phone that is running on T-Mobile with a Wifi.




As the news of Goggle’s Nexus One broke, Apple’s boss Steve Jobs boasted that competitors have a long way to go in chasing after Apple, because of the awesome acceptance of their iPhone.
“Three billion applications downloaded in less than 18 months — this is like nothing we’ve ever seen before. We see no signs of the competition catching up anytime soon,” Steve Jobs said.

The edge would go to Google in being smarter in the GPS navigation.
People pay from $100 to $400 for GPS applications on the iPhone, but Google is giving them away gratis on the Nexus One.

"As new phones come to market through this channel, consumers will benefit from the ability to match a phone of their choice with the service plan that best meets their needs," Google said in a press release on Nexus One.



See Nexus One vs Droid vs iPhone [Comparison Chart].

Now my question is, would you dump your Apple's iPhone for Google's Nexus One?


Avon and Zoe Saldana Introduce Eternal Magic



Eternal Magic By Avon. Available April 2010. (PRNewsFoto/Avon Products, Inc.) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES

12 Jan 2010 18:00 Africa/Lagos




Avon and Zoe Saldana Introduce Eternal Magic

A New Signature Fragrance



NEW YORK, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Avon Products, Inc. today announced it has signed actress Zoe Saldana to be the exclusive spokeswoman for the brand's new fragrance, Eternal Magic, debuting April 2010. Beautiful, intelligent and talented, the actress is the perfect fit for Avon's latest scent -- a fragrance embodying timeless grace, beauty and elegance. In addition to supporting Eternal Magic, Saldana will also be featured in the company's brochure as a face of Avon's color cosmetics category in the coming months.



To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/avon/41868/


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100112/NY35987 )


"I'm very proud to be working with Avon and to be the face of Eternal Magic," says Saldana. "It means so much to me to be associated with a company that shares my values and believes in empowering women."


"We are thrilled to have Zoe as the spokesperson for Eternal Magic. Every woman wants to be unforgettable and Zoe perfectly embodies that feeling. She's a rising star in Hollywood -- and has built a strong reputation for playing empowering characters that leave a lasting impression," says Geralyn Breig, Senior Vice President and President of Avon North America. "We were drawn to her inner and outer beauty, and feel she represents the perfect combination of strength and femininity."


An unforgettable fragrance that leaves an indelible impression, Eternal Magic creates everlasting memories with a fragrance signature that lingers in the air. The artfully crafted fragrance takes inspiration from the rare Princess Monaco Rose. The enchanting scent is the embodiment of the unique magic that surrounds mysterious, alluring women everywhere. The fragrance will launch in the U.S. in April 2010 and will be available exclusively through Avon Representatives worldwide.


Zoe Saldana is the most recent partner to join the company's premier fragrance portfolio. Avon's other partners include Reese Witherspoon, Salma Hayek, Courteney Cox, Fergie, Patrick Dempsey, Derek Jeter, U by Ungaro, Eon Productions for Bond Girl 007 and Christian Lacroix.


About Avon


Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with over $10 billion in annual revenue. As the world's largest direct seller, Avon markets to women in more than 100 countries through over 5.5 million independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon's product line includes beauty products, fashion jewelry and apparel, and features such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, Avon Naturals, and mark. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avoncompany.com.


About Zoe Saldana


Recently appearing as Neytiri in the highly successful sci-fi thriller Avatar (which recently grossed over $1 billion globally), Zoe Saldana is one of Hollywood's most in-demand young actresses. Saldana has a built a reputation as a versatile, respected actress by choosing roles that she feels passionately about. Named as the Young Hollywood "One to Watch" in 2004 for her performance in The Terminal, Saldana is also most recognized for her roles in Star Trek, Center Stage, Vantage Point, Haven, Guess Who, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, and can soon be seen in the upcoming films Death At a Funeral and The Losers. Saldana was born and raised in New York. She currently resides in both New York and Los Angeles.


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100112/NY35987
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Video: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/avon/41868
Source: Avon Products, Inc.

CONTACT: Claudia Shaum of Avon Products, Inc., +1-212-282-8195,
claudia.shaum@avon.com, or Lauren Donner of Tractenberg & Co. PR,
+1-212-929-7979, ldonner@tractenberg.com


Web Site: Avon