UBISOFT unleashes peter jackson’s king kong:
THE OFFICIAL GAME OF THE MOVIE

Award-Winning Video Game Creator and Three-Time Academy Award^® Winner Deliver Unprecedented Video Game Experience

 SAN FRANCISCO – November 22, 2005 – Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that its critically-acclaimed game of the year contender, Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie, launched today in North America – rated “T” for Teen. The game, based on Universal Pictures’ December 14 release, King Kong, from three-time Academy Award^® winner Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), is positioned to be the top-selling title for the holiday season.

 Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie is available for the PlayStation^®2 computer entertainment system ($49.99), Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft ($59.99), Xbox^® video game system from Microsoft ($49.99), Nintendo GameCube™ system ($49.99), Windows^® PC ($49.99), and Nintendo DS™ ($39.99). Kong: The 8^th Wonder of the World™ (rated E10+) is available for the Game Boy^® Advance system ($29.99). The PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system version ($49.99) will launch in mid-December.

 “Today is a monumental day for Ubisoft, as we celebrate the biggest launch in company history with Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie,” said Laurent Detoc, president of Ubisoft North America.  “We’re extremely proud to have worked so closely with Peter Jackson and Wingnut Films to deliver a critically acclaimed game that sets a new benchmark for games based on movies.”

The King Kong Collaboration:
Michel Ancel, creative director at Ubisoft – regarded as one of the top innovative minds in the video game industry – and his team at Ubisoft’s Montpellier (France) studio worked with Peter Jackson and Wingnut Films to capture the King Kong movie dynamics through a unique video game experience.

“It was an absolute pleasure working with Ubisoft on the video game,”
Peter Jackson said. “Being able to collaborate closely together from day one was of utmost importance, which is why we gave Ubisoft unlimited access to every creative aspect of our film production. We really wanted the game and the film to be part of the same universe.”

“We were amazed by Peter Jackson’s creativity and what he brought to the project,” Michel Ancel said. “Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie is a creation that closely follows the storyline of the movie, yet as video games have the innate ability to do, pushes the emotional tension of the film to even greater depths. Players will experience unprecedented dual gameplay within a movie-licensed game that alternates between Jack Driscoll in first-person and as King Kong in third-person. These contrasting perspectives will immerse players in a journey that features epic battles, tough choices and a dynamic experience within the visually stunning environment of Skull Island.”

 For more information on Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie, please visit the official Web site at www.kingkonggame.com.

 For more information about Ubisoft, please visit www.ubi.com and www.ubisoftgroup.com.

 © 2005 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. Universal Studios’ King Kong movie © Universal Studios. Kong The 8th Wonder of the World™ Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLLP. All Rights Reserved. A Note to Parents: Please consult www.filmratings.com for information regarding movie ratings in making viewing choices for children. ACADEMY AWARD and OSCAR are the trademarks of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. “PSP” is a trademark and “PlayStation” and the “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick Duo™ may be required (sold separately). TM, ®, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. © 2004 Nintendo. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

© 2005 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. Universal Studios' King Kong movie © Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLLP. All Rights Reserved.

DARK HORSE COMICS TO RELEASE COMIC ADAPTATION OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES’ KING KONG

October 28, 2005 - Dark Horse Comics is proud to present the comic adaptation - King Kong - of the highly anticipated Universal Pictures’ feature film, King Kong, directed by Academy Award® winner Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings trilogy).
This three-issue comic adaptation captures all of the action, all of the romance, and all of the adventure of the film.  The King Kong comic book miniseries features the writing of Christian Gossett with art by Dustin Weaver.  Issue #1 arrives on sale December 21st with a retail price of $4.50.

Lead Actors Naomi Watts, Jack Black and Adrien Brody Bring Faithful Portrayals and Talent to Biggest Movie-based Videogame Experience to Date

SAN FRANCISCO — November 16, 2005 — Today Ubisoft and Universal Studios Consumer Products Group announced that Academy Award® nominee Naomi Watts and Jack Black will appear via likeness and provide voice talent for the videogame Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie.  Academy Award^® winner Adrien Brody has also lent his voice talent to the game.  All three stellar actors star in Universal Pictures’ upcoming motion picture King Kong, directed by Academy Award® winner Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings trilogy). The videogame, rated “T” for Teen, will release worldwide on most major platforms in November, making it the biggest movie-licensed launch in videogame history.
“We want the movie and the videogame to be a shared experience, so having the voices and likenesses of the actors is very important,” said triple Academy Award Winner® and King Kong director Peter Jackson.  “Another great aspect of the collaboration is the absolute enthusiasm that the cast has shown for the game.  Jack Black loves seeing himself running around the jungles of Skull Island and it’s fun watching him actually play the game.”
Michel Ancel, regarded as one of the most innovative minds in the videogame industry, together with his team at Ubisoft’s Montpellier studio (France), is working with Peter Jackson and Wingnut Films to capture the King Kong movie dynamics through a unique videogame experience. 
“The actors’ full integration into the videogame with voice-over and likeness adds yet another layer of fidelity and highlights the close collaboration between Ubisoft’s Montpellier studio and Peter Jackson’s team,” said Michel Ancel, creative director at Ubisoft.  “It’s been great working with each of these gifted actors from the King Kong motion picture and we appreciate their dedicated, exclusive performances for the videogame.”
The voice sessions with the actors were supervised and directed by two-time Academy Award® Winner Philippa Boyens, co-writer of both the movie and the video game, to ensure the in-game dialogue reflects the tone and style of the film.  In fact, other cast members also contributed either their likeness and/or voice talent including, Jamie Bell, Colin Hanks, Thomas Kretschmann, Evan Parke and Andy Serkis.
“I’m really excited my likeness will be used in the videogame.  I’ve always wanted to be in a videogame, it’s kind of a dream come true,” said Jack Black, who plays the role of Carl Denham for the movie and the game.  When asked about his approach to conducting the voice over session, Black shared, “While it’s strictly my voice, I’m still acting and using all of my skills as an artist.  I went full blast for this videogame.”
Academy Award^® winner Adrien Brody added, “It's an amazing thing to be immortalized in a video game! I hope the graphics are still cool by the time my grandkids can play.”
© 2005 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Universal Studios' King Kong movie © Universal Studios.  Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLLP.  All Rights Reserved.

New Zealand Post to Debut Stamp Series Inspired by Universal Pictures’ King Kong

 October 19,  2005—New Zealand Post Stamps General Manager Ivor Masters today announced the release of a special series of stamps to celebrate Universal Pictures’ December 14^th release King Kong, from three-time Academy Award® winner Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings trilogy). The five stamps feature actual images from the movie, which have been personally approved by Peter Jackson, and are expected to be hugely popular with King Kong fans, film buffs and collectors of all ages.

 “This stamp issue gives a taste of the intense emotion that the movie promises to bring and contributes to the excitement that is growing, in New Zealand and throughout the world, as the King Kong movie release date approaches,” Mr. Masters said.

 “We are delighted to once again recognize the talent of New Zealand’s film industry, so evident in Peter Jackson’s magnificent vision for this classic adventure story, with these five innovative and vibrant stamps.”

 A special Collector’s Pack, produced to complement the stamps, reinforces New Zealand Post’s reputation for pushing the creative boundaries of stamp presentation. When opened, the pack brings the exciting imagery inside to life by emitting the spine-tingling roar of King Kong.  The roar, which is taken from the actual sound effects created for the film, introduces sound to stamp products for the first time in New Zealand.

 The 45-cent stamp features the striking face of King Kong, the 25-foot primate who was captured in the wild and brought to civilization, only to meet with a tragic fate.  Maverick film maker Carl Denham is pictured on the 90-cent, and the face of the heroine - out-of-work actress Ann Darrow - is on the $1.35. 

 The $1.50 stamp depicts Jack Driscoll, the sensitive playwright from New York who becomes the film’s unlikely hero, and the $2.00 captures the hero and heroine, Jack and Ann, together.

 The stamps and first day cover were designed by Saatchi & Saatchi, Wellington and printed by Southern Colour Print.  Products are available at all New Zealand Post retail outlets, or from the New Zealand Post stamps web site www.nzpost.co.nz/kingkong

SIMON & SCHUSTER ADULT AND CHILDREN’S BOOKS (UK) ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE ACQUISTION OF THE ADULT AND CHILDREN’S TIE-INS FOR KING KONG

 London, UK, October 7, 2005 – Simon & Schuster (UK) has signed an agreement with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group Europe to publish the official King Kong tie-in books within the UK.  King Kong is directed by three-time Academy Awardâ winner Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and will be released on 15^th December in the UK and 14^th December in the US.
 

Simon & Schuster will be releasing five adult tie-in books, four children’s tie-ins and The Making of King Kong–the “official making of” book.

 Adult tie-in books

King Kong: The Island of the Skull by Matthew Costello £6.99 pb

Based on an original story by Peter Jackson, this prequel novel tells the electrifying tale of how Carl Denham takes possession of Skull Island’s map.

Kong Unbound edited by Karen Haber £8.99 pb

A captivating collection of essays on the history and legacy of the most famous ape in Hollywood, and his continuing impact on pop culture and modern filmmakers.

The World of Kong: A Natural History of Skull Island The WETA Workshop £25 hb

A sumptuously illustrated look at the amazing art behind the fantastic creatures of King Kong and their world.

The Making of King Kong by Jenny Wake £12.99 pb

From concept to final cut – a behind-the-scenes look at how the motion picture event of 2005 was made.

Kong: The 8^th Wonder of the World £6.99 pb

Official movie novelization by Christopher Golden

Christopher Golden’s novelization of what will be one of the most talked-about films of 2005.

Children’s tie-in books

King Kong Novelisation £4.99 pb the King Kong junior novelisation

Escape from Skull Island £3.99 pb the King Kong chapter book

Kong’s Kingdom & The Search for Kong each £3.99 pb  King Kong picture books

CANCER RESEARCH UK TO LAUNCH

KING KONG PIN BADGE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

 
London, UK, September 29 2005 - Universal Studios Consumer Products Group Europe has joined forces with G Limited to use iconic imagery from Universal Pictures’ King Kong, directed by three-time Academy  winner Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) due to release December 14^th in the US and December 15^th in the UK, to help raise up to £300,000 for Cancer Research UK with an exciting ping badge campaign.

 Cancer Research UK has obtained the license to produce four unique King Kong pin badges for fundraising purposes. The badges will be available for purchase at a suggested donation of £1 each from a number of High Street retail outlets beginning in December. Retailers involved include Peacocks, Wilkinsons and Murco. Point of sale displays will include a striking box featuring King Kong images and logo from the movie and will be situated in-store close to till points. The entire proceeds from the sale of the badges will go directly towards saving lives.

 “We’re really excited about the King Kong pin badge campaign,” explained Steve Manners, Managing Director, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group Europe “We’re still three months away from the film’s launch on December 15th and already the anticipation and excitement is building among film fans.”

 Cancer Research UK has extensive experience in delivering highly successful pin badge campaigns in the retail sector, having previously worked with the Henson Company in 2003 to produce two Miss Piggy badges that were placed in 510 stores. In October 2004, retailers including Bay Trading, Dolcis, Etam, Esso, House of Fraser and Specsavers, also stocked the charity’s pink ribbon badges at their till points and helped to raise more than £130,000 towards the charity’s life-saving research.

Vital funds raised from the King Kong pin badges will go towards our world-class research programme, which is already making a difference to, as well as saving, many lives,” added Kate Collins, Head of Corporate Fundraising for Cancer Research UKXX.  “One in three people will be affected by cancer at some point in their lives; this means that most families in the UK will be touched by the disease in some way. Cancer Research UK understands how cancer affects people’s lives and is dedicated to undertaking research that will save lives by focusing oninto the causes, treatment and prevention of cancer.  Kong is such a powerful, iconic image that we’re totally confident our fundraising campaign will be a huge success.“

 In a consumer survey reported in Marketing in September 2004, Cancer Research UK was voted the 37th most loved brand in the UK, the only charity to be featured in the top 50.

FRANCO AMERICAN NOVELTY TO PRODUCE HALLOWEEN COSTUMES AND MASKS INSPIRED BY UNIVERSAL PICTURES’ UPCOMING RELEASE KING KONG

Glendale, N.Y., January 27, 2005—Leading Halloween costume resource Franco American Novelty Company has entered an agreement with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group to produce Halloween costumes and masks inspired by Universal Pictures’ December 14^th, 2005 release, King Kong, from three-time Academy Award® winner Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings trilogy).

 This agreement marks the first licensing deal for Franco American Novelty in its 94-year history.  Franco’s products will target adult audiences and will debut in time for Halloween 2005.  The adult-size King Kong costumes and masks will be available at specialty stores with a suggested retail price starting at $39.99 for masks and full body suits priced between $150-$200.

 “By licensing this strong, time-tested, established property, we believe we will be able to build our business, bring benefit to our licensor partners, and increase sales and foot traffic for retailers,” said Carole Rome, president of Franco American Novelty Company.