LOS ANGELES — (BUSINESS WIRE) — March 30, 2015 — The fight to survive begins as the highly anticipated, pulse-pounding web series “FIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD” premieres exclusively on CONtv, as announced by Wizard World Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM). From Alpine Labs, BlackBoxTV, and Revolver Picture Company, “FIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD” is an original web series filled with “nerve-wrecking intensity” (Nerd Reactor) that brings together celebrated reality stars with killer competition - literally.
Just released on the multi-platform digital network CONtv, this unprecedented mash-up of the reality and scripted genres follows eight top YouTube stars as they attempt to survive a simulated zombie apocalypse. All eleven episodes are now available for streaming to both CONtv subscribers and registered users.
“FIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD” follows a collection of online celebrities including Joey Graceffa, Jesse and Jeana (PrankvsPrank), Justine Ezarik (iJustine), Iman Crosson (Alphacat), Meghan Camarena (Strawburry17), Olga Kay and more, as they face challenges in an attempt to eliminate each other from the competition while trying to survive the undead’s relentlessly grisly, and frighteningly realistic onslaught.
Shot over the course of two days at Sybil Brand Women’s Prison in Los Angeles, “FIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD” competitors were first blindfolded, driven in circles, led onto the set, and zipped into body bags, all to help simulate the all-too-real tension of awaking in a post-apocalyptic landscape riddled by monsters out for blood. Instructed by a faceless character named Dr. Altagracia (portrayed by Tony E. Valenzuela, Executive Producer and founder of YouTube’s #1 ranked genre channel BlackBoxTV), the “survivors” are tasked with finding the antidote that can save mankind.
Enlisting over 200 extras, FX Supervisor Tommy Pietch (“Face Off”) and his team create a horrifying mob of rotting, wounded, bloody zombies tasked with keeping the competitors from accomplishing their mission. “FIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD” also turns up the thrills by including a collection of zombie-clad Parkour experts, overseen by renowned stunt coordinator Chris Carnel (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), who use the prison’s walls as their terrifying playground, threatening to unleash destruction from any angle.
“FIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD” is produced by Alpine Labs and Revolver Picture Company; Executive Producers are Kevin Abrams, Jamie Denenberg and Tony E. Valenzuela; Rodney Frazier, Nick Phillips, Kelly Martin Wagner and Aaron Lewis are Co-Executive Producers.
About CONtv
CONtv is a new digital entertainment network devoted exclusively to the fanspace that provides audiences access to thousands of hours of content showcasing an original slate of programming, as well as an eclectic catalog of over 1,200 must-watch titles. Everything from quirky original series, elusive cult films & television shows, celebrated genre movies encompassing sci-fi, horror, fantasy, anime, grindhouse, martial arts action, to exclusive live coverage of Comic Con events nationwide, all available on-demand either in a free, ad-supported format or a subscription-based model for premium content. CONtv is a partnership of Cinedigm, one of the nation’s largest independent distributor of digital entertainment, and Wizard World, producers of the largest Comic Con Tour in the U.S. Together, they provide an unrivalled hub of content, community and conventions across the broad spectrum of devices including Android and Mac iOS, Samsung Smart TV, Roku Players and Roku TV, the web, and mobile and tablet devices. For more information, visit CONtv.com.
About Cinedigm
Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM) is a leading independent content distributor in the United States, with direct relationships with thousands of physical retail storefronts and digital platforms, including Wal-Mart, Target, iTunes, Netflix, and Amazon, as well as the national Video on Demand platform on cable television. The company’s library of films and TV episodes encompasses award-winning documentaries from Docurama Films®, next-gen Indies from Flatiron Film Company®, acclaimed independent films and festival picks through partnerships with the Sundance Institute and Tribeca Films and a wide range of content from brand name suppliers, including National Geographic, Discovery, Scholastic, NFL, Shout Factory, Hallmark, Jim Henson and more.
Additionally, given Cinedigm’s infrastructure, technology, content and distribution expertise, the Company has rapidly become a leader in the quickly evolving over-the-top digital network business. Cinedigm’s first channel, DOCURAMA, launched in May 2014, and is currently available on iOS, Roku, Xbox and Samsung, with additional platforms currently being rolled out. Cinedigm launched CONtv, a Comic Con branded channel in partnership with WIZARD WORLD, on March 3, 2015. The Company’s third OTT channel, DOVE MOVIE CHANNEL, will be a digital streaming subscription service targeted to families and kids seeking high quality and family friendly content approved by Dove Foundation. Adding to Cinedigm’s diversified portfolio of digital networks , the Company announced in early 2015 an OTT partnership with TV4 Entertainment and the planned launch of the BRIGHT Edutainment OTT channel. Cinedigm™ and Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp™ are trademarks of Cinedigm Corp. www.cinedigm.com. [CIDM-G]
About Wizard World
Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, the Wizard World Film Festival, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™.
About Alpine Labs
Alpine Labs (formerly Ketchum Labs) was formed with the desire to rethink and challenge the traditional ways content is produced and distributed.With full access to today’s advancements in digital filmmaking and applied technologies, Alpine Labs has created and is currently in production on content for the theatrical, network, cable, and digital space.
About BlackBoxTV
Award winning writer and director Tony E. Valenzeula launched BlackBoxTV in 2012 and quickly turned it into the premiere YouTube channel for genre content the world over. With nearly 640,000 loyal subscribers, over 52 million total views and the longest running drama series on the web, BlackBoxTV presents the best in horror, thriller and sci-fi online programming. Each BlackBoxTV installment is a mixture of self-contained horror, suspense or psychological thriller often ending with an unexpected twist that leaves fans craving for more. https://www.youtube.com/user/blackboxtv
Contact:
Wizard World, Inc.
Jerry Milani, 646-512-5022
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