CONtv Launches, Fans Rejoice!

Post by CONtv.

Well, the wait is over and comic-con fans and moviegoers now have another venue to vent their fandom with. Wizard World and Cinedigm's CONtv officially launched on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 with an annoucement on the same day. There are definitely some perks to this venture and surely you'll be able to benefit with programming having already lined-up since late last year with more content to follow. Watch the video above and then read the details just below!

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A revolution in fandom begins! Today marks the preview release of CONtv, the multi-platform digital streaming network available on iOS, Android and the web. CONtv gives Comic Con fans the immediate power to view thousands of hours of premium, fan-centric programming from their connected, mobile and preferred viewing devices. Both free and VIP accounts are available at CONtv.com, with CONtv VIP subscription packages providing the ultimate ad-free fan experience, access to exclusive content, first look and perks at Wizard World Comic Cons, including reserved seating and discounts. Download the CONtv app at the app store on iTunes, the Google Play store, and coming soon to Samsung and other platforms.

In addition to a huge offering of over 2,500 fan-centric, curated films and TV episodes, CONtv offers all-access to pop culture conventions nationwide anytime, anywhere, showcasing exclusive events, panels and talent from Comic Cons, including:

Ongoing event coverage with exclusive series “Live @ the Con,” and “All Access Pass,” allowing fans to get up close to the action with celebrity panels featuring industry icons like William Shatner (“Star Trek”), Michael Rooker (“The Walking Dead”), and Bruce Campbell (The Evil Dead), one-on-one spotlights with pop culture heroes like Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk”) and Manu Bennett (“Arrow”), artist and creator workshops with top-notch professionals like Joel Adams (“King of the Hill”) and Tom Hodges (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars”), and expert Q&As with fan favorite talent like Sara Underwood (“Attack of the Show!”).
After-hour fan events like the “Drink & Draw” where professional and amateur creators go head-to-head in drawing and writing competitions and “Cosplay LIVE,” where local and National Cosplayers compete for the best cosplay of the con. Planning a trip to the next con? “CON City,” dives into local culture with nightlife, geek culture, and unique offerings that makes each Comic Con distinct.
CONtv also boasts an expansive portfolio of acquired film and television content spanning cult television, sci-fi, horror and fantasy films, grindhouse classics, thrilling martial arts adventures, and much more.

A dynamic, interactive initiative bred from within the Comic Con fanspace, CONtv will debut new titles and programming on a weekly basis. The programming will evolve to meet viewer demands and the service will continue to grow as viewership data sheds light on fan preferences.

In the coming weeks, CONtv will debut the following original programming:

On March 9th, fans will find full vindication for their hours of binge viewing with host and horror icon Bruce Campbell’s new pop-culture trivia game show “Last Fan Standing.” New episodes will release Mondays throughout the spring.
On March 22nd, all 11 episodes of “Fight of the Living Dead,” the highly anticipated, genre-bending horror/reality series that follows top YouTube celebrities as they struggle to “survive” in a simulated zombie apocalypse, will release exclusively on CONtv.
The explosive action continues into April with “My Morphing Life,” the pulse-pounding series that centers on the insane real-life adventures of original Green Power Ranger, Jason David Frank.
CONtv is a joint venture created by Wizard World (OTCBB:WIZD) and Cinedigm (NASDAQ:CIDM).

Visit CONtv.com for more details!

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 (NASDAQ: CIDM), 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, the web, and mobile and tablet devices. For more information, visit CONtv.com.

About Cinedigm

Cinedigm 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 Players and Roku TVs, 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&As, the Wizard World Film Festival, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more.

The 2015 Wizard World Comic Con schedule is available at: wizd.me/PRSchedule2015.

CONtv Gets A Launch Date

Are you ready for another awesome entertainment network? If so, then ConTV may be right up your alley, with an assortment of content guaranteed to nourish your fandom in film and television. The line-up has already started taking shape with several programs already in place geared toward the comic-con community, and now we have an official launch date as of a few days ago with a slightly larger list of titles that are forthcoming. Be prepared this Spring and check your local listings! Details below:

Cinedigm (NASDAQ:CIDM) and Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) today announced that CONtv, the multi-platform OTT service geared toward the Comic Con community, will be available to consumers on March 3, 2015. The digital service will bring fans their favorite films, television series, comics, behind the scenes access to Wizard World Comic Cons and more. CONtv will be offered as a free ad-supported platform as well as a subscription of $6.99/month with content exclusives, audience rewards, a dynamic social viewing experiences, and ticketing bundle opportunities for fans planning to attend Wizard World conventions. CONtv will be rolling out with over 1600 hours of programming across a wide spectrum of devices including Roku, Apple iOS, Android, Xbox, Samsung, Smart TV, mobile, and tablet devices. 

Spanning cult television, sci-fi, horror and fantasy films, grindhouse classics, thrilling martial arts adventures, and more, CONtv’s extensive launch offering includes: 

Superhero Action: “He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe,” “Voltron,” Trial of the Incredible Hulk, “She-Ra: Princess Of Power” 

Cult Classics: Godzilla, Death Race 2000, Elvira: Mistress Of The Dark, Return Of The Killer Tomatoes, Beware The Blob, Transylvania 6-5000, Night Patrol 

Horror: Evil Dead, Re-Animator, Hellraiser, I Spit On Your Grave (#1 and #2), Hellboy: Blood & Iron, Rob Zombie Presents The Haunted World of El Superbeasto, Ichi The Killer, Puppet Master, Embrace of the Vampire 

Martial Arts: Fists of Fury, Shaolin, Man From Nowhere, War of the Arrows, Legend of the Fist, Yakuza Weapon, Blade of Kings, Lady Ninja 

Gaming: “Sonic The Hedgehog,” “Super Mario Bros,” “Legend Of Zelda,” “Stargate Infinity,” “Street Fighter Alpha,” “Heavenly Sword” 

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Television: UK’s “Being Human,” “Farscape,” “Highlander,” “Demon King,” “Stargate Infinity” 

Anime: “Yu-Gi-Oh,” “Beyblade,” “Digimon,” “Ghost in the Shell,” “High School Of The Dead,” “Saint Seiya,” “Angel Beats,” “Clannad” 

Additionally, CONtv will also debut original series throughout 2015, including the innovative horror/reality series “FIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD,” a genre-bending show that follows digital celebrities including Joey Graceffa (4.3 million YouTube subscribers), Jesse and Jeana (PrankvsPrank, 7.1 YouTube subscribers), and Justine Ezarik (iJustine, 2.1 million YouTube subscribers), as they fight to survive the undead’s relentlessly grisly, and frighteningly realistic onslaught through a “real-world” Zombie apocalypse. In addition to “FIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD,” the digital network will also debut original series through 2015 including Game show “LAST FAN STANDING,” hosted by pop culture icon Bruce Campbell (The Evil Dead), and the adrenaline-packed reality series “MY MORPHING LIFE” that follows actor and Wizard World regular Jason David Frank, the original Green Power Ranger, through many of his thrilling convention experiences. 

CONtv is a joint venture between Cinedigm, a leading independent content distributor, and Wizard World, a leading producer of live pop culture multimedia conventions. 

“CONtv is designed to be the epic destination for every fan, every day,” says John Macaluso, CEO of Wizard World. “Created by fans, for fans, and constantly improving based on fan feedback, the channel will not only serve as an extension of our hugely popular live events, but will be a place where fans can discover, inform, revisit and help make the best in pop culture.” 

“The combination of Cinedigm’s vast library of content with Wizard World’s track of success as the largest operator of Comic Con’s in the world is a partnership built for success,” says Chris McGurk, Chairman and CEO of Cinedigm. “We are excited to make the Comic Con experience available to its fans anywhere, and at any time on their favorite viewing platform.”

Cinedigm, Wizard World To Broadcast CONtv In 2015

Cinedigm and Wizard World have been popping in and out of the headlines for sometime now, particularly since news broke back in February that an announcement would be made in late 2014 for the launch of a new network geared toward the Comic-Con community. As of Friday last week, their partnering commitment still stands, as the two groups have officially released a statement for their joint venture in network programming with CONtv, boasting an assortment of up to 52,000 titles with original programming, panels, live events and the like, a handful of which are listed below.

These are great times to be a fan of something!

CONtv today announced an expansive portfolio of acquired film and television content that will be available on the new digital network. Launching in early 2015, the direct-to-consumer digital service geared specifically for fans in the Comic Con community, will also include the previously announced original program “Fight of the Living Dead,” a horror-competition series from Alpine Labs, BlackBoxTV and Revolver Picture Company. CONtv plans to announce additional programming initiatives, original series and talent partnerships in the coming weeks. 

Spanning cult television, sci-fi, horror and fantasy films, grindhouse classics, thrilling martial arts adventures, and more, CONtv’s extensive launch offering includes:  

· Superhero Action: “He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe,” “Voltron,” Trial of the Incredible Hulk, “She-Ra: Princess Of Power” 

· Cult Classics: Godzilla, Death Race 2000, Elvira: Mistress Of The Dark, Return Of The Killer Tomatoes, Beware the Blob, Transylvania 6-5000, Night Patrol 

· Horror: Evil Dead, Re-Animator, Hellraiser, I Spit On Your Grave (#1 and #2), Hellboy: Blood & Iron, Rob Zombie Presents The Haunted World of El Superbeasto, Ichi The Killer, Puppet Master, Embrace of the Vampire 

· Martial Arts: Fists of Fury, Shaolin, Man From Nowhere, War of the Arrows, Legend of the Fist, Yakuza Weapon, Blade of Kings, Lady Ninja 

· Gaming: “Sonic The Hedgehog,” “Super Mario Bros,” “Legend Of Zelda,” “Stargate Infinity,” “Street Fighter Alpha,” “Heavenly Sword” 

· Sci-Fi/Fantasy Television: UK’s “Being Human,” “Farscape,” “Highlander,” “Demon King,” “Stargate Infinity” 

· Anime: “Yu-Gi-Oh,” “Beyblade,” “Digimon,” “Ghost in the Shell,” “High School Of The Dead,” “Saint Seiya,” “Angel Beats,” “Clannad” 

CONtv is a joint venture between Cinedigm, a leading independent content distributor, and Wizard World, a leading producer of live pop culture multimedia conventions. 

“CONtv is at the apex of fan culture,” said Bill Sondheim, President of Cinedigm Entertainment. “It’s a celebration of the best in fandom, with carefully selected and curated content from some of the industry’s top creators.” 

CONtv has licensed this content from well-known distributors including Starz, RLJ Entertainment, DHX Media, The Jim Henson Company, Full Moon Films, Sentai Filmworks (aka Anime Network), Well Go USA, and Zodiak Media. Carefully selected for the passionate fans that make up the CONtv audience, these new partnerships enable the network to carry a deep catalogue of the best in pop culture obsession from pulse-pounding horror, to short-lived TV series, to cult classic films. With a selection of movies from cult directors Ed Wood, John Carpenter and Roger Corman, the digital network will also feature George Clooney’s famous performance in Return To Horror High, Seth Green in Arcade, Bruce Campbell in My Name Is Bruce, Gary Busey’s Gingerdead Man series and Tommy Chong’s Evil Bong films. 

“We are excited to offer fans a robust cross section of content curated especially for them,” says John Macaluso, CEO of Wizard World. “Clearly nobody knows the comic community better than our staff – we’ve got the most rabid fans amidst our own ranks shaping CONtv’s content offering.” 

The network will also include original series geared specifically to the CONtv fan base. The first of which is an unprecedented mash-up of reality and scripted genres, “Fight Of The Living Dead,” which will be available at launch. The thrilling show follows nine YouTube stars as they work to survive the first 24-hours of a simulated zombie apocalypse. Contestants will face a series of grisly challenges in an attempt to eliminate the competition through the undead’s frightening realistic onslaught. 

Upon its launch in early 2015, the digital service will be offered as a free ad-supported platform as well as a low-cost monthly subscription of $6.99/month with content exclusives, audience rewards, a dynamic social viewing experiences, and ticketing bundle opportunities for fans planning to attend Wizard World conventions. CONtv plans to launch across a wide spectrum of devices including Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, Samsung Smart TV, Windows, Mac OS, mobile, and tablet devices. 

About CONtv 

CONtv is a new digital network devoted to passionate fans of pop culture entertainment. Launching in early 2015, CONtv will provide consumers access to thousands of hours of exclusive content showcasing an original slate of programming as well as a vast digital catalog of over 1,200 must-watch titles. Everything from quirky original series, cult television shows and genre movies encompassing sci-fi, horror, fantasy, anime, grindhouse, martial arts action, and more, to live coverage of events at the cons– all available on-demand either in a free, ad-supported format or a low cost, subscription-based model of $6.99/month for premium content. CONtv is a partnership of Cinedigm Entertainment Group, the nation’s largest independent distributor of digital entertainment, and Wizard World, producers of the largest chain of Comic Con and pop culture conventions in the U.S. Together, they make a dream team for offering a targeted, direct-to-fan experiential hub online and on-demand, across the entire landscape of mobile and streaming 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 over 60,000 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 over 52,000 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, The Jim Henson Company and more. 

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 also produces socialcon featuring social media stars and will be launching CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™. 

The 2015 Wizard World schedule is available at: wizd.me/PRSchedule2015.