Several Summit Executives Are to Be Let Go

According to Variety:

In the wake of its acquisition by Lionsgate, Summit Entertainment began layoffs early this week, as head of TV distribution Alex Fragen, home entertainment head Steve Nickerson and Bobby Gerber, EVP home entertainment sales, are on the way out, Variety has learned.

The trio of execs got the news midday Monday, sources close to the company said. They were expected to remain with the company until early next month.

Fragen, Nickerson and Gerber all started with Summit in 2007, just as the company was finding its footing as a full service production and distribution studio. The layoffs were just the first of several expected as Lionsgate begins to integrate its operations with Summit, which the mini-major acquired in a January cash-and-stock deal totaling $412.5 million.

Lionsgate co-chairman and CEO Jon Feltheimer acknowledged at the time that overlap would cause layoffs. A month later, Summit co-founder and president of international David Garrett began preparing his exit, as Variety first reported Feb. 12.

These are not individuals that fansites have typically dealt with, with home-entertainment (AKA DVDs)we’ve always had a go between, so at the moment this does not affect us.

Special Bonus For Seeing Breaking Dawn Again From Summit Entertainment

We just received the following notification from Summit entertainment:

 

Today an exciting new opportunity starts for all BREAKING DAWN fans!

Any fans that see BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 again in theaters starting today through January 2, and tweet @Twilight “I’ve seen #BreakingDawn___ times! #SeeBDAgain” (Important Note: where it indicates ___, insert the number of times you’ve seen The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1), will be automatically entered to win a replica of Bella’s engagement ring from the film! Only one tweet/day per entrant will be accepted. See rules here: http://bit.ly/BDRules

Additionally, any fan that purchases their ticket online starting today using Fandango or MovieTickets.com will receive a FREE, exclusive holiday gift – a digital Bella & Edward Wedding Album!

Lookout Lionsgate, You’re Not the Only One Who Wants to Merge With Summit

Recently it was reported that Summit and Lionsgate were in talks for an upcoming merger. Now it lookslike there is a new player at the table.

According to Bloomsberg News:

Colony Capital LLC, owner of the Miramax film library, is in talks to acquire a stake in Summit Entertainment LLC, maker of the “Twilight” vampire movies, two people with knowledge of the situation said.

Colony, the private-equity firm led by Tom Barrack, initially sought the stake in Summit held by hedge fund Rizvi Traverse Management LLC and others, said one of the people, who declined to speak publicly because the talks are preliminary. The parties are also discussing combining Summit and Miramax, leaving Summit management in charge, the people said.

The Colony interest creates competition for Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. (LGF), which is in talks to acquire Summit. Lions Gate, the studio behind “Saw” and the Tyler Perry comedies, resumed discussions with Summit that broke down in the past over price and control issues, three people with knowledge of the situation said this week.

Like we said before, no matter what way these things pan out, the only certainty is that it’s going to make life around here interesting!

Early Camper Safety Statement from Summit

This in from Summit.

“For the safety of the fans, L.A. Live security will be removing all people that are attempting to camp early. A full security staff will not be on site to oversee the fan camp site and their belongings until Thursday, November 10 at 6am PT. Fans will be welcome to set up at that time.”

Folks we received (as did various other bloggers and no doubt Summit) info on people attempting to camp early. In case you missed them, here are the revised rules.

LA Live is not public property. It is private property and their security team (note not Summit’s) will treat people arriving early as trespassers. Please let’s not give the media or the LA Live staff an excuse to give Twilight fans a reputation of being uncooperative. The last thing we need is someone being lead off in cuffs wearing a Team Headboard tee shirt 🙂 . Let’s keep the image that we have had as cooperative. You don’t have to like them, but let’s stick to the rules folks! We want to be able to camp next year for the final film, so let’s give everyone the best impression possible!

Summit Entertainment Expands Twilight Saga Social Media

Summit Entertainment has just expanded its Twilight Saga social media:

You and your readers can now ‘like’ the full official network of TWILIGHT SAGA pages on Facebook! In addition to THE TWILIGHT SAGA fan page (Facebook.com/Twilight), you can now ‘like’:

TWILIGHT—http://www.Facebook.com/TwilightMovie
NEW MOON—http://www.Facebook.com/NewMoon
ECLIPSE—http://www.Facebook.com/Eclipse
BREAKING DAWN –  http://www.Facebook.com/BreakingDawn

You can also now ‘like’ Bella, Edward and Jacob!

Bella Swan—http://www.Facebook.com/BellaSwan
Edward Cullen—http://www.Facebook.com/EdwardCullen
Jacob Black—http://www.Facebook.com/JacobBlack

Fans can go to our “World of Twilight” tab on all of our Facebook pages to easily ‘like’ their favorite TWILIGHT SAGA films & characters from there, along with BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 soundtrack artists and partners like the fan favorite Twilight Conventions (http://www.facebook.com/twilight?sk=app_231898960200193).

Revised Breaking Dawn Part 1 Premiere Camping Rules

Summit Entertainment sent the following over:

 

TWILIGHT Fans are allowed to begin lining up for camping in Tent City at NOKIA PLAZA L.A. LIVE at 6:00am PT on Thursday, November 10, 2011. No fans are allowed to line-up prior to that time.  The location and start of the official fan camp line will be set by Summit Event Security and all other non-official lines will not be recognized. Loitering before 6am PT is not permitted. If you are asked to move multiple times, you will not be permitted to camp. If you stampede the line or the camp site at any time, you will be removed from the camping grounds by event security.

Overnight camping is allowed in designated areas only, starting in the Nokia Plaza. Please follow all directions advised by L.A. LIVE and Summit security. Please note, that special wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and each fan must be present to receive a wristband. Each wristband will be numbered and reserves a space in the Fan Viewing areas for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 Red Carpet arrivals in sequential order. Every individual who is granted access into Tent City will be entered into a database that matches them with their unique wristband number. The wristbands DO NOT enable access to the Movie Premiere.

Fans will be asked to change location as Premiere set up begins in the Nokia Plaza on Sunday morning November 13 at 6:00am PT. This will be the only relocation during the camping event.

PARTIAL LIST OF RULES AND CODES OF CONDUCT:
·        ONLY Standard Sized Pop Tents will be allowed (8’x8′ [64 sq. ft.] or less. No oversized tents, staked tents, etc., due to limited space)
·        ABSOLUTELY No Drugs or Alcohol allowed on premises
·        No Cooking On-Site or open flame
·        No horseplay. If anyone dumps food or beverages on another camper, they will be subject for removal
·        No amplified music. All music devices must be used with headset or earphone
·        Smoking in Designated Areas Only outside of the NOKIA Plaza boundaries
·        Fans are responsible for their own property. LA Live, AEG, nor Summit is responsible for any lost or stolen items
·        Everyone must please pick up after themselves. A fine will be enforced for anyone who litters on Nokia or LA City property
·        Please only use the restrooms designated for fans and respect the other area businesses
·        Guests must follow the rules and directions of L.A. LIVE Management/Summit Security at all times

THANK YOU for your cooperation and adherence to the above to help ensure a safe and entertaining experience for everyone!

WRIST BAND DETAILS AND EVENT DAY LINE UP TIMES

Twilight fans will be given wristbands starting at 6:00am PT on Thursday, November 10 2011. Wristbands MUST be worn until the premiere is over. Any wristband that has been tampered with or removed will NOT be considered valid. Any fan arriving without wearing the original wristband they were provided will not be allowed into the viewing area. There will be periodic spot checks through November 14, the day of the event.

Summit Entertainment Announces Breaking Dawn Premiere Camping Information

The following information is direct from Summit Entertainment. If there is a question, please post in the comments and we will do our best to get an answer for you.

 

 

TWILIGHT Fans are allowed to begin lining up for camping in Tent City at NOKIA PLAZA L.A. LIVE at 6:00am PT on Thursday, November 10, 2011. No fans are allowed to line-up prior to that time.  The location and start of the official fan camp line will be set by Summit Event Security and all other non-official lines will not be recognized.

Overnight camping is allowed in designated areas only, starting in the Nokia Plaza. Please follow all directions advised by L.A. LIVE and Summit security. Please note, that special wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and each fan must be present to receive a wristband. Each wristband will be numbered and reserves a space in the Fan Viewing areas for the BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 Red Carpet arrivals in sequential order. Every individual who is granted access into Tent City will be entered into a database that matches them with their unique wristband number. The wristbands DO NOT enable access to the Movie Premiere.

Fans will be asked to change location as Premiere set up begins in the Nokia Plaza on Monday morning November 14 at 6:00am PT. This will be the only relocation during the camping event.

PARTIAL LIST OF RULES AND CODES OF CONDUCT:

·        ONLY Standard Sized Pop Tents will be allowed (4’x4′ [16 sq. ft.] or less. No oversized tents, staked tents, etc., due to limited space)

·        ABSOLUTELY No Drugs or Alcohol allowed on premises

·        No Cooking On-Site or open flame

·        No horseplay. If anyone dumps food or beverages on another camper, they will be subject for removal

·        No amplified music. All music devices must be used with headset or earphone

·        Smoking in Designated Areas Only outside of the NOKIA Plaza boundaries

·        Fans are responsible for their own property. LA Live, AEG, nor Summit is responsible for any lost or stolen items

·        Everyone must please pick up after themselves. A fine will be enforced for anyone who litters on Nokia or LA City property

·        Please only use the restrooms designated for fans and respect the other area businesses

·        Guests must follow the rules and directions of L.A. LIVE Management/Summit Security at all times

THANK YOU for your cooperation and adherence to the above to help ensure a safe and entertaining experience for everyone!

WRIST BAND DETAILS AND EVENT DAY LINE UP TIMES

Twilight fans will be given wristbands starting at 6:00am PT on Thursday, November 10 2011. Wristbands MUST be worn until the premiere is over. Any wristband that has been tampered with or removed will NOT be considered valid. Any fan arriving without wearing the original wristband they were provided will not be allowed into the viewing area. There will be periodic spot checks through November 14, the day of the event.

Twilight Time Capsule

Summit Entertainment launches the Twilight Time Capsule, a first-of-its-kind interactive community celebrating worldwide fan activity.
[Read more…]