TAMPA, Fla. and HOLLYWOOD, Calif., August 11, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) - CrossGen Entertainment, one of the world's leading publishers of comics and graphic novels, has been signed by Endeavor, widely considered one of the leading agencies in the entertainment industry, for representation in the world of film, television and video games, it was announced today.
The pact adds Endeavor to CrossGen's Hollywood "A-Team," which includes Branded Entertainment's president Michael E. Uslan (executive producer of the Batman film franchise) and Branded's vice president F.J. DeSanto, and entertainment counsel, attorney Nancy Newhouse-Porter. Uslan, DeSanto and Porter will continue their work in ushering CrossGen's properties into other mediums, with Endeavor providing a powerhouse punch of talent and connections that will complete the task of moving CrossGen more firmly into the mass consumer entertainment industry.
Endeavor co-founders Rick Rosen and Ariel Emanuel will be handling CrossGen's client relationship, along with a team of Endeavor agents from the worlds of film, television and video games.
"CrossGen has some of the most exciting intellectual property in the business today," said the Endeavor partner in a joint statement. "With titles like 'Sojourn' and 'Way of the Rat,' CrossGen has become a leader in the comic book industry. We're thrilled to be working with them as they expand into television, film and video games."
Mark Alessi, CEO of CrossGen Entertainment, was gratified by Endeavor's enthusiasm for CrossGen's comics.
"As we move our stories and characters into other mediums, the focus for us still has to remain the creation of great comics," Alessi said. "Endeavor's people understand that, and their response to our material shows that every day we work with them. Their people are comics fans and movie fans, and they are committed to helping us bring our stories to life in ways that make sense. They get it, and we're proud to be with them."
About The Endeavor Agency
Endeavor is an integrated talent and literary agency that represents some of the most prolific writers, producers, directors and actors worldwide. By placing service and client needs above all, Endeavor has become one of the leading agencies in the entertainment industry.
Endeavor is widely considered one of the top talent agencies in the world. They count Ben Affleck, Drew Barrymore, Matt Damon, Vin Diesel, Michael Douglas, Diane Lane, Edward Norton, Adam Sandler and Mark Wahlberg among their talent clients and Martin Scorsese, Aaron Sorkin and John Woo among their distinguished writers and directors. Endeavor has 18 returning shows in the prime time television line-up and 13 new shows debuting in the fall or at midseason. Endeavor clients run nearly 40% of network television shows and work on 80% of television real estate. The agency's television packages include "The West Wing," "Alias," "That '70s Show," "Without a Trace," "The Gilmore Girls" and "WWE Smackdown."
About CrossGen Entertainment, Inc.
CrossGen Entertainment is based just outside of Tampa, Florida. Since its initial publication launch on May 24, 2000, CrossGen has grown into the comic industry's fourth largest print publisher, with its entire line of stories represented in 34 countries and 12 languages, and multiple imprints -- including CrossGen Comics and Code 6 Comics -- expanding the scope and reach of the worldwide comics marketplace. The company has a long-term exclusive development deal with Branded Entertainment, a film and television production company helmed by long-time Batman film and animated feature executive producer Michael Uslan. The CrossGen comics Brath, Crux, The First, Meridian, Mystic, Negation, The Path, Route 666, Ruse, Scion, Sigil, Sojourn, Solus and Way of the Rat, and Code 6 comics The Crossovers, DemonWars and Lady Death, are available as comic books and graphic novels in comic book specialty stores and bookstores everywhere, with a different title on sale each Wednesday. CrossGen has launched its landmark Internet publication, www.comicsontheweb.com, with partners including Lycos, Ifilm, Clear Channel Radio Interactive, ucomics.com, and many others. Recently, CrossGen announced 11 film and television deals that will see many of its properties developed over the next few years. Most recently, it was announced that Intec Interactive will be publishing a CrossGen Digital Comic Book Series on DVD, with 10 DVDs scheduled for release fall of 2003. Additional information about CrossGen Entertainment can be found at www.crossgen.com.