Union and Top Cow to Develop and Produce Video Games; Create New Content for Comics, Films and Games
For Immediate Release
LOS ANGELES, CA - February 8, 2006 - Union Entertainment and Top Cow Productions today announced a long-term deal that grants Union the exclusive right to develop multiple video game titles based on Top Cow's extensive library of comic book properties. In addition, Union and Top Cow will partner to create new properties that will be developed as comics, video games and feature films. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Top Cow and Union established its relationship on Top Cow's "The Darkness." Union identified the property as having unique video game potential, developed an initial game concept, attached award-winning game developer Starbreeze AB and Eisner Award winner Paul Jenkins, and set it up for next generation console systems.
"Union's unique ability to translate comics to games, package talent and sell to game publishers, as evidenced by 'The Darkness,' makes them a great Top Cow partner," said Matt Hawkins, Top Cow's President and COO.
"The Top Cow / Union deal gives Union a rich universe of content on which to base video games, as well as opportunities to create new content with Top Cow," says Richard Leibowitz, Union President. "As the business of video games further evolves to mirror that of feature films, including demand for source material and above-the-line talent, this deal enables us to meet emerging demands and further establishes Union as the leading Hollywood-style production company in video games."
With "The Darkness" already in production, Union is presently developing other Top Cow properties, including "Witchblade," "Magdalena," "Aphrodite IX," "Hunter/Killer" and "Wanted."
About Union Entertainment, LLC
Union is the first of a new breed of Hollywood production companies that develops properties for both feature films and video games. In addition to its production activities, Union represents select game development, design and writing talent. Established in 2002 and located in Santa Monica, CA, Union has packaged and set up dozens of original and license-based games with top talent and publishers. www.unionent.com
About Top Cow Productions, Inc.
Top Cow was founded in December of 1992 and currently publishes its line of comic books in 21 languages in over 55 different countries. The company has launched 20 franchises (18 original and 2 licensed) in the industries Top 10, seven at #1, a feat accomplished by no other publisher in the last two decades. Its flagship franchise Witchblade was TNT's #1 original film of 2000. Virtually all of Top Cow's other properties are in development as feature films, live action television, animation or video games. Top Cow has also successfully licensed and merchandised its franchises into toys, statues, clothing, lithographs, puppets, posters, magnets, shot glasses, lighters, lunch pails, wall scrolls, mouse pads, die cast cars, calendars, Christmas ornaments, Halloween masks, trading cards, standees, and board and other games. www.topcow.com
Contact:
Union Entertainment
info@unionent.com