LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Platinum Studios (www.PlatinumStudios.com), an entertainment media company that controls one of the world’s largest independent libraries of comic book characters, today announced the lineup of judges for Platinum Studios’ 2007 Comic Book Challenge presented by AT&T. The panelists include John H. Williams, producer for the “Shrek” film series; actor Donald Faison of hit TV program “Scrubs;” Platinum Studios’ CEO Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, who discovered the “Men In Black” comic and brought it to the big screen, and D.J. Coffman, winner of last year’s Comic Book Challenge.
“The best part about this year’s panel for Platinum Studios’ 2007 Comic Book Challenge is that we’re truly a group of fans ‘moonlighting’ as Hollywood insiders,” said Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, chairman and CEO of Platinum Studios. “Donald, John and I all grew up reading and enjoying some of the best titles the genre has to offer, and that’s exactly what we’ll be looking for from the Top 50 entrants who have made it to the pitch phase of the Comic Book Challenge.”
The Top 50 entrants in Platinum Studios’ 2007 Comic Book Challenge will present their concepts to this panel of industry judges live next week at a secret location near International Comic-Con in San Diego. The annual competition invites aspiring creators from around the world to submit original comic-book concepts in a head-to-head challenge, of which the winner will receive a multi-media development and publishing deal that includes print, online and mobile distribution as well as the creation of a licensing and merchandising program — a rare opportunity for newcomers to a fiercely competitive segment of the entertainment industry. Additionally, Platinum Studios expects to help develop the property for a potential film and television deal.
“The best part about Platinum Studios’ Comic Book Challenge is that they really offer newcomers the resources and backing needed to make it in today’s comic book industry,” added Williams. “With 20 years of experience in my back pocket, I can truly say that that’s the kind of team you want in your corner in this industry.”
“As an artist and an actor, I’m truly excited to be a part of a worldwide competition to find some of the industry’s hottest new creators,” said Donald Faison. “The genre has been one of my favorite pastimes partly because it has again and again proven to be an incubator for some of Hollywood’s biggest films.”
Faison’s and Williams’ screen credits include some of the industry’s most-memorable hits and award-winning series. Williams was a producer on all three of DreamWorks’ “Shrek” installments, as well as films such as “Tuxedo” starring Jackie Chan and “Seven Years in Tibet” starring Brad Pitt.
Actor Donald Faison currently stars as ‘Dr. Christopher Turk’ in his seventh season on NBC’s Emmy-nominated series “Scrubs.” Faison made his film debut in a role opposite Angela Bassett in “Waiting to Exhale,” and has appeared in numerous other major feature films including “Something New,” “Clueless” and “Remember the Titans.”
As the winner of last year’s Comic Book Challenge, D.J. Coffman has received accolades and winning reviews for his debut “Hero By Night.” The story centers on Jack King, a young man who discovers the secret lair of a 1950’s superhero in his new apartment building and must decide whether or not to use the hero’s source of power to become a superhero himself.
Coffman has a unique role on the panel during this year’s Comic Book Challenge -- providing running commentary and analysis for the AT&T blue room web-broadcast of the Top 50 entrants’ pitches. Platinum Studios recently welcomed AT&T as the presenting sponsor of the Comic Book Challenge for the next three years. Fans can see the best the competition has to offer, vote for their favorites online and see the web-broadcast at www.attblueroom.com/hollywood beginning in late July.
Entries for Platinum Studios Comic Book Challenge came from six continents and 21 countries. The winner of the 2007 Comic Book Challenge will be formally announced in late August, and the winner's comic book or graphic novel will be published and premiere at a major Wizard World convention in 2008. For more information on the Platinum Studios’ Comic Book Challenge please visit www.PlatinumStudios.com.
“With top-notch talent coming from around the globe, this year’s event will be one to remember,” concluded Rosenberg.