January 22, 2004

By: Stan Russ
Website: http://www.1st-in-toys.com

Celestial Launches Action Figures to Spark SUPER INFRAMAN Fever

Since its establishment in 2000, Celestial Pictures has fervently marketed and promoted Chinese-language motion pictures worldwide. Through its acquisition of the world's largest Chinese film library - the Shaw Brothers film library --, Celestial Pictures owns the rights to a unique treasure-trove of Chinese-language motion pictures, many of which have not been available to audiences since their initial theatrical release. The response has been overwhelmingly positive from both the trade and the Chinese-language movie viewing public, since Celestial Pictures released the first batch of Shaw Brother's movie masterpieces, digitally re-mastered on DVD and VCD formats, at the end of 2002. In addition to their release in Hong Kong, the movie classics were also launched with success in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China and will soon be launched in Europe and North America.

Celestial Pictures is proud to announce the production of its first editions of Super Inframan action figures. To be released along with the movie on VCD format in Hong Kong. Celestial Pictures in partnership with a leading Hong Kong toy design and marketing firm Dog 9, and manufacturer C L Creations, have jointly developed two series of Super Inframan action figures - a Human-Like Series as well as a cute Koobo Series. A limited number of these action-figure VCD packs will go on sale at the Hong Kong Plug-In Toycon Summer 2003, which opens 22nd August, 2003. Hong Kong residents will also be able to purchase them at Seibu and SOGO department stores, as well as at selected toys and audio-visual retail outlets across Hong Kong SAR.

William Pfeiffer, CEO, Celestial Pictures enthusiastically states: The Super Inframan action figures series is the front-runner for other forthcoming non-video products from Celestial Pictures. We will continue to actively develop other movie-derived or related products and services, such as wireless content downloads, thus broadening the company's revenue streams. These new initiatives will enable Celestial Pictures to reach its goal of becoming the region's leading integrated entertainment organization.

Patty Keung, Celestial's Group Marketing Director continued, We have specifically chosen Super Inframan for the production special-edition action figures because of the huge following of Ultraman and Masked Rider around the world, especially that of younger audiences. In fact, the character Super Inframan was initially introduced to the world in the 1970's; the movie was first released in 1975. It was produced under the supervision of Hong Kong's multi-talented media icon Cai Lan; written by renowned fantasy and sci-fi novelist Ni Kuang and starred local superstar actor and later distinguished director, Danny Lee, in the title character role. This Hong Kong production's distinct style, action-packed encounters with monsters and its real-life intensity, is on par with any modern-day productions or Japanese movies of the same genre. We are confident that not only will these special collector's edition action figures help successfully promote Super Inframan - the movie, it will also attract a new younger audience to notice the Shaw Brothers film library. Keung has bullish expectations for Super Inframan and its derived products and services.

Ricky Lam, Chairman of Dog 9 remarks: We are extremely honored to be working with Celestial Pictures. Consolidating from Celestial Pictures' exceptional action movie classic and synergizing both our toy companies' limitless creativity, we are confident of sparking alight a fresh new wave of Super Inframan fever. We will be implementing a comprehensive marketing campaign, which will include a dedicated Super Inframan booth at the Hong Kong Plug-In Toycon Summer 2003. In addition, we are placing advertisements in leading magazines and publications targeted at the younger generation in Hong Kong and Asia. We are very confident that our first partnership with Celestial Pictures will be a fruitful one.

The production of the first series of action figures will be just one integral part of Celestial Pictures' marketing and promotions program for the re-release of Super Inframan - the movie. Other elements include wireless MMS and wallpaper download services, working in alliance with Asia's mobile phone service providers. Also underway are co-operations with games producers and music publishers. Another opportunity which is currently being explored is to remake the movie with other film studios. This integrated marketing program for Super Inframan, will set the precedent and model on how Celestial Pictures will implement future marketing strategies and to maximize revenues for its properties.

Also see: Action Figures

About The Author:

Stan Russ is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-toys.com.  Find all the toys you wish you had as a kid. Fun and educational toys found here.