Lionsgate UK Acquires Stake In Kids TV Producer Kindle Entertainment – Deadline

Making its first move into the TV business, Lionsgate UK has taken a 25% equity stake in indie Kindle Entertainment. A BAFTA-winning producer, Kindle makes drama and comedy series across family, kids, primetime and young adult. Among its credits are 2012 Sky/Syfy mini Treasure Island; Henry Winkler series Hank Zipzer; and interactive mystery Dixi.

The move for Lionsgate UK comes as the British arm of the indie giant has lately been expanding its distribution business and increasing investment in local film and creative talent. The company said earlier this year that it will finance and co-invest in at least 25 British films over the next four years.

"We're thrilled to be in business with the incredibly talented team at Kindle Entertainment and excited to explore new creative opportunities together as we begin to build our Lionsgate television brand in the UK and look to replicate the success of our film business," says CEO Zygi Kamasa. "Our new strategic partnership broadens and deepens our support of British filmed entertainment, continues the diversification of our business and capitalizes on the momentum already established by Lionsgate's growing worldwide television operations."

The company recently had a big opening with Oscar contender Brooklyn and has set an April 1 release for Dexter Fletcher's Eddie The Eagle.

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Lionsgate UK Acquires Stake In Kids TV Producer Kindle Entertainment – Deadline

Making its first move into the TV business, Lionsgate UK has taken a 25% equity stake in indie Kindle Entertainment. A BAFTA-winning producer, Kindle makes drama and comedy series across family, kids, primetime and young adult. Among its credits are 2012 Sky/Syfy mini Treasure Island; Henry Winkler series Hank Zipzer; and interactive mystery Dixi.

The move for Lionsgate UK comes as the British arm of the indie giant has lately been expanding its distribution business and increasing investment in local film and creative talent. The company said earlier this year that it will finance and co-invest in at least 25 British films over the next four years.

"We're thrilled to be in business with the incredibly talented team at Kindle Entertainment and excited to explore new creative opportunities together as we begin to build our Lionsgate television brand in the UK and look to replicate the success of our film business," says CEO Zygi Kamasa. "Our new strategic partnership broadens and deepens our support of British filmed entertainment, continues the diversification of our business and capitalizes on the momentum already established by Lionsgate's growing worldwide television operations."

The company recently had a big opening with Oscar contender Brooklyn and has set an April 1 release for Dexter Fletcher's Eddie The Eagle.

Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy

Which Amazon Kindle is best for you? Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite or Kindle Voyage? – Pocket-lint.com

The Kindle reader is one of the most popular choices for ebook reading, letting you read your favourite books on a digital device, without the drawbacks that come with using a tablet or smartphone.

Not only is the Kindle power efficient, meaning it will last weeks on a charge, but it’s connected, meaning you can easily download new books and it’s incredibly easy to use, with seamless integration with your Amazon account.

Amazon’s Kindle selection has evolved since the first inception, making these readers better in many areas, bringing the display closer to the experience of reading on paper, and adding plenty of new features.

The real decision is which model you should buy. There are currently three models of Kindle offered by Amazon: the Kindle, the Kindle Paperwhite and the Kindle Voyage.

Amazon

Amazon Kindle

The basic Kindle comes with the huge advantage of being the cheapest of the lot. Starting at £59.99, it’s £50 cheaper than the next model up, so it’s a veritable bargain. It’s worth noting, however, that the £59.99 version comes with “special offers”. These are basically adverts that show on the Kindle when the screen is in sleep mode. Opt to go without these adverts and it’s £69.99.

The Kindle has a 6-inch E Ink Pearl display with no illumination. It has a 169ppi which is plenty sharp enough for reading, although the contrast isn’t quite as high as the Paperwhite or the Voyage, and the fonts are a little softer.

It is a touchscreen and comes with built-in Wi-Fi meaning you can connect to the internet to update your books. The internal storage will hold thousands of books and the battery will see you through weeks of use.

WHY BUY?

This is the most affordable Kindle reader and the lack of illumination makes it a great choice for kids, as they won’t be reading after lights out.

It’s not as technically proficient as the other models, but importantly, the reading experience and connectivity at home is good. We’d stump for the version with no special offers.

PRICE: £59.99 (with special offers), £69.99 (no special offers).

READ MORE Amazon Kindle review

Amazon

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

The big difference between the Paperwhite and the regular Kindle is the illuminated display. This isn’t rear illumination like you’ll find on a tablet or phone, instead it’s lighting that shines across the display so you can see the words. That means you can read in low light or the dark, ideal for reading in a tent, on a plane at night and so on.

The 6-inch E Ink Carta display offers 300dpi and has better contrast than the regular Kindle, meaning whites are brighter and blacks are deeper. Again, this is a touchscreen device, integrated with Amazon to deliver your books, and a battery that lasts for weeks.

Unlike the normal Kindle however, the Paperwhite comes in Wi-Fi or 3G options. The latter has the advantage that you’re always connected, meaning that if you finish your book lying on the beach in Spain, you can browse and buy the next bestseller and get reading.

It’s more expensive, however, starting at £109.99 for the Wi-Fi only, with “special offers”. Again, it’s £10 more if you don’t want those adverts. However, if you’re after that option to be always connected through 3G, it’s £169.99 (with special offers) or £179.99 (no special offers). If you do opt for 3G the connection data is included in the price.

WHY BUY?

The illumination is the big seller here along with the higher resolution for a sharper reading experience. It makes reading a pleasure, day or night.

The £109.99 option is a winner if you’re happy to accept those special offers and think you can live with Wi-Fi only.

PRICE: From £109.99 

READ MORE Amazon Kindle Paperwhite review

Amazon

Amazon Kindle Voyage

At the top of the Kindle pile is the Voyage. This is an evolution of the Paperwhite and offers many of the same experiences. It has the same 6-inch Carta E Ink display with 300dpi and illumination, but with a difference.

In this case the illumination is adaptive, changing automatically to suit the environment you’re in. That will give a lovely soft illumination when it’s really dark, so it doesn’t dazzle and strain your eyes, changing as the environment does for optimal reading conditions. 

Not only that, but the build is a step above the Kindle Paperwhite too. On the Voyage there’s a flat front, ditching the plastic bezel for a slicker, cleaner design. This design integrates page turning sensors that react to pressure, meaning there’s no need to tap on the edge of the display, you just press a little harder and the page turns.

Again, there are Wi-Fi or 3G options, offering the same benefits as the regular Paperwhite, allowing you to be connected wherever you might be. Perhaps surprisingly, the Voyage is the lightest of all the Kindle models, ideal for those travelling and again offers storage for thousands of books and a battery that last weeks.

It’s the most costly Kindle too. Starting at £169.99 for the Wi-Fi only model, or £229.99 for the 3G model. Again, if you opt for 3G, all your access data is included in the purchase price.

WHY BUY?

Choose the Kindle Voyage because you want the lightest and slickest Kindle of the bunch.

The adaptive illumination makes for a premium experience, with no need to dive into the settings, combined with an effortlessly natural page turning sensor. It’s the best, but that’s reflected in the price.

PRICE: From £169.99 

READ MORE Amazon Kindle Voyage review

Choose and cut Christmas trees kindle family tradition – Carroll County Times

Armed with a child-sized saw, Aurora Hayes, 5, paused to inspect a 6-inch white pine tree on an unseasonably warm Sunday afternoon at Otterdale View Christmas Tree Farm in Union Bridge.

“In 20 years, you can come back and take that home to your house,” Aurora’s mother, Melissa Hayes, explained.

Hayes, of Westminster, said her family has visited the farm for as long as she can remember to cut down their own Christmas tree. Her mother, Sherry Sipes, usually has the final say and is partial to blue spruce trees because the needles deter pets from climbing them.

“It’s such a nice day to be out here. There’s only one other year I can remember where I picked out a tree in shorts. This is great, I just feel like there’s something wrong with picking out a tree from a parking lot,” Hayes said.

Aurora’s brother Mikey Hayes, 6, stopped the outing when he shouted, “This one needs a home!” The group trotted over to inspect Mikey’s pick and deemed it too large. Ultimately, the family decided on a 6-foot tree.

“This one is perfect!” Mikey exclaimed.

According to Jean Coshun, who runs Otterdale View Christmas Tree Farm with her husband, Bill, the family raises 20 acres of white pine, Canaan fir, Norway spruce and blue spruce trees. Formerly dairy farmers, the Coshuns also grow soybeans, corn and hay. Jean said she started selling wreaths at the Carroll County Agriculture Center’s farmers’ market 29 years ago and they were so popular that the family decided to start a “choose and cut” Christmas tree operation five years later.

“We like hard work and enjoy running a family-owned business,” Jean said, adding, “We enjoy watching people who have grown up getting their trees here come back with their own children and make it a tradition. We treat everyone like they’re family.”

Bill said the customers return for the cozy atmosphere and the hot apple cider they serve.

“It’s something the kids remember every year,” Bill said.

The farm also features a Christmas light show designed by the Coshuns’ son Joe. Joe, a Messiah College junior who studies electrical and computer engineering, created the show four years ago.

“He sets it up on two controllers and programs the lights to the music,” Bill explained. “We have a wide variety of holiday music – there’s something for everyone. We love to come out here on nice nights like tonight and watch it.”

Joe, 20, said in a telephone interview that he is looking forward to coming home to help his parents on the farm.

“I just really enjoy being able to see the joy on people’s faces when they pick out a tree,” he said.

April and Paul Heffner, of Taneytown, explored the farm with their sons, Nathan, 4, and Isaiah, 15 months.

“We’ve been coming to this farm for four years,” April said. “We love their trees. There’s always such a great variety.”

Anne Dorwart, of Sykesville, searched for the perfect tree with her husband, Richard Hershberger, and their daughters, Becca, 8, and Maggie, 6.

“It’s our second year here – it’s becoming a tradition. It’s nice to have a real tree with that great pine smell,” Anne said. “The girls get such joy picking out the right tree.”

Sofia Herrmann, 11, pulled a freshly cut tree on a tarp with her mother Linda, of Union Bridge.

“We’re looking forward to putting it up when we get home and decorating it,” Sofia said.

Newlyweds Jessica and Bryant Harris, of Westminster, sported flip-flops and short sleeves to pick out their tree.

“I can’t believe I’m sweating in December,” said Bryant as he cut the tree down, adding, “I’m really looking forward to spending time together and beginning our own traditions.”

michel.elben@carrollcountytimes.com

410-857-7873

twitter.com/MichelElben

The L Word The great Kindle debate – Luxemburger Wort – English Edition

By Sarita Rao

The top of my 8-year-old's Christmas list was a Kindle Fire.

Dad's got one. Most of her class has one. If I get her one, will I be opening a Pandora's box or a box of wonder and learning?

As a child, I hated reading. My mother had to use all manner of bribery and threats to get me to open a book. My daughter is different. She willingly reads at least five books a week, more over the holidays.

Apart from the astronomical costs of buying all this reading matter, I am wracked with guilt that we are the cause of major deforestation. Surely an e-reader would be more environmentally friendly, not to mention cheaper.

As an experiment, we let her try out dad's Kindle. Night time reading was a hit, but infinitely more time has been spent poking the screen playing Panda Pop–we’ve definitely downloaded more games than books.

Parents don't know

Online advice is random and far from helpful. "Wait until they're 14,” says one article that bemoans the loss of childhood and teenagers glued to their smart phones. It suggests I teach her quilting. I don't even know what that is.

"Kids can benefit from tablet time from the age of 2 years," says an iPad fanatic. So nothing wrong with learning the theory of relativity when on the potty then?

My gadget-savvy dad friend tells me I'm not moving with the times. Technology frees a child's mind. His Minecraft-mad daughter regularly builds an entire city over a weekend. My daughter draws monsters on pieces of paper and cuts them out. She will not get a job doing this.

Am I a techie Luddite? (Well, I'm writing this column on a 10-year-old Windows Vista PC. )

Anyway, what would my daughter want with quad-core processors, flash memory and a Li-polymer battery? We both still firmly believe a Kit Kat is something you eat.

But you can't escape the fact that a tablet is mobile and has infinite education possibilities besides online books. That it weighs practically nothing is also a big bonus.

Not so long ago at an airport check-in, I had to choose between essential toiletries and my daughter's box set of “Mr Gum”. You can guess which family smelt bad that weekend.

It's a “yes” vote

So, in principle I am saying “yes” because the educational benefits are clear, and she'll acquire the tech know-how she'll need for the future, when robots will do everything.

I've never said, "Put down that book and come watch TV," but I can imagine I'll have to set time limits on the Kindle if I want her to be part of the 3D world of family.

Then there's the question of where I let her use it–in the car, on the bus, at a friend's house? Should she use it in a box, with a fox, wearing socks, eating green eggs and ham?

Just as I've reasoned through all the potential pitfalls, the Kindle debate comes to an abrupt end. My daughter has changed her mind–in the whimsical way of children.

Why would she want an e-reader for Christmas when there is Roboraptor?

I can't think of anything good about a 120-euro robot dinosaur, unless as well as roaring around the living room it can also cook dinner, teach maths and recite Shakespeare.

Having just convinced myself of all the benefits of a Kindle, I will not let a prehistoric oxymoron change my mind.

I sense another mother-daughter talk in the offing. This time I'll be the one arguing the case for a Kindle. Who'd have thought?

Read Sarita Rao’s other articles in her column: The L Word 

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Amazon’s new Kindle is a bit of all white – Pocket-lint.com

Amazon has revealed a new version of its Kindle with a festive feel just in time for Christmas. Yes, this Kindle is snowy white.

Apart from being white the new Kindle is the same as the current black model in terms of specs and offerings.

That means the white Kindle features a low-power touch screen display capable of a battery life of over a month. Access to over one million books is possible via the Kindle Store. The device is 20 per cent faster than the previous generation and offers double the storage space.

Amazon features include Whispersync for picking up where you left off across devices, X-Ray to quickly look up character information, plus adjustable font sizes all in a small form.

Parent friendly features include Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise to help children learn while reading.

The Kindle White is available now for £60.

More books are available via Kindle Unlimited for £8 per month giving access to one million books and thousands of audiobooks with unlimited listening and reading. Plus there’s Kindle First which offers a monthly book in advance of their release for 99p or free to Prime members.

READ: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2015) vs Amazon Kindle Voyage: What’s the difference?

Luke Edwards

Luke has been touching up tech, and writing, for over a decade across FHM, Stuff, T3 and Shortlist to name a few. With an MA and NCTJs in journalism and an unquenchable love of gadgets, no tech escapes his digits. If you notice comic book, film and adventure sport references in his copy, don’t fret, he’s obsessed with those too.