Radical Studios Explained

Radical Studios
Type:Private multimedia studio
Foundation:2007
Location:Los Angeles, California
Industry:Film and publishing
Products:Film and comics
Parent:Blatant Entertainment, Inc.
Divisions:Radical Publishing
Radical Pictures
Radical Comics
Radical Interactive
Radical Family
Founders:Jesse Berger
Barry Levine

Radical Studios was an American multimedia studio headquartered in Los Angeles, California.[1] It had branches in feature films, television, physical and digital publishing, merchandise, recorded music, digital and online media applications and mobile and social games.[2]

History

Radical Publishing was founded in 2007 by Barry Levine, David Elliott, Jesse Berger, and Matthew Berger.[3] [4] [5]

The company launched its first titles, Hercules and Caliber, in May 2008.[6] In May 2009 Elliott left the company, being replaced by new Editor-in-Chief David Wohl.[7] [8]

In September 2010, the company rebranded itself as Radical Studios.[9]

In 2011, the company reduced its overall staff.[10] In January, 2012 David Wohl announced that he was leaving the company.[11] Shortly after, the company removed their title Under the Faerie Moon from Free Comic Book Day[12] and cancelled the release of Damaged issue 6.[13]

In March 2012, the company began production on the movie Oblivion with Universal Pictures, based on an unpublished book created by director Joseph Kosinski, starring Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Andrea Riseborough, Olga Kurylenko and Melissa Leo.[14] The film opened #1 at the box office on April 19, 2013, generating $38.5 million in its US opening weekend.[15] The film went on to generate $89 million in the US box office and $198 million internationally, for a global cumulative gross of $287 million.[16]

In February 2013, the company raised $3m in equity from Los Angeles-based production company Wolfiskin Productions, to help expand its digital strategy and licensing capabilities.[17]

In June 2013, the company started production on Hercules, with MGM and Paramount Pictures, starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, based on the Radical Comics' series Hercules: The Thracian Wars.[18] The movie opened at #2 in the box office on July 25, 2014, generating $29.8M in its US opening weekend.[19] The film went on to generate $72 million in the US box office and $170 million internationally, for a global cume of $243 million.

Film

Stemming from its start as a comic book publisher, and in regards to its comics, Radical Founder Barry Levine stated that “each title is built with the assumption the comic book will eventually land on the big screen.” These tools are used to attract film directors and other talent for attachment to a project during the development process. Lastly, Radical sometimes employs the comic’s series writer to draft an initial screenplay of their work as a part of the film pitch package presented to studios.[20] Using these strategies, Radical has attracted various Hollywood talent and studios to their projects.

Released films

Films in development

Len Wiseman (Underworld) has been attached to direct and produce a film adaptation, but dropped out. Hilary Swank will star and produce the movie with Sean Daniel and Radical Pictures from a script by Toby Wagstaff.[40]

Publishing

The company launched its first comic titles, Hercules and Caliber, in May 2008 as 5-issue mini-series and debuted as the #7 comic book company in North American comic book shops in market share based on a monthly report by ICV2.[42] Rather than the superheroes typical of Marvel and DC Comics, Radical’s titles focus on retellings of iconic fictional characters, mythology, science fiction, fantasy, horror, historical fiction, supernatural themes, and genre-based crime.[43] Radical releases comics first as miniseries, and then combines these miniseries into paperback collections. Radical’s strategy in the comic book business is to create properties that feature painted art and “great stories that will appeal to the fans and the marketplace as a whole."[44] [45] Many of Radical’s titles are published in a larger 48-page form, rather than the industry standard 22-page format. Radical comics are distributed in both mass market stores and specialized comic book shops.[46] by Diamond Comic Distributors of North America.[45] At one point Radical had a distribution deal for mass market stores in the United States and Canada by Random House.[47] However, the company rejoined Diamond Comic Distributors in 2011. As of 2012, Radical has published 20 different titles and is currently distributed by Diamond Comic Distributors.[48] Currently, Radical has not released any new comics or graphic novels since the release of Damaged issue 5 on February 1, 2012. The final issue of Damaged has since been cancelled.

The company has released a number of titles:

Reprints

They are also collecting and reprinting works previously published elsewhere:

Awards

Radical received the 2008 Diamond Gem Award for New Comic Book Publisher of the Year from Diamond Comic Distributors. Diamond Comic Distributors is recognized as the premier comic book distributor in North America. The awards are voted on by the comic book store retailers, and are based on the overall impact of the publisher on the industry, taking into account sales performance, quality and creativity.[67] [68] [69] Radical received the award for their first two titles, Hercules: The Thracian Wars and Caliber: First Canon of Justice. Both comics were launched in May 2008, and enjoyed sellout performances.[70]

Legends: The Enchanted won the HorrorNews Net award for Best Original Graphic Novel 2010.[71]

Legends: The Enchanted was nominated for an Eagle Award for Favourite Single Story 2010.[72]

Legal

In July 2009, it was reported that Elliott had filed a lawsuit against Radical Publishing's parent company, Blatant Entertainment. The lawsuit cited disagreements over unpaid wages, as well as contract and copyright disputes as reasoning behind the action.[73]

In early 2010, Radical Studios had to halt publication of Nick Simmons' series Incarnate following accusations of plagiarism.[74] [75]

References

Sources

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Radical Plans for Comics, Books, Films . . January 12, 2009 . March 23, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100302023611/http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/401095-Radical_Plans_for_Comics_Books_Films.php . March 2, 2010 .
  2. Web site: About Radical | Radical Studios, Inc.Radical Studios, Inc . Radicalpublishing.com . 2014-07-23.
  3. Web site: Septagon Studios spotlights Radical Publishing. Radical Publishing. August 4, 2008. Radical Comics. 3 December 2009. 4 August 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090804105502/http://blog.radicalcomics.com/labels/Aladdin.html. bot: unknown. from original December 3, 2009.
  4. Web site: Radical Publishing's Ambitious Agenda . ICv2 . 2007-08-17 . 2014-07-23.
  5. Web site: Radical Publishing's Ambitious Agenda . Webcitation.org . 2014-07-23 . unfit . https://web.archive.org/web/20090831081336/http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/11126.html . August 31, 2009 .
  6. Glazer, Gianluca, "Radical Publishing Set To Debut Their First Titles In May, 2008" (press release), Comic Book Resources, April 23, 2008, accessed December 3, 2009. Archived from original December 3, 2009.
  7. Staff, "David Wohl Named New Radical Comic EiC" (press release), Comic Book Resources, May 19, 2009, accessed December 3, 2009. Archived December 3, 2009.
  8. Web site: Shaun . Manning . David Wohl Discusses New Role as Radical's EiC . . August 18, 2009 . February 26, 2010 .
  9. Web site: Radical Publishing Becomes Radical Studios, Values Itself At $84,000,000 (BleediLeaks) - Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movie, TV News . Bleedingcool.com . 2011-01-31 . 2014-07-23.
  10. Web site: Four Names Off The Masthead At Radical Publishing - Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movie, TV News . Bleedingcool.com . 2011-09-21 . 2014-07-23.
  11. Web site: David Wolh No Longer Editor In Chief Of Radical Entertainment - Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movie, TV News . Bleedingcool.com . 2012-01-13 . 2014-07-23.
  12. Web site: Radical Publishing Drops Out Of Free Comic Book Day - Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movie, TV News . Bleedingcool.com . 2012-02-14 . 2014-07-23.
  13. Web site: Diamond Distribution Cancellations for May 2013 . ComicList . 2013-04-12 . 2014-07-23.
  14. News: Melissa Leo Joins Tom Cruise Pic 'Oblivion'. Fleming. Mike Jr.. 2012-03-23. Deadline. 2017-02-18. en-US.
  15. News: Costly 'Oblivion' $13.3M Friday And $38.5M Weekend: Tom Cruise's Bigger Openings. Finke. Nikki. 2013-04-20. Deadline. 2017-02-18. en-US.
  16. News: Oblivion (2013) - Financial Information. The Numbers. 2017-02-18.
  17. News: Comicbook publisher Radical Studios raises $3 million. Abrams. Rachel. 2013-02-04. Variety. 2017-02-18. en-US.
  18. Web site: Paramount & MGM Begin Production on Hercules. Greenberger. Robert. 2013-06-10. ComicMix. 2017-02-18.
  19. News: Box Office Final: 'Lucy' In The Sky At $43.9M; 'Hercules' At $29.8M; Top 20 Listed. Busch. Anita. 2014-07-28. Deadline. 2017-02-18. en-US.
  20. Web site: Bug talks with Radical Comics' Barry Levine. Ain’t It Cool. 2010-03-23.
  21. Web site: 'Tron Legacy' Director Offers 'Oblivion' Update . https://web.archive.org/web/20100122163838/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/01/20/tron-legacy-director-offers-oblivion-update/#more-28090. dead. January 22, 2010. MTV News. 2010-03-23.
  22. Web site: NYCC '09 - New Projects, New Format: The Radical Panel. Newsarama. 2010-03-23.
  23. News: Tron Legacy Director into 'Oblivion'. The Hollywood Reporter. 2010-03-23. Borys. Kit. July 29, 2009.
  24. Web site: Olga Kurylenko and Andrea Riseborough Join Tom Cruise in Untitled Sci-Fi Pic. Collider.com. January 19, 2012. March 21, 2012. Trumbore, Dave.
  25. Web site: Universal Moves Sci-Fi Film OBLIVION Starring Tom Cruise Up to April 26, 2013. Collider.com. March 15, 2012. March 21, 2012. Chitwood, Adam.
  26. Web site: Oblivion, Based On The Non-Existing Graphic Novel - Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movie, TV News. Bleedingcool.com. 2013-04-12. 2014-07-23.
  27. Web site: Jeff Sneider . Dwayne Johnson signs on as Hercules. Variety . 2012-03-05. 2014-07-23.
  28. Web site: Wales. George. Dwayne Johnson to play Brett Ratner's Hercules. TotalFilm.com. 2012-02-24. 2014-07-23.
  29. News: 'Headhunters' Star Joining Dwayne Johnson in 'Hercules' (Exclusive). The Hollywood Reporter. Borys. Kit.
  30. Web site: Fleming. Mike. Rufus Sewell Cast In 'Hercules' Movie With Dwayne Johnson. Deadline.com . 2013-03-20. 2014-07-23.
  31. Web site: Ian McShane Joins Dwayne Johnson in 'Hercules' for MGM and Paramount (Exclusive) - Hollywood Reporter. M.hollywoodreporter.com. 2013-03-21. 2014-07-23.
  32. News: Bousman to bloody up 'Abattoir'. Variety. 2010-03-23. Michael. Fleming. July 21, 2009.
  33. Web site: Fleming. Mike Jr.. Commercial & Video Wiz Anthony Mandler To Helm 'The Last Days Of American Crime'. Deadline.com . 2012-03-12. 2014-07-23.
  34. Web site: 'Last Days of American Crime' Gets New Director, Loses Worthington. FirstShowing.net. 2012-03-13. 2014-07-23.
  35. Web site: Radical Plans for Comics, Books, Films. Publishers Weekly. 2010-03-23.
  36. Web site: 'Freedom Formula' Adaptation Gets Official With New Regency & Bryan Singer. https://web.archive.org/web/20090326133539/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/03/24/freedom-formula-adaptation-gets-official-with-new-regency-bryan-singer/. dead. March 26, 2009. MTV News. 2010-03-23.
  37. News: Radical gets help from Singapore co.: Graphic novel publisher inks film financing deal. Variety. 2010-03-23. Michael. Fleming. October 9, 2008.
  38. News: Hero Complex: Barry Levine and his Radical plan in Hollywood. Los Angeles Times. 2010-03-23. December 7, 2008.
  39. Web site: CCI: RADICAL'S NEW COMICS, FILMS. Comic Book Resources. 2010-03-23.
  40. Web site: Sneider. Jeff. Hilary Swank grabs hold of 'Shrapnel'. 20 July 2011. Variety. 16 August 2017.
  41. Web site: SuperHeroHype. Worthington Teams Up with Radical for Damaged. 1 July 2010. SuperHeroHype. 3 August 2017.
  42. Web site: CBR Community . Forums.comicbookresources.com . 2014-04-30 . 2014-07-23.
  43. News: Radical Publishing Raises the Bar on Comics . . 2010-03-23 . Jonathan H. . Liu . December 1, 2009.
  44. Web site: Radical Publishing to Debut at San Diego Comic-Con . Comic Book Resources . 2014-07-23.
  45. Web site: Reid . Calvin . Radical Plans for Comics, Books, Films . Publishersweekly.com . 2009-01-12 . 2014-07-23.
  46. Web site: CCI: RADICAL'S NEW COMICS, FILMS . . 2010-03-23.
  47. Web site: Radical Goes With Random House . ICv2 . 2014-07-23.
  48. Web site: Radical Publishing Rejoins Diamond Book Distributors . Comic Book Resources . 2014-07-23.
  49. Web site: Moore Talks "Hercules: The Thracian Wars" . Comic Book Resources . 2014-07-23.
  50. Web site: Steve Moore on Hercules: The Knives of Kush . Comic Book Resources . 2014-07-23.
  51. Web site: Arthur & The Knights of the OK Corral: Sarkar talks "Caliber" . Comic Book Resources . 2014-07-23.
  52. Web site: Designing the City of Dust - Artists Zid & Chng Spill . Newsarama.com . 2008-11-13 . 2014-07-23.
  53. Web site: Kai talks Radical's Sci-Fi Epic "Shrapnel" . Comic Book Resources . 2014-07-23.
  54. Web site: Sagan & Long on Radical's 'Shrapnel: Aristeia Rising' . Newsarama.com . 2008-11-07 . 2014-07-23.
  55. Web site: Hotwire gallery . Stevepugh.com . 2011-09-12.
  56. Web site: Steve Pugh, Warren Ellis create "Hotwire" for Radical . Comic Book Resources . 2014-07-23.
  57. Web site: Zombies, Vampires and U.S. History?? David Hine on 'FVZA' . Newsarama.com . 2009-03-19 . 2014-07-23.
  58. Web site: Alex . Rodriguez . Nick Simmons: Bringing the Revenants to Life . . July 23, 2009 . August 16, 2009 . July 26, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090726165217/http://www.comicsbulletin.com/features/124838253365689.htm . dead .
  59. Web site: Steve . Sunu . Nick Percival creates Legends . . November 17, 2009 . November 24, 2009 .
  60. Web site: Newsarama covers the Radical Comic-Con 2008 panel . Hoffman. Carla. August 6, 2008. Radical Comics. 3 December 2009.
  61. Web site: Chris . Arrant . A Radical Interpretation of ALADDIN . . November 25, 2009 . December 2, 2009 .
  62. Web site: Steve . Sunu . Edginton Ignites "Aladdin's" Lamp . . December 1, 2009 . December 2, 2009 .
  63. Web site: Shaun. Manning. Remender's "Last Days of American Crime". Comic Book Resources. August 20, 2009. March 1, 2010.
  64. Web site: Chris . Arrant . You Will Be Brainwashed Into Compliance in "LAST DAYS" . . October 28, 2009 . March 1, 2010 .
  65. Web site: Shaun . Manning . Arthur Suydam on "Cholly & Flytrap" . . April 29, 2009 . November 3, 2009.
  66. http://comicnews.info/?p=6915
  67. Radical Publishing named Diamond's "Best New Publisher" for 2008 . . February 3, 2009 . March 23, 2010 .
  68. Web site: Matt . Adler . NYCC: Radical Publishing . . February 8, 2009 . March 23, 2010 .
  69. 2008 GEM Award Winners Announced . Major Spoilers . February 4, 2009 . March 23, 2010 .
  70. Web site: Scoop - Where the Magic of Collecting Comes Alive! - Radical Receives Diamond GEM Award . https://archive.today/20130215200248/http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/Home/4/1/73/1013?articleID=79772 . dead . February 15, 2013 . Scoop.diamondgalleries.com . 2014-07-23.
  71. http://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=14929&f=1 2010
  72. Web site: Eagle Awards Nominations Announced - Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movie, TV News . Bleedingcool.com . 2011-03-14 . 2014-07-23.
  73. Web site: Eriq . Gardner . Radical lawsuit hits comic book powerhouse . The Hollywood Reporter, Esq. . July 22, 2009 . December 2, 2009 . July 26, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090726090352/http://www.thresq.com/2009/07/comic-books-copyright-.html . bot: unknown . December 3, 2009.
  74. Web site: Melrose . Kevin . Radical Halts Nick Simmons' Incarnate amid Claims of Plagiarism . Robot 6 . . February 25, 2010 . February 25, 2010 . April 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120419233448/http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/02/radical-halts-nick-simmons-incarnate-amid-claims-of-plagiarism/ . dead .
  75. Web site: Nick Simmons' Incarnate Halted Over Alleged Bleach Plagiarism (Updated) . . February 25, 2010 . February 25, 2010 .

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