The X Factor Press Launch With Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh

We attended the Press Launch of The X Factor at a hotel in Soho yesterday. The media were invited to the hotel roof terrace where we met the judges and hosts.

Simon, who was accompanied by his partner Lauren stopped for a chat with us, looking very tanned from his holiday he told us he was enjoying his break on the yacht and will be flying back to the South of France that evening. He also told us how much he had missed being on the UK show and feels this year will be the best yet.

Louis couldn’t believe Simon had a fan site, let alone 250k followers on Twitter. We asked him to join twitter too, unfortunately he declined saying it wasn’t for him. He asked us if we thought Simon was looking very young, we had to agree although pointed out that Louis was looking younger each year.

Dermot was lovely, so friendly. We asked him if he felt under more pressure now Simon has returned. He said he didn’t as Simon has only been a phone call away over the past three years, and he knew he would be watching the show. Dermot said still held the same sense of profession pride on all the shows he has done.

After chatting to the judges we made our way to the screening room where we watched this Saturday nights show.  The judges intro is brilliant, we also loved the camera work in the small audition rooms. The contestants were a mixed bag, most of the odd balls they have chosen to show are hilarious. Look out for some stunning performances, including an ‘over’ and a mixed group.

Don’t miss this first show on Saturday ITV 8pm

More photos from the launch are on our X FACTOR PHOTO page

Simon Cowell and Betty Boop Team Up For Feature Length Film

Animal Logic Entertainment and Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment today announced their plan to develop and produce Betty Boop’s first feature-length film.

Partnering with Fleischer Studios, Animal Logic and Syco Entertainment will produce a music-driven hybrid animated comedy featuring universally adored screen starlet Betty Boop.

Queen of the animation world, Betty Boop is one of the most loved and sought-after animated characters of the past and present centuries with accolades spanning film and television, fashion and music. Having first hit screens in 1930 with numerous appearances in Max Fleischer’s Talkartoons and her own “Betty Boop” cartoon series, her popularity has continued to grow through the decades.

Betty’s last movie appearance was a cameo in the blockbuster movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988). Her millions of fans spanning generations have made her one of the most recognizable characters in the world and are eagerly awaiting her return to the silver screen.

The film, which will be produced by Zareh Nalbandian and Jason Lust from Animal Logic and Simon Cowell and Adam Milano from Syco, promises to be an exciting addition to the Animal Logic and Syco Entertainment growing development slate with broad audience appeal.

Of today’s announcement, Betty Boop said, “I’m so excited to return to the big screen – and I only work with the best! Let’s have some fun, Simon. Boop-Oop-a-Doop!”

Simon Cowell said, “Betty is an icon, and one of the biggest stars in the world – I’m thrilled to be working with her. Betty, I’ve worked with some serious divas but I think you could be the biggest of them all!”

“I am delighted to partner with Syco Entertainment and Animal Logic,” said Mark Fleischer, Chairman and CEO of Fleischer Studios. “Their energy, creativity and playfulness make them a perfect fit for Betty Boop.”

Jason Lust from Animal Logic said, “I’ve been trying to get Betty to the dance for years now.  Can’t believe she’s finally said ‘Yes.’”

Adam Milano, Syco’s Head of Film said “Betty is the original funny girl and to be able to create a music-driven comedy with her at the center is an amazing opportunity

The official Betty Boop Web site is www.bettyboop.com.

Simon Cowell Launches The X Factor UK in America

AXS TV PREMIERES ‘THE X FACTOR UK’

FLAGSHIP VERSION OF THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR MUSIC COMPETITION SERIES ‘THE X FACTOR’ PREMIERES ON AXS TV

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31—LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Simon Cowell Joins Pop Icons Mel B,

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Music Manager Louis Walsh

Dermot O’Leary Serves as Host of the 34-Episode Series

LOS ANGELES – August 6, 2014 – Cable’s premier music entertainment channel AXS TV is the official U.S. broadcast home for the upcoming eleventh season of the international mega-hit The X Factor UK. AXS TV has signed an agreement with FremantleMedia International (FMI) and Syco Entertainment, bringing the flagship UK version of the popular singing competition to the United States for the first time ever. The brainchild of world-renowned producer and music expert Simon Cowell, The X Factor UK is co-produced by Syco Entertainment and Thames TV (part of FremantleMedia UK).

Season 11 will feature a pair of famous faces that will be instantly recognizable to American audiences, as Cowell makes his much anticipated return to the panel for the first time in three years. Additionally, former Spice Girl and America’s Got Talent fan-favorite Mel B will make her first appearance as a full-time judge, after previously serving as a guest on the series. Joining the duo is UK pop singer Cheryl Fernandez-Versini who is also returning for the first time in three years, and esteemed music manager Louis Walsh, making his eleventh consecutive appearance since 2004. Award-winning broadcaster and host, Dermot O’Leary, will host the festivities, while also providing support to the aspiring stars.

The X Factor UK contestants compete in two sets of audition rounds, taking place across the UK in Manchester, London, Newcastle, and Edinburgh. In the initial closed room auditions, contestants will find themselves face-to-face with the judges for the first time. If they impress the panel and receive three or more “yes” votes, they will move on to perform in a packed arena in front of a live audience. AXS TV will air all 34 episodes of the series, beginning with the opening audition shows, in addition to special boot camp installments and live broadcasts.

The X Factor UK airs on AXS TV Sundays and Mondays starting August 31 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, 24 hours after the respective UK broadcasts. Each program will re-air the same night after the first broadcast.

THE X FACTOR Weekly Broadcast Schedule on AXS TV

Sundays

8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT   Episode 1 – US Premiere – August 31/same night re-air

Mondays

8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT   Episode 2 – US Premiere – September 1/same night re-air

Simon Cowell and the X Factor Judges film a ‘Game of Thrones’ Themed Advert

 

The X Factor judges have reportedly filmed a Game of Thrones themed advert.

Simon Cowell, Cheryl, Mel B and Louis Walsh

were joined by hundreds of extras at Pinewood Studios shooting the reported £1 million trailer, the most expensive in the show’s history.

The short film – which took a week to film – sees the quartet lead singing warrior armies into war as they prepare to do battle to take the X Factor throne, echoing the fantasy drama which sees warring families competing to take control of the seven kingdoms

The advert, which was reportedly helmed by One Direction music video director Ben Winston, also made extensive use of green screen and CGI technology.

Mel B shouts: “Things are about to get loud.”

Cheryl winks and orders her ‘army’ to charge, while Simon warns: “It’s time to get down to business.”

The new advert will air for the first time on ITV tonight.

More photos from a X Factor promo shoot on our Promo page