Edinburgh Interactive, part of the Edinburgh Festival, and the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival today announced plans for a far-reaching partnership that will bring the games industry together with the TV industry.

On Thursday 26th August 2010, the eve of the TV Festival and the closing day of Edinburgh Interactive, the two will host the first ever creative industries event for television and games, providing an insight into technologies, but more importantly bringing the decision makers from games and television together for the first time.

The MGEITF Futureview Keynote Address will be given this year by a games industry leader, with Edinburgh Interactive hosting a Keynote Address from television. There will also be a Creative Masterclass at MGEITF which will bring together games developers and creatives to discuss the game development process and to explore what the opportunities may be for co-development of interactive TV and games formats.

Today there are 13 million new generation static games consoles in UK homes (Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox and Sony Playstation 3), giving access to games, the internet, dedicated content channels and either the BBC iPlayer or Sky Player.

With TV formats such as I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here, Countdown, Family Fortunes and Ready Steady Cook already available as Nintendo Wii and DS games, it is only a matter of time before the TV industry will develop new games formats for next generation 3D HD TVs with integrated console and internet access. Games are already becoming a major driver for digital entertainment usage, particularly on the internet and mobile phone platforms.

Chris Deering, Chairman of Edinburgh Interactive, said: “Games have had a significant effect on the use of the television in the home. Over the last 12 months this has moved on dramatically with recent research showing that 10 per cent of all BBC iPlayer requests are being driven by games consoles. The debate between the two industries has not yet begun; it will begin in August at Edinburgh Interactive and MGEITF.”

Deborah Turness, Editor of ITV News and Advisory Chair of the MGEITF Advisory Committee, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to explore joint format development between television and games and is a natural evolution driven by major advances in technology. In bringing together executives from these two entertainment industries to discuss, network and share ideas, we place both Festivals at the centre of a new global debate in Edinburgh.”

Edinburgh Interactive takes place on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th August 2010.

MGEITF takes place between Friday 27th August and Sunday 29th August 2010.

To find out more, and to register, please visit www.mgeitf.co.uk

LONDON, Thursday 28th January 2010; A ground-breaking new application offers music fans the chance to appear in exclusive videos with their favourite stars. The stellar line-up includes 50 Cent, Alicia Keys, N-DUBZ, Pixie Lott, Chipmunk, Florence and the Machine, David Guetta and Lostprophets.

MySpace Music today launches a brand new application that enables music fans to star alongside some of the biggest names in the worlds of pop, hip-hop, dance, indie and rock in a range of exclusive personalised videos.

The application, which is accessible HERE, works by seamlessly inserting fans’ photos into the videos, each of which has been filmed exclusively for MySpace by the eight artists. The completed clips can then be easily shared via MySpace, email, Twitter, or posted to the user’s Facebook profile. The artists have all been brought on board to represent a range of genres that reflect the diverse wealth of music content now available on MySpace Music.

The cream of current UK music talent is represented, with N-DUBZ, Pixie Lott, Chipmunk, Florence and the Machine and Lostprophets all creating unique video offerings. Fans are able to join Florence in a photoshoot, appearing alongside her own Polaroid snaps; or spend a day hanging with Pixie Lott at a picnic in the park with friends; or even hit the dancefloor at a roller-disco with Chipmunk. The international artists have also pulled out all the stops, with 50 Cent’s video bringing his fans right into his apartment to take pride of place on his wall, while Alicia Keys offers up a personal musical tribute, and David Guetta invites fans into an impromptu party in a record store, alongside music luminaries Danny Rampling and Peter Hook.

The application is the latest development from MySpace Music, a new service that launched in December 2009, offering an unrivalled catalogue of music and video to stream for free without interruption. The inspiration behind the application came from MySpace’s ongoing commitment to bringing artists and fans closer together than anywhere else. The application was created by top London advertising agency BBH and leading production companies Pulse Films. Post production came from Absolute Post and digital partner Domani Studios in New York.

The full list of videos with which fans can interact is as follows:

 Alicia Keys – the talented diva sings a song just for you – with your picture pride of place

 50 Cent – the US rap icon has a favourite new piece of art – you!

 Florence and the Machine – join Florence on a photoshoot and appear amongst the Polaroid snaps

 N-DUBZ – become the band’s number one fan, as they admire your photo

 Chipmunk – the star tears up the dancefloor at a roller-disco, then reveals he keeps your picture close to his heart

 Lostprophets – a sneak peek into a rock’n’roll tattoo session, with a shrine built especially for you

 Pixie Lott – a chance to hang out with Pixie for a picnic in the sun – she’s got her sights on you

 David Guetta – the superstar DJ spins some tunes, and you’re the face of the party

Sophie Rouse, MySpace’s Head of Campaigns, said, “MySpace allows fans to connect with their favourite artists in a genuinely immersive and personal way. To mark the launch of MySpace Music we wanted to bring to life this special relationship, giving fans the chance to ‘star’ in a film with their favourite acts and share it with their friends. All the artists involved thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to thank their fans in this way and the results are hugely entertaining.”

Peaches Geldof, the face and body of Miss Ultimo lingerie, looks gorgeous as she fronts the new fairground-themed campaign for the brand’s Christmas collection, which launches in Debenhams stores and online (www.missultimo.com ) on Tuesday 1st December.

Striking a series of fun and flirty poses in a vintage fairground, the fashionista shows off Miss Ultimo’s dazzling new designs for Christmas. Packed with pretty frills and eye-popping brights, the new collection is inspired by vintage carnivals and candy shops and is available from just £8.00. The latest range features eight designs available in sizes 32A-38DD.

Peaches Geldof said; “Working for the second time with Miss Ultimo has been a pleasure. The underwear fits perfectly and creates curves in all the right places. I’m honoured to be chosen to represent a healthy body image and what better way than with Miss Ultimo’s designs, which are sexy, young and quirky. Clothes are fun but sometimes knowing you’ve got some awesome underwear underneath is better!”

Michelle Mone, creator of Miss Ultimo, said; “Peaches epitomizes everything about the Miss Ultimo brand; she is fun, stylish, experimental and confident and comfortable in her own skin. Everything a young woman should be!

“The new Miss Ultimo collection is perfect for Christmas. It strikes the perfect balance between girly and sexy and delivers everything quality lingerie should do in terms of style comfort and fit. We’re delighted to have Peaches back for Miss Ultimo’s Christmas campaign; she looks gorgeous in the new designs and did a fantastic job.”

Designs from the latest collection include ‘Lippy’, trimmed with a bold scarlet guipure and patterned with hot pink and sherbet lemon lips. ‘Pop Art’ sparkles from every direction with its shades of pinks and cute butterfly pattern, whilst ‘Polly Anna’ is super-sweet with its pretty candy stripes and shades of bubblegum blues, pinks and white.

Miss Ultimo is dedicated to delivering gorgeous lingerie that fuses stylish and funky looks with a fabulous fit. Inside each cup you will also find the Miss Ultimo ‘signature’; an embossed lady carved from the cup to provide comfort, support and uplift.

Other designs from the new range include ‘Chain’ in two colourways (lime and hot pink), ‘Florida’, ‘Fizz Bomb’ and ‘Blue Spot’. The new Miss Ultimo Christmas 2009 collection launches in Debenhams stores and online on Tuesday 1st December.

The critically-acclaimed, US drama series, Brothers & Sisters: Season Three is available to own on DVD from Monday 19th October.

The award-winning Brothers & Sisters follows the lives of the Walker family as they struggle to keep up the appearance of the perfect all-American family, despite coping with a string of derailing secrets which have been revealed since the death of patriarch, William Walker in the first ever episode.

It’s up to matriarch Nora Walker (Sally Field) to hold everyone together as they cross paths with divorce, infidelity, addiction, war, politics, prejudice and death.

For further information, preview discs and pack shots please contact Taylor Herring PR 0208 206 5151

Credit to Seventy Seven PR for this quick-win-social-self-promotion-awareness-raising-diy-award people’s agency of the year thing .

Click here to vote.

LONDON, Wednesday 12th August 2009: Katie Price has launched her own independent production company with former ITV Studios Talent Executive Mark Wagman. Pricey Media has been set up to develop, produce and co-produce new shows and formats.

The announcement comes as the company lands its first co-production with ITV Studios; a 6 x 60 min reality series for ITV2.

What Katie Did Next will feature the model, mother and business woman and viewers will see how she coped during the aftermath of her marriage breakdown and as she prepares for single life with her children. The cameras follow Katie as she holds a birthday party for the children for the first time on her own, shoots a calendar in Ibiza, launches her new No.1 bestselling novel ‘Sapphire’, travels to LA and is a bridesmaid at her best friends’ – Gary and Phil’s – wedding.

The series was commissioned by Claire Zolkwer, ITV’s Commissioning Editor Entertainment. What Katie Did Next is executive produced by Jo Scarratt for ITV Studios and Mark Wagman for Pricey Media. Series Producer is Lizi Wootton.

Pricey Media plans to work with leading producers on developing Katie’s career across a number of genres and is already in discussions on a number of new projects.

Pricey Media Co-founder Mark Wagman said: “Katie is a huge personality and I’m delighted that with the formation of Pricey Media we can look to broaden her broadcast career both here with ITV and internationally.”

Zai Bennett, ITV’s Director of Digital Channels and Acquisitions said: “We’re delighted to be continuing our relationship with Katie Price and her new production company, Pricey Media. Katie has been a high profile star on ITV2 for several years and we’re looking forward to working with her and Mark Wagman on a range of different shows and formats in their exciting new venture. Mark has a long history of dealing with top flight talent and we’re sure that he and Katie’s exciting new venture will be a huge success.”

Katie Price, added: “It’s great to start Pricey Media by co-producing my new reality series ‘What Katie Did Next…’. I’m really excited to be getting more involved with new shows and formats for next year – so bring it on Pricey!”

As well as a highly successful television and modeling career, Katie is also a publishing phenomenon with sales of her books now at 2.5 million. She also has a number of successful endorsements including her KP Equestrian range.

Notes To Editors:

Pricey Media
Pricey Media has been created by Katie Price and Mark Wagman, former ITV Studios Talent Executive who oversaw talent across a range of ITV’s Entertainment output.

Mark Wagman
Recently set-up THEWAGMANGROUP is a Talent Consultancy firm that is currently working across a range of talent-led shows for 2009 including The Royal Variety Performance, Piers Morgan’s Life Stories, An Audience With…, as well as a number of shows for FIVE, and WATCH in late 2009 (yet to be announced). Prior to arriving at ITV, Mark Wagman was Head of Entertainment at Cactus Televison, part of the ALL3MEDIA Group and other credits include Richard & Judy and The BIG Breakfast for Channel 4.

Pricey Media Press Contact:  James Herring, Taylor Herring PR 0208 206 5151

Dozens of household brands have invested creative license in the annual April 1, PR stunt parade.

Here’s how Fleet Street performed in today’s April Fools Day tournament…

The Independent say Egyptian queen Nefertiti had a cosmetic surgery. Scientific researchers say they have established that her limestone bust appears to have been given a facelift. Call it ancient world Botox.

Capitalising on the recent expenses scandal the Daily Mail has a photoshop of Home Secretary Jacqui Smith walking out of a branch of sex shop Ann Summers.

The Economist is launching a theme park as ‘part of the wider diversification of its business’.

The Guardian reports that it will become the first newspaper in the world to be published exclusively on Twitter. The move will see all of the paper’s content tailored to fit the format of Twitter’s 140-character text messages.

The Daily Express say that a British inventor has created an invisible car to allow motorists to beat speed cameras.

The Sun tells readers that England fans will have to stand through the world’s longest national anthem – at six and a half minutes – before the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.

The Times features a photograph of a tartan sheep.

The Daily Telegraph claim that harnessing the power of fish swimming through a river could hold the key to meeting Britain’s future electricity needs. It claims Université de Poisson d’Avril in Paris is responsible for trialling the project. Poisson D’ Avril is a French April Fools Day tradition, which involves kids attempting to attach a paper fish to a victim’s back without being noticed.

Other highlights include;

Vodka brand, Russian Standard has created the world’s first ‘lickvert’ (vodka dipped advert).

BMW announce their Magnetic Tow Technology with a series of adverts. “The unique system, developed in conjunction with NASA, works via a discreet unit located in the front valance that projects an enhanced magnetic beam 20 metres in front of the BMW. Once a suitable target car is located and the BMW is magnetically locked on behind it, the driver is then able to take his foot off the accelerator, turn off the engine and let the car in front do all the work. The towing car will not notice any change in manoeuvrability.”

Virgin Active are trialling an ‘animal only’ gym. The move comes off the back of increasing concerns that UK pet owners could be responsible for a worrying epidemic of over-sized animals, ranging from dogs and cats to hamsters, gerbils, rats, rabbits and budgies.

Anchor Butter say Google Street View techonology has captured their cows roaming across London – which is spoiling plans for a new TV advert.

Waitrose boasted of exclusively stocking pinanas, a pineapple/banana hybrid.

Walkers claim the brand will be testing ‘Ready Silent’ quiet crisps in cinemas today. Walkers say the ‘Ready Silent Cri-sshhp’ uses technology that guarantees the same flavour and crunchiness, except it comes already crushed. James Stillman, head of R&D, said: ‘It does come with a plastic serving spoon.

Car polish brand Turtle Wax has created a viral pretending they have improved its CSR poision by ending its battery turtle farming practices.

And finally introducing the ‘hotelicopter‘ the world’s first flying hotel in a converted helicopter. A viral stunt for Yotel.

Check out our Top 50 Publicity Stunts round up by clicking here

Apprentice fans can now keep up to speed on the latest news and gossip by following the show via Twitter

http://twitter.com/TheApprentice5

This is the stunning West London property that will become home to this year’s Apprentice hopefuls for the next 12 weeks.

With over 10,000 sq ft of luxury living space spread over three floors, the open plan penthouse includes: two brainstorming rooms, entertainment facilities, a telescope and a giant fish tank.

The property overlooks a canal with panoramic views across London.

The Apprentice, Wednesday at 9pm on BBC One.