WWE Renames Filmed-Entertainment Division - 22nd July 2008

STAMFORD, July 22: World Wrestling Entertainment is renaming its Los Angeles-based subsidiary WWE Films as WWE Studios, reflecting the division’s mandate to develop entertainment across theatrical features, direct-to-DVD movies, scripted TV movies and series and reality programming.

“The name change reflects our focus on expanding the variety of projects that WWE intends to pursue,” said Michael Lake, the president of WWE Studios. “WWE Studios will continue to pursue opportunities which expand the integration of the WWE brand and its Superstars into filmed entertainment.”

Upcoming releases for WWE Studios includes WWE Superstar John Cena’s latest theatrical film, 12 Rounds, in early 2009. Directed by Renny Harlin, the film will be released by 20th Century Fox under the WWE first-look deal with Fox Atomic. WWE Studios, in conjunction with 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, also will debut its first direct-to-DVD film, Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia, starring WWE Superstar Mr. Kennedy. Since the subsidiary’s formal inception in 2002, WWE has produced three motion pictures: See No Evil, The Condemned and The Marine.

Media Man Australia Profiles

WWE

WWE Films

John Cena