Rob was part of the panel on "The NZ Production Environment" at the APN Symposium.

Click here for photos (Rob is in photos 6 and 7)

Firstly I want to say how much I adore Rob Tapert. Yes yes yes you all know this but tonight, he moved me so much with his words.

there was a couple of speeches before the show started and Rob came on the stage. He thanked everyone for coming, for the work Steven DeKnight and all the actors have done and then his voice broke. He spoke of Andy Whitfield. Rob genuinly loved this man and it showed. It was the first time I had heard Rob this way and it brought a lump to my throat.

During the afterparty I had another opportunity to congratulate him on a wonderful job and we talked about the speech. His voice broke again and I just found him to be such a decent man. I adore Rob Tapert even more after tonight.

And now to the pre-show - the fans were lined up from 9:30 am - yep that is not a typo and the first fan was Rachelle, a Xenite :) I must say that line looked very different from the usual xena lines! LOL!

The stars made their red carpet appearance - I was on the other side of the red carpet (actually black carpet but who cares) and waited around. Saw Lucy turn up looking SPECTACULAR, saw Liam, Manu, Katrina and Cynthia - I missed Viva's entrance. Then went inside while the stars were doing their thang in the front. My wingmen, Ruth and Kathi, were outside taking photos in the fan line. AUSXIP Reporters are everywhere :)

I got the opportunity to meet Jaime Murray (Gaia) and Marissa Ramirez (Melitta) - what beautiful ladies and so nice.

The episode is INCREDIBLE on the big screen and I have to say that's where it belongs. The episode lays the ground work for what is to come. Have a read of my episode preview/review for more on that.

The afterparty was a hoot. It was also very loud and you could barely see but a hoot. My first Hollywood afterparty and just fun. Standout moments were Rob, Lucy, Viva, shaking Steven DeKnight's hand, thanking for his evilness and incredible storytelling and then doing something I never thought I would do and that was going up to Peter Mensah and shaking his hand. For those that don't know, in 2009 I could barely say two words to the man without clamming up. It might have been because the place was really dark and it was easier to do but oh my goodness, he is a gorgeous man!

Lucy took time out at the afterparty for some photos with me and here are a couple. The photographer is Lucy - she just took the camera from my hand and with those long arms of hers and just snapped away :) Since I never post photos of myself on AUSXIP..you just get Lucy.

A special shoutout to Sharon Delaney who I ran into at the Guest Ticket area; she took me under her wing and basically showed me how things worked since I was a newbie at premieres and afterpartys. That was mega cool and it was nice to spend some time with her and Lisa (I sure hope I remember that correctly) who also works at Creation.

Well that is my report. Here are some pictures and there will be more photos tomorrow after I get some sleep!

And when you're on the set, like in the first episode we see that epic brothel site, were you there on set for that or in, you know, similar instances when you look around and you go, wow. You know, what goes through your head when you see it all come to life?

Sadly on this show, since we shoot in New Zealand and we write the show in Los Angeles, I don't get a chance to be on the set as much as I would like. I love being on the set. Rob Tapert, my producing partner and husband of course to the amazing Lucy Lawless, he spearheads production down in New Zealand and he keeps a magnificent eye on all of that and I just can't say enough good things about Rob. Without him there wouldn't be a Spartacus.

One of the big questions that I have about the show is what do you feel like the evolution of the series has been up to this point? I mean, you talked a bit about kind of the rocky start at the beginning of the series and kind of finding a vision for it. What do you feel like that is now? Steven S. DeKnight: Yes, when we first started off, you know, this was Rob Tapert and Josh Donen and Sam Raimi and I, this was our first foray into premium cable. And, you know, suddenly the shackles were off and I can't speak for my partners, but I think I stripped down naked and ran a little crazy through the streets in the first couple of episodes before I found the right tone.

Writers always say that as they develop a series, they pick up things from the actors and incorporate them into the way they kind of deal with the characters and stuff, so I was wondering if there are any changes or different approaches now that you've switched from (Andy) to Liam.

That's a good question. Actually no. We had a discussion before we started writing this season of should we tailor the show for Liam. And my feeling and Rob and STARZ, we all agreed, was that no, what we should do is write Spartacus as Spartacus and Liam will bring what he brings to it and it will be a different take, but what he says - what Spartacus says and what he does will still be consistent with the Spartacus that we know.

Read full interview

Spartacus fans in L.A., prepare for vengeance.

The Gods have seen fit to give some of you the chance of a lifetime to attend the star-studded Spartacus: Vengeance Red Carpet Premiere in Hollywood.

Not only will you get to see the first episode of Spartacus: Vengeance before anyone else, you?ll also be at the screening with the stars of the series.

RSVP NOW. SEATING LIMITED. SEE THE CAST!

Share with us your intent to attend by clicking "Register" above. Your RSVP does not guarantee you a seat, so arrive EARLY. The very special event is first-come, first-seated.

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Click here to get tickets

The Evil Dead News site has this amazing photo of Rob from 1983. It was a promo photo from Cinefex Magazine. Rob was 28 years old when this photo was taken.

Evil Dead promotional photo with (l-r) producer Robert Tapert, director Sam Raimi and actor Bruce Campbell circa 1981.

Click here to view the larger image

Starz sent out a Happy New Year greeting with style - Spartacus and his swords plus a behind the scenes video. The video contains interviews with Rob Tapert, Michael Hurst, Craig Parker and Luke Pegler (Marcus)

Check out the Starz video here

For more on Rob's show Spartacus, go to AUSXIP Spartacus News & Multimedia

The Evil Dead

Release Date: 12 April 2013
Studio: Sony Pictures
Director: Fede Alvarez
Screenwriter: Fede Alvarez, Rodo Sayagues, Diablo Cody
Starring: No Cast as yet
Genre: Horror

Five twenty-something friends who become holed up in a remote cabin where they discover a Book Of The Dead. An archaeologist's tape recording reveals that the ancient text was discovered among the Khandarian ruins of a Sumerian civilization. Playing the taped incantations, the youths unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival.


On 01 December 2011 the official press release was sent out:

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) and FilmDistrict have partnered with Ghost House Pictures on a worldwide deal?excluding U.K. and France for Sony Pictures to distribute the remake of Evil Dead. The announcement was made by Steven Bersch, SPWA President, and Peter Schlessel, CEO of FilmDistrict. Lia Buman, FilmDistrict's EVP of Acquisitions, will oversee the project.

Original producing partners Rob Tapert, Bruce Campbell (who also starred in the original franchise) and Sam Raimi will produce. Ghost House Pictures partners Joe Drake and Nathan Kahane will executive produce. Nicole Brown and J.R. Young will oversee the project for Ghost House.

Rob Tapert stated, "For 30 years, Sam, Bruce and I have been looking for the right home where we could return the deadites to the big screen. Amy Pascal and Jeff Blake at Sony and Peter Schlessel at FilmDistrict have always been incredible partners who share our passion for great storytelling as well as our obsession for scaring the pants off the audience. Together, we are looking forward to terrorizing a whole new generation."

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Culver City, CA (November 30, 2011) – Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) and FilmDistrict have partnered with Ghost House Pictures on a worldwide deal—excluding U.K. and France —for Sony Pictures to distribute the remake of Evil Dead. The announcement was made by Steven Bersch, SPWA President, and Peter Schlessel, CEO of FilmDistrict. Lia Buman, FilmDistrict’s EVP of Acquisitions, will oversee the project.

Original producing partners Rob Tapert, Bruce Campbell (who also starred in the original franchise) and Sam Raimi will produce. Ghost House Pictures partners Joe Drake and Nathan Kahane will executive produce. Nicole Brown and J.R. Young will oversee the project for Ghost House.

Rob Tapert stated, “For 30 years, Sam, Bruce and I have been looking for the right home where we could return the deadites to the big screen. Amy Pascal and Jeff Blake at Sony and Peter Schlessel at FilmDistrict have always been incredible partners who share our passion for great storytelling as well as our obsession for scaring the pants off the audience. Together, we are looking forward to terrorizing a whole new generation.”

Added Schlessel, “I have been part of the extended Ghost House family for a long time. It’s fantastic to continue the relationship as we bring this classic horror film to a new generation of fans.”

“Sony Pictures has a fantastic history collaborating with both Ghost House and Film District and we couldn’t be more excited to continue working together on the contemporary adaptation of Evil Dead,” said Jeff Blake, Chairman of Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution. “Sam and Rob have an extraordinary vision and we can’t wait to share this film with audiences in most territories throughout the world.”

Fede Alvarez, who will direct the film, wrote the script with Rodo Sayagues. Academy Award® winning screenwriter Diablo Cody did revisions on the draft. Ghost House, FilmDistrict and SPWA are committed to renewing the franchise and have the film on the fast track towards a 2012 production start.

Often imitated, never equaled. Evil Dead was the horror movie that started it all. Now, after 30 years, Raimi and the original creators are passing the reins of their beloved classic to Alvarez. In this retelling, five friends hole up at a remote cabin where they discover a Book of the Dead. A demonic force is unleashed possessing each until only one is left to fight for survival.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Nov. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The most celebrated STARZ Originals franchise, "Spartacus," will continue to wow audiences worldwide with a renewal secured for a thrilling and bloody third season. The green light comes well in advance of "Spartacus: Vengeance," which will debut exclusively on STARZ - Friday, January 27, 2012 at 10PM ET/PT.

As yet untitled, production on the third season of "Spartacus" is expected to begin in New Zealand in early 2012.

Starz Media Managing Director Carmi Zlotnik commented, "There is no denying the impact 'Spartacus' has had in the marketplace with fans across the globe thirsting for the continuation of the epic tale. 'Vengeance' brings unparalleled action and drama to STARZ viewers in January. We are thrilled to come to an early agreement that allows the writers and talent to get right back to work in preparing for season three."

"Many surprises are in store for 'Vengeance' viewers this year, but rest assured the multi-layered plot and richly developed characters will continue to be a trademark of this series," said Rob Tapert, executive producer. "It's incredibly gratifying to see how the story has resonated so well with viewers worldwide."

"The executives at Starz have been extremely supportive in giving us creative freedom and allowing us to tell the story in a rich, yet bold way that leaves an indelible mark on its fans," added Steven S. DeKnight, executive producer.

Australian actor Liam McIntyre (Ektopos, Radev, "Neighbours," "The Pacific") assumes the title role of Spartacus in "Vengeance." McIntyre is joined by returning favorites: Lucy Lawless ("Xena: Warrior Princess," "Battlestar Galactica") as Lucretia; Peter Mensah (Avatar, 300, The Incredible Hulk) as Oenomaus ? once known as Doctore; Manu Bennett (The Marine, 30 Days of Night), as Crixus; Dustin Clare ("Underbelly," "Satisfaction") as Gannicus; Nick E. Tarabay ("Crash," "CSI: Miami") as Ashur; and Katrina Law ("Third Watch") as Mira.

Season two also brings the return of "Blood and Sand" cast members, Craig Parker (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy) as Gaius Claudius Glaber, the Roman commander who condemned Spartacus to slavery, and his alluring and cunning wife Ilithyia played by Viva Bianca (Accidents Happen). Actress Cynthia Addai-Robinson ("Dirt") joins the series as Naevia, the former body slave to Lucretia who was banished from the Ludus for engaging in a love affair with Crixus.

Premiering exclusively on STARZ, "Spartacus: Vengeance" is produced by executive producers Rob Tapert (The Grudge, "Xena: Warrior Princess" and "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys"), Steven S. DeKnight ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), Sam Raimi (Spider-Man and The Evil Dead), and Joshua Donen (The Quick and the Dead). "Spartacus" is distributed internationally by Starz Media Worldwide Distribution.

About Starz Media

Starz Media, LLC, is a programming production and distribution company operating worldwide. It includes the Anchor Bay Entertainment, Anchor Bay Films, Film Roman and Manga Entertainment brands. Its units create animated and live-action programming and programming created under contract for other media companies. It distributes that content, and programming acquired from outside producers, through home video retailers, broadcasters, ad-supported and premium television channels, and Internet and wireless video distributors in the US and internationally. Starz Media (www.starzmedia.com) is a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation attributed to the Liberty Starz tracking stock group (NASDAQ: LSTZA).

About Starz Entertainment

Starz Entertainment, LLC, is a premium movie and original programming entertainment service provider operating in the United States. The company offers 16 premium channels including the flagship STARZ® and ENCORE® brands with approximately 19 million and 32.9 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment airs in total more than 1,000 movies and original series every month across its pay TV channels. Starz Entertainment is recognized as a pay TV leader in providing HD, On Demand, HD On Demand and online advanced services for its STARZ, ENCORE and MOVIEPLEX brands. Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, which is a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation and is attributed to the Liberty Starz tracking stock group (NASDAQ: LSTZA).

This November, an unprecedented series of film industry events is taking place in Auckland involving renowned members of the local and international screen industry.

From 10 - 11 November the annual SPADA conference takes place at the SkyCity Convention Centre. The Aotearoa Film & Television Awards are also on with the Craft awards taking place on 10 November followed by the Gala Awards Ceremony at the Viaduct Events Centre on 12 November. Capping off this stellar week of activity, the 2011 Asia-Pacific Producers' Network (APN) Symposium takes centre stage from 11 - 13 November with the main forum on 13 November at UNITEC. The symposium is being hosted in New Zealand for the first time by Film Auckland.

China Film Bureau Deputy Director General, Mao Yu, has confirmed his attendance at the 2011 APN Symposium adding to an already impressive line up of more than 30 international delegates from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand alongside the cream of the New Zealand production sector.

There are still limited places available at the symposium which features a world-class programme of speakers, both international and domestic, discussing production, co-production and post-production in the Asia-Pacific region.

Network with top screen producers including Rob Tapert (Xena:Warrior Princess, Spartacus), Robin Scholes (Mr Pip, Once Were Warriors), Trevor Haysom (In My Father's Den), John Barnett (Whale Rider), Shogo Tomiyama (Ring, Seven Samurai) and James Choi (Shiri, Taeguki).

There will also be industry representatives from the NZ Film Commission, Film NZ, Park Road Post Production, Images and Sound and Digipost.

Michael Brook, Film Auckland Manager, encourages the New Zealand film industry to register for the APN Symposium.

"It's a great opportunity to showcase to the APN members why New Zealand has done so well on the world stage in film by hosting them here in our own backyard," says Michael.

"Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to explore key issues alongside the leaders of Asia's booming film industry and make invaluable connections."

APN was formed in 2005 to encourage co-productions, collaboration and joint projects. The forum offers a chance to develop relationships and generate new projects and partnerships between the film and screen industry across the Asia-Pacific region.

"Delegates are looking for New Zealand partners to make English language films that appeal to wider markets than their own. We encourage New Zealand's screen industry to take advantage of this unique opportunity and register for the forum now," says Paul Carran, President of APN.

says, "The screen industry in is a key export earner. Film has been developing networks in Asia with both industry and government over a number of years and is proud to be hosting this important industry event."

The symposium is made possible with the generous support of core funder Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, gold sponsor UNITEC, funding partners Film New Zealand, the Ministry of Economic Development, the New Zealand Film Commission and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and bronze sponsors ANZ, Digipost, Images and Sound and Pieter Holl & Associates.

For more information and to register visit www.filmauckland.com/apn.

Spartacus, Xena, Hercules - the story behind the heroes
Business & creativity - making the ends meet
Understanding a global marketplace & seizing your moment

Lucy Lawless has posted a review of her husband's presentation on her official site. Check it out here

His Bio on the Thrive Site reads:

Rob Tapert is the longstanding producing partner of acclaimed director Sam Raimi. Tapert and Raimi have been working together since they met at Michigan State University. After producing the horror cult classic Evil Dead, they collaborated on Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn, Darkman and Army of Darkness.

Tapert was the executive producer on Hard Target and Timecop. He also executive produced the worldwide sensation TV series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess.

In 2002, Tapert and Raimi formed Ghost House Pictures which was conceived to produce feature films that would deliver great scares and offer horror fans a thrill ride experience. Tapert has since produced a string of #1 box office hits; The Grudge, Boogeyman, The Messengers and 30 Days of Night and Drag Me To Hell.

Tapert recently produced the TV series The Legend of the Seeker. He is currently producing the second season of the hit series Spartacus.

Source

As previously announced Rob Tapert's classic Evil Dead is set for a reboot. Bruce Campbell was starred in Rob and Sam's movie as Ash, has revealed that Ash will not be back.

This comes as a huge surprise/shock to many Evil Dead movie fans and Bruce Campbell fans since Ash an iconic action hero in the movie.

Evil Dead was created by Rob Tapert and Sam Raimi back in 1981. The movie is about five friends go up to a cabin in the woods where they find unspeakable evil lurking in the forest. They find the Necronomicon and the taped translation of the text. Once the tape is played, the evil is released. One by one, the teens are possessed. With only one remaining, it is up to him to survive the night and battle the evil dead.

Bruce tweeted the following:
GroovyBruce Bruce Campbell ?@Shipwreck2k: That's the first i've heard of the remake.. Who are they casting for ash?? No Ash character currently.

The Evil Dead remake will start shooting early 2012 in New Zealand.

More news about the Evil Dead Remake
- Evil Dead Remake To Be Shot in New Zealand?
- Press Release: Ghost House Pictures Remaking The Evil Dead
- It's Official - Evil Dead Remake