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Los Angeles - Monday, July 10 - Award-winning stage and film
actor Sir Ian McKellen has launched a new section of his Official Home
Page, dedicated to journalists, reporters, news producers, editors and
accredited writers, calling it his "Online Media Lounge" (www.mckellen.com/media).
McKellen, who currently stars in "X-MEN," the much-anticipated
film from 20th Century Fox, launched his original website in early 1997.
He was the first major film star to use the Internet to interact with fans
on a continuing basis, posting online journals of his filming experiences,
and regularly fielding questions sent by fans and journalists via email.
The newly revamped "Media Lounge" provides an innovative and
unique source for the working press. The website is designed and operated
by Keith Stern of CompuWeb, Inc., based in Hollywood.
"Three years ago I wanted a site like an autobiography that I
could add to whenever I fancied," says McKellen. "I reckoned
without the demanding email it created. I expect some lively media folk
may discover and plunder the new 'Media Lounge' in addition to the other
features of the website."
The "Media Lounge" offers an electronic press kit ("EPK"),
including exclusive interviews, photos, press releases, clippings and
other background materials, along with a "virtual cup of tea."
Sir Ian's Official Home Page has been a bonanza for fans, registering
over three million hits per month. With the addition of the "Media
Lounge" it becomes an equally valuable source of information for
journalists.
Sir Ian first thought of developing the "Media Lounge" in
response to the demands of his busy schedule. In the middle of an 11-month
shoot for "THE LORD OF THE RINGS" (as Gandalf), he will
necessarily miss many of the interviews and press junkets planned for his
current release "X-MEN," where he plays Magneto, the nemesis of
Professor X (played by Patrick Stewart). The "Lounge" is
designed to make it easier for journalists to obtain exclusive information
about his roles in two of the most anticipated films of this year and
next: "X-MEN" and "THE LORD OF THE RINGS." In fact, it
is possible to create a complete article or report based on materials in
the "Lounge." Press releases provide background on various
topics such as "Patrick Stewart
and Ian McKellen Face Off in X-MEN." On the FAQ
pages, Sir Ian answers the questions most often asked by interviewers.
Downloadable photographs are ready for publication.
Requests for supplemental information, including interviews, may be
coordinated through the "Lounge." Access is available only to
the working press. To register for a User Name and Password, please
contact Keith Stern at +1 323 851-4379, webmaster@mckellen.com,
or online at www.mckellen.com/media.
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