With the third season of LEVERAGE arriving this June on TNT, fans can get into the action themselves with the brand new role-playing game based on the popular show.

This June, LEVERAGE: THE ROLE-PLAYING GAME will also be available that allows fans into the world of Nate Ford and his modern-day band of resourceful thieves who take from the rich to help the poor.

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For full press release go to:

http://ifmagazine.com/new.asp?article=9637

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Coming June 2010!  The new Leverage Role Playing Game!

http://www.margaretweis.com/mwp-online-store/leverage

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‘LEVERAGE’ STAR TIMOTHY HUTTON TAKES HOME A PRISM AWARD FOR THE 14^th ANNUAL EVENT

The 14th Annual PRISM Awards, which honors actors, movies, music, media and television’s top shows that accurately depict and bring attention to substance abuse and mental health issues, handed out their big awards last week.

Timothy Hutton took home a Prism for his layered portrayal of Nate Ford, an alcoholic, former insurance investigator turned modern day Robin Hood on TNT’s hit series LEVERAGE.

Meanwhile, Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal took home an award for their work in the independent film CRAZY HEART about an aging, alcoholic country singer trying to wrestle control of his life back.

Other winners include: Rosie O’Donnell, Tony Shalhoub, Hector Elizondo, and Kevin McKidd received PRISM Awards at a ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The PRISM Awards is produced by the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC) in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and FX Network.

“The PRISM Awards recognizes and applauds the remarkable efforts that have been contributed by our creative community,” says Brian Dyak, EIC’s President and CEO. “We salute those in the entertainment industry that promote informational truths in their work to improve the lives of the audiences they entertain. Through accurate character portrayals and inspired storytelling, our industry reinforces the importance of those individuals within the care giving and health fields.”

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Electric Entertainment and iF Magazine want to thank the fans (Grifters) of LEVERAGE for making CON-CON: AN OFFICIAL LEVERAGE EVENT such an overwhelming success.

Running from March 19-21, everyone from the main cast, creators and every important person in between took the stage and mingled with the fans for an unprecedented convention.

For our closing ceremonies, Electric’s own Lana Wolverton edited together this amazing “Closing Ceremonies” video that we showed to the convention’s eager crowd on Sunday night.

Now, for those who attended you’ll get to relive last weekend all over again and for those that didn’t, you can get a taste of what CON-CON was all about.

Enjoy and we’ll see you next year.

Watch the video here:

http://ifmagazine.com/new.asp?article=9491

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‘Leverage’ fans rally in Portland for first convention for the popular show

By Kristi Turnquist, The Oregonian

March 21, 2010, 6:18PM

For someone who came all the way from London on a “very, very long flight” just to find herself standing in a very, very long line waiting for autographs, Helen Picken  is in a jolly mood.

Picken, 27,  is a fan of the TV show, “Leverage,” and on Saturday she found herself joined by hundreds of fellow fans at the first-ever “Leverage CON-con,”  at Portland’s Governor Hotel.

“I’ve been watching it from the beginning,” says Picken, who works as a Realtor, or estate agent, as they’re known in the U.K. The TNT series – which filmed its second season, and has just started shooting the third season, in Portland – wasn’t even available in England until recently. But Picken was so determined she found episodes on the Internet.

“I found a copy of the pilot online, and I thought, ‘This is kind of good.’” Picken likes the show’s humor, and its look. She enthusiastically praises the camera work in specific scenes, then stops herself and smiles: “That sounds kind of geeky.”

It’s the nature of fan conventions to bring people like Picken together with fellow devotees. But what made the “Leverage CON-Con,”  which began Friday and concluded Sunday, unusual is that this isn’t a show about science-fiction heroes, fantasy worlds, or horror. “Leverage” is, instead, about five flawed characters who use their shady skills to help underdogs get justice. The show stars Timothy Hutton  as Nate Ford,  mastermind of a group of bad guys-turned good guys.  Gina Bellman  plays Sophie Devereaux,  a con artist who has a past with Nate. Christian Kane  plays Eliot Spencer,  tough guy extraordinaire. Beth Riesgraf  plays Parker,  expert thief and cat burglar. And Aldis Hodge  plays Alec Hardison,  ace computer hacker.

“Leverage” is an entertaining show that balances humor, character development, the intricacies of cons and capers and occasional darker elements. But what’s a series like this – with nary a superhero or alien world in sight – doing spawning a fan convention?

Dean Devlin,  executive producer of “Leverage,” has experience with projects that typically draw crowds to such conventions as the massive Comic-Con in San Diego. Devlin, working with director Roland Emmerich,  made the movies, “Stargate,” “Independence Day” and “Godzilla.” As he sits at a table inside a Governor Hotel ballroom on Saturday, signing autographs, Devlin says he and fellow “Leverage” executive producers John Rogers  and Chris Downey,  sitting beside him, got to talking about five months back about a “Leverage” convention. As Devlin says, the show has loyal fans, “so we thought, let’s throw a party for them. We pulled this together in about a quarter of the time it usually takes to mount a convention.”

Rogers, whose resumé includes a stint writing comics, says that people who helped put the weekend convention together told him they’ve “never seen this kind of turnout for a non-genre show.” Devlin and Rogers say they thought they might draw about 150 fans, instead of the “500-plus” who registered for the weekend.

Rachel Olschan,  a “Leverage” co-producer, says Devlin, Rogers and Downey understand how to use new media to connect with fans, with Twitter accounts, Facebook groups and Rogers’ blog, Kung Fu Monkey (http://kfmonkey.blogspot.com).

The con was held in Portland, Olschan says, because this is when all the cast and crew would be in one place, since they’re shooting here. They chose the Governor Hotel, she adds, because of the show’s relationship – they’ve filmed episodes at the hotel, and Jake’s Catering  threw the season-two wrap party. While Olschan says there have been a few bumps –
“this is the first time we’ve done this” – she adds that if the convention goes well and makes enough money to cover costs, they’d like to do it again.

Michelle Hydorn, 28,  would definitely be up for a repeat event. Hydorn, who also goes by the online name “Rikki Sixx,” calls herself Hutton’s “number-one fan. I’ve had a crush on him since I was 13.” She already loved the show when it was filming its first season in Los Angeles, she says. So when the producers announced they were coming to Portland to shoot, Hydorn was over the moon. “I was on Twitter one day,” she recalls, “and Mayor Sam Adams twittered that ‘Leverage’ is coming to Portland. Right then, I said, my mission is to meet Tim Hutton!”

And she did. “I got a job working as an extra,” says Hydorn, who is currently unemployed.

For most of the overwhelmingly female crowd, the weekend’s highlight seemed to be a panel on Saturday afternoon, featuring all five members of the “Leverage” cast onstage in the Heritage Ballroom, answering questions and bantering back-and-forth.

Before the panel, Hodge waits in a break room. He’s had experience with fan conventions before, he says, thanks to appearing on the fantasy show, “Supernatural,” which has events run by Creation Entertainment, whose productions include “Twilight” and “Star Trek” conventions. Kane also has con experience, thanks to his role on “Angel,” the vampire series from fan favorite Joss Whedon.  Hodge says he and Kane are “pretty stoked” about the Portland con. “We worked a full 12-hour day on Friday, and got to the hotel for the cocktail party at about 10:30,” Hodge says. “But I wasn’t tired. There’s nothing better than that energy from people.”

Meanwhile, Stacey McCormack  waits in the lobby outside the ballroom. “I didn’t start watching ‘Leverage’ until they started shooting in Portland,” says the 39-year-old,  who works for Comcast Spotlight, the cable company’s advertising division. “This is very fun,” she says. “It makes you proud of our city. I love how they have the Park Blocks be Kiev, or something. There’s been a lot of Portland I haven’t seen until it’s been on ‘Leverage.’”

Finally, to cheers and applause, the stars take the stage. Audience members ask questions, and several – including Portlander Gretchen Nathe, 30,  who has a “KANE” tattoo at the top of her back – proclaim their love not only of Kane’s acting, but of his country-influenced band’s music.

Bellman and Riesgraf say they’re new to fan conventions. “I’m blown away, and kind of nervous,” Riesgraf says. “It’s incredible to have this much support.”

Hutton agrees. “It makes us feel good going to work every day,” he says. “So thank you.”

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The Second Season of the Highly-Rated Drama Debuts on

DVD on Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The second season of LEVERAGE, which officially arrives on DVD May 25, 2010 from Paramount Home Entertainment, is currently available through pre-order from Amazon.com.  TNT’s hit drama “Leverage” is averaging 4.4 million viewers and recently ranked as one of ad-supported cable’s top new original series of 2008-09.  LEVERAGE stars Oscar®-winner Timothy Hutton (Ordinary People) as the leader of an elite team of thieves, hackers and con artists who act as modern day Robin Hoods by standing up for those who have been victimized by the rich and powerful.  In the timely second season, the team takes on corrupt bankers, high fashion, the tabloid media and an old nemesis from their past.  The show also stars Gina Bellman (“Coupling”), Christian Kane (“Into The West”), Beth Riesgraf (Alvin and the Chipmunks) and Aldis Hodge (“Friday Night Lights”).  In addition, Jeri Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager”) joins the cast as a special guest star in a continuing story arc as a temporary member of the team.  “Leverage” returns to TNT this summer.

The LEVERAGE The Second Season DVD includes all 15 episodes with audio commentary on every episode, a Q&A with the series’ creators, a set tour, a spoof video, the season two wrap party gag reel and behind-the-scenes featurettes.

Click here to reserve your copy of Leverage The Second Season –

http://www.amazon.com/Leverage-Complete-SecondTimothyHutton/dp/B002BWP2JO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1268425672&sr=1-1

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ELECTRIC ENTERTAINMENT’S

“LEVERAGE” HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR THREE SATURN AWARDS AND TWO PRISM AWARDS

Congratulations to Aldis Hodge and Gina Bellman for Their “Best Supporting Actor” Saturn Award Nominations and Timothy Hutton for his “Performance in a Drama Episode” Prism Award Nomination

Los Angeles, CA (February 19, 2010) — Electric Entertainment’s “Leverage” has received three nominations for the 36^th Annual Saturn Awards by The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films and two nominations for 14^th Annual Prism Awards. “Leverage,” which recently completed its second season on TNT, was nominated for “Best Cable Television Series” with Aldis Hodge and Gina Bellman also receiving nominations for “Best Supporting Actor in Television” and “Best Supporting Actress in Television” respectively from the Saturn Awards. The Saturn Awards will be announced on June 24 in Burbank, CA. Additionally, “The Twelve Step Job” season one episode of “Leverage” was nominated for best “Drama Series Episode –  Substance Abuse” with Timothy Hutton also being nominated for his performance in that episode.

Season 3 of “Leverage” will premiere this summer on TNT.  In the meantime, “Leverage” fans from around the world will have an opportunity to meet the team behind TNT’s hit series at CON-Con: An Official Leverage Event on March 19-21 in Portland, OR. The 3 day con-vention will feature appearances by the principal cast including Oscar winner Timothy Hutton (Ordinary People, The Good Shepherd), Beth Riesgraf, Aldis Hodge (Supernatural), Christian Kane (Angel, Friday Night Lights) and Gina Bellman (Coupling, Jekyll). Additionally the creative minds behind the series including Executive Producer Dean Devlin (producer of Independence Day, The Patriot, The Librarian trilogy) and Creators/Executive Producers John Rogers (Transformers) and Chris Downey (The King of Queens) will be on hand to take part in panel discussions and Q&As with the fans.

About Electric Entertainment

Electric Entertainment is a full service film, television, and new media production company headed by veteran producer Dean Devlin along with partners Kearie Peak, Marc Roskin and Rachel Olschan. Over the last fifteen years, Devlin has co-written and produced some of the most successful feature films of all time.  He co-wrote and produced Stargate and Independence Day, which has grossed over $800 million worldwide. He co-wrote and produced Godzilla, and produced The Patriot starring Mel Gibson, which was nominated for three Academy Awards. Electric is currently in pre-production on the third season of “Leverage,” the 1-hour drama series airing on TNT and is in pre-production on the science-fiction thriller feature Ghosting, which Devlin will direct. Electric’s most recent film projects include Flyboys, the politically-charged documentary Who Killed the Electric Car?, Cellular starring Kim Basinger and Eight Legged Freaks. In addition to “Leverage,” Electric’s television credits include Sci Fi Channel’s “The Triangle,” which won an Emmy for its Visual Effects; “The Librarian: Quest for the Spear,” starring Noah Wyle which aired on TNT in December 2004 and was the highest rated movie on cable that year; its sequel “The Librarian: Return to King Solomon’s Mines” which won an Emmy award for best music composition; and “The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice” which premiered in December 2008.

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TNT’s entertaining caper show comes back for its winter run, but without Gina Bellman, who’s on maternity leave. While you’re waiting for her return, enjoy her temporary replacement, Jeri Ryan.

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Leverage MID-SEASON PREMIERE Wednesday (1/13), 10/9c, TNT

JERI DUTY

The con is back on as Nate (Timothy Hutton) and his crew of do-gooding thieves return for six more episodes, with a new twist: Jeri Ryan’s scammer Tara is filling in for Gina Bellma’s Sophie, who’s on sabbatical. (In real life, Bellman is on maternity leave.) “It’s a perfect job as an actor,” says Ryan. “You get to play so many different people.” In tonight’s episode, she’ll pose as an Italian fashion designer—and on the February 3 show, she’ll channel her inner Miss Cleo, pretending to be a psychic to bring down a swindler (Luke Perry!). But playing Tara herself may be the most fun for the ex-Shark star. “I’ve been a lot of ball-buster lawyers and suit-wearing women—Tara’s a ball-buster in a very different way,” says Ryan. “She’s smart, tough and has that sarcastic sense of humor—you don’t get to see that side of me very much.” And how about her romantic side—will we see that come out, perhaps with Nate? “I don’t want to give anything away,” she says “But there are things there to make people wonder.” Sounds like a long grift.—Megan Walsh-Boyle

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Leverage Soundtrack now Available

Presenting the original music score to the hit TNT television series Leverage, starring Timothy Hutton. Emmy winning composer Joseph LoDuca (Legend Of The Seeker, The Librarian, Xena, Evil Dead Trilogy) creates a wonderful listening experience with a jazz and pop-tinged music score that captures all the mystery, action and flat-out fun of this popular TV series. Currently airing on TNT in its second season, the first season of Leverage is available on DVD in stores everywhere. Second season hits DVD in 2010.

Click here to order!

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THE CON-CON IS COMING TO PORTLAND MARCH 19-21, 2010

PRINCIPAL CAST OF TNT’S ‘LEVERAGE’ WILL BE ON HAND FOR

THREE DAY CON-VENTION

“LEVERAGE” Returns to TNT in January 2010

LOS ANGELES (November 10, 2009) – On March 19-21, 2010 in Portland, OR, “Leverage” fans from around the world will have an opportunity to meet the team behind TNT’s hit series at CON-Con: An Official Leverage Event. The 3 day con-vention will feature appearances by the principal cast including Oscar winner Timothy Hutton (Ordinary People, The Good Shepherd), Beth Riesgraf, Aldis Hodge (Supernatural), Christian Kane (Angel, Friday Night Lights) and Gina Bellman (Coupling, Jekyll). Additionally the creative minds behind the series including Executive Producer Dean Devlin (producer of Independence Day, The Patriot, The Librarian trilogy) and Creators/Executive Producers John Rogers (Transformers) and Chris Downey (The King of Queens) will be on hand to take part in panel discussions and Q&As with the fans.

The CON-con will be held in the gorgeous Governor Hotel, which was used for two of “Leverage’s” episodes. Events throughout the weekend will include Q&As with the cast, autograph and meet and greet sessions, a cocktail party and an official banquet, to name a few.

The CON-con: An Official Leverage Event is brought to you by Dean Devlin and Electric Entertainment, in cooperation with MBL Entertainment, LLC. and FED CON GmbH.

For more details and to purchase tickets please visit www.conthecon.com.

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About Electric Entertainment

Electric Entertainment is a full service film, television, and new media production company headed by veteran producer Dean Devlin along with partners Kearie Peak, Marc Roskin and Rachel Olschan. Over the last fifteen years, Devlin has co-written and produced some of the most successful feature films of all time.  He co-wrote and produced Stargate and Independence Day, which has grossed over $800 million worldwide. He co-wrote and produced Godzilla, and produced The Patriot starring Mel Gibson, which was nominated for three Academy Awards. Electric is currently in pre-production on the third season of “Leverage,” the 1-hour drama series airing on TNT, and is in pre-production on the science-fiction thriller feature Ghosting, which Devlin will direct.

Electric’s most recent film projects include MGM’s Flyboys; Sony Pictures Classics’ politically-charged documentary Who Killed the Electric Car?, which was nominated by the Broadcast Film Critics Association for Best Documentary Feature; New Line’s Fall 2004 release Cellular starring Kim Basinger; and Eight Legged Freaks, released by Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow in July 2002. Electric’s television credits include “The Librarian: Quest for the Spear,” starring Noah Wyle which aired on TNT network in December 2004 and was the highest rated movie on cable that year and its sequel, “The Librarian: Return to King Solomon’s Mines,” which aired last December on TNT and won an Emmy award for best music composition; and the Sci Fi Channel’s “The Triangle,” which won an Emmy for its Visual Effects, and was the highest-rated miniseries on the cable channel since “Steven Spielberg Presents TAKEN (2002).” The company also produced the third installment of the Librarian franchise, “Curse of the Judas Chalice,” which premiered on TNT in December 2008 along with the first season of “Leverage,” which has been renewed for a third season. Additionally, Electric Entertainment owns and runs iF Magazine (www.ifmagazine.com), an online pop culture entertainment site that features Movie and TV news, reviews and interviews.

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