NEW ALBANY, Ohio, Oct. 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Justice, the #1 destination for all things tween girl, is announcing the launch of a new entertainment division, Justice Studios. As consumers evolve and place greater emphasis on experiences, the new arm of the company will focus on enriching the relationship with the Justice girl by creating original content, including graphic novels, video series, music, documentaries and more. The clothing, accessories, and lifestyle product retailer is wholly invested in engaging and empowering girls in unique ways and believes in the importance of providing a positive platform.
“We continue to look for unique ways to engage our audience outside the store, and we view Justice Studios as the next step in our retail evolution,” said Lece Lohr, President of Justice. “Our goal is to create empowering content that supports our Live Justice values, and shows girls that they can truly change the world.”
To bring Justice Studios to life, Justice has partnered with Elevate Pictures, a Columbus, Ohio-based entertainment and production company specializing in transmedia story building and multi-platform distribution. Justice and Elevate will collaborate on the development and production of the content and currently have three projects in the works including a graphic novel series, “Ultra Squad,” a documentary, “Finding Clara,” as well as the “Live Justice” Awards.
“Ultra Squad” Graphic Novel Series
Justice Studios will release book one of a graphic novel series titled “Ultra Squad.” Written by Elevate Pictures partner Julia DeVillers, a bestselling young adult author, the series of graphic novels will follow the adventures of four tween girls as they battle an evil force threatening Earth, and use their magical girl powers to save the universe. The message will be geared toward a generation of girls who want to make the world a better place through teamwork, positivity and inclusivity. The first novel will launch in Justice stores nationwide and online November 3, 2018.
“Finding Clara” Documentary
In partnership with BalletMet, Elevate Pictures and Justice were given exclusive access to go behind-the-scenes of the beloved Nutcracker production to see it through the eyes of four hard-working young dancers in a unique web series entitled, “Finding Clara.” The original series follows the girls through auditions, months of challenging rehearsals as well as the moment the girls found out who landed the lead role of Clara. Justice Studios is currently adapting and reformatting the web-based series into a full-length documentary which will be released in Holiday 2018.
“Live Justice” Awards Year Two!
Following the hugely successful Live Justice Awards in 2018, a one night event that celebrated the unstoppable power of girls, Justice and Elevate will collaborate again to make the event bigger and better for year two. The Live Justice Awards show will be expanded into a year-round platform aligned to the brand mission of empowering & honoring remarkable tween girls who are making a difference, inspiring others and boldly pursuing their dreams and encourage all girls to embrace the ‘Live Justice Values’: Live Active, Live Connected, Live Together, Live Smart, Live Positively, and Live Creatively. The show will also feature live performances and appearances by some of the biggest names in the tween world, unique engagements and much, much more!
Justice Studios will be announcing new projects throughout the year. To find out more or shop the latest clothing styles, visit Justice stores nationwide or online at shopjustice.com. You can also download the Live Justice app for exclusive content, freebies and more.
About Justice
Justice is the #1 destination for all things tween girl. Based in New Albany, Ohio, Justice currently operates more than 860 stores in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America, Asia and the Middle East.Justice is part of ascena retail group, inc., which owns Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lou & Grey, Lane Bryant, Catherines, dressbarn and maurices. Visit Justice at shopjustice.comor on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.
About Elevate Pictures
Elevate Pictures is a branded content and entertainment company that thrives on great multi-platform storytelling, they sit at the intersection of film, advertising, and technology. They currently work with a number of Fortune 500 brands and have multiple entertainment properties spanning across digital, film, print and gaming.
About ascena retail group, inc.
ascena retail group, inc. (NASDAQ: ASNA) is a leading national specialty retailer offering apparel, shoes, and accessories for women under the Premium Fashion segment (Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Lou & Grey), Value Fashion segment (maurices and dressbarn), Plus Fashion segment (Lane Bryant, Catherines and Cacique), and for tween girls under the Kids Fashion segment (Justice). ascena retail group, inc. operates ecommerce websites and approximately 4,600 stores throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Media Contacts:
Kelly Kaufman
Praytell for Justice
kelly@praytellagency.com
(773) 531-7737
Traci Graziani
Justice Retail
tgraziani@justiceretail.com
Jeremy Hughes
Elevate Pictures
inquiries@elevate-m.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ad1542cf-6a8a-4ac9-9bc4-6b4b29f0007a