London, UK – On October 5, Microsoft and 343 Industries announced the launch of the series premiere of the highly anticipated live-action series, “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn,” on Machinima’s new premium channel, Machinima Prime, and Halo Waypoint. The groundbreaking digital series will lead up to the launch of the “Halo 4” video game, one of the biggest entertainment events of the year.

“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” tells an exciting story of heroism and sacrifice on a scale never before seen in the “Halo” universe, taking fans back to the beginning of the human and Covenant war, and leading into the events of “Halo 4.” Set against the backdrop of a United Nations Space Command (UNSC) military academy, “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” follows a group of cadets who are training to be the next generation of soldiers in the UNSC’s ongoing war with insurrectionists in the outer colonial planets.

Among these cadets, Thomas Lasky struggles with his doubts about the war, and with the burden of expectations he may not be able to carry. As Lasky comes to terms with his potential as a military leader, the terrifying alien alliance known as the Covenant arrives and turns his world upside down. Inspired by the Master Chief, he must decide what it means to be a hero.

“Halo” fans who experience Lasky’s thrilling origin story in “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” will be rewarded with special insights into the story of “Halo 4” and the “Halo Infinity Multiplayer” experience. The story will unfold weekly through a series of five episodes, setting the stage for the worldwide launch of “Halo 4” on November 6.

Directed by Stewart Hendler (“H+,” “Sorority Row”), written by Todd Helbing and Aaron Helbing (“Smallville,” “Spartacus”) and backed by a top-tier production team, including Executive Producers Lydia Antonini and Josh Feldman, former Warner Bros. and Playtone executives, respectively, “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” features a diverse cast of established and up-and-coming Hollywood talent, including Daniel Cudmore (“X2,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn 1 & 2”) as the Master Chief, Anna Popplewell (“The Chronicles of Narnia”) as Chyler Silva, Tom Green (“Dance Academy”) as Thomas Lasky, and Ayelet Zurer (“Angels & Demons,” “Munich”) as Mehaffey.

“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” is produced in association with Emmy-winning production company Herzog & Company/HCO (Gettysburg and the forthcomingKilling Lincoln). Continuing its involvement with the “Halo” franchise, Legacy Effects (The Hunger Games, The Avengers, Avatar) is creating specialized costumes and armor, and visual effects are being created by Toronto-based Arc Productions bringing the Halo universe to life with fidelity never before seen. Emmy-winner John Sullivan (“The Pacific”) is serving as the Visual Effects Supervisor for the production.

“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” Special Edition. Available as part of the “Halo 4” Limited Edition game bundle for £69.99 ERP, the “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” Special Edition is an extended 90-minute version of the live-action digital series that will bring the “Halo” universe to life as you’ve never seen it.

In addition to exclusive packaging and a wealth of in-game content, including Specializations, armour and weapon skins, and access to nine upcoming multiplayer maps available post-launch, the “Halo 4” Limited Edition also includes the following bonus content for “Forward Unto Dawn”:

• In-fiction content expanding the characters and stories of “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn”
• Special Featurette: “Bringing Gaming into Reality”
• Making of “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn”

Forward Unto Dawn Schedule:

• Episode 1: Available to watch now at Machinima Prime, and Halo Waypoint
• Episode 2: Friday October 12 at 11 a.m. BST
• Episode 3: Friday October 19 at 11 a.m. BST
• Episode 4: Friday October 26 at 11 a.m. BST
• Season Finale: Friday November 2 at 10 a.m. BST

Halo 4 is now available for pre-order in three distinct editions: the standard edition (£49.99 ERP), the Limited Collector’s Edition (£69.99 ERP) and the Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo 4 console bundle (£269.99 ERP) – for more information visit http://www.xbox.com/Halo-4

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