( 10 )
|
Commitments and Contingencies
|
Commitments
Payroll Tax Penalties –
As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company’s liabilities include a payable to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $116,308 and $123,248, respectively, associated with payroll tax liabilities for the second, third and fourth quarters of 2008, along with associated penalties and interest for late payment. The Company has entered into an installment agreement with the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $1,000 per month.
Contingencies
The Company’s legal proceedings are as follows:
Rustemagic v. Rosenberg & Platinum Studios
. On or about June 30, 2009, Ervin Rustemagic filed suit against the Company and its President, Scott Rosenberg, in the California Superior Court for the County of Los Angeles (Case No. BC416936) alleging that the Company (and Mr. Rosenberg) breached an agreement with Mr. Rustemagic thereby causing damages totaling $125,000. The matter was settled through arbitration in April, 2011 with only minimal liability to the Company. Under the settlement agreement, the Company has guaranteed additional payments due by Scott Rosenberg in the amount of $77,000 and that payment by Rosenberg has not been made, leading to additional litigation over the guaranteed amount and a subsequent judgment for the sum in excess of $125,000, with interest, currently due and payable.
Harrison Kordestani v. Platinum.
Harrison Kordestani was a principal of Arclight Films, with whom the Company had entered into a film slate agreement. One of the properties that had been subject to the slate agreement was “Dead of Night.” Arclight fired Mr. Kordestani and subsequently released Dead of Night from the slate agreement. In late January 2009, Mr. Krodestani had an attorney contact the Company as well as its new partners who were on the verge of closing the financing for the “Dead of Night.” Mr. Kordestani, through his counsel, claimed he was entitled to reimbursement for certain monies invested in the film while it had been subject to the Arclight slate agreement. Mr. Krodestani’s claim was wholly without merit and an attempt to force an unwarranted settlement because he knew we were about to close a deal. We responded immediately through outside counsel and asserted that he was engaging in extortion and the company would pursue him vigorously if he continued to try and interfere with our deal. The company has not heard anything further from Mr. Kordestani but will vigorously defend any suit that Mr. Kordestani attempts to bring. The Company has not reserved any payable for this proceeding.
Douglass Emmet v. Platinum Studios
On August 20, 2009, Douglas Emmet 1995, LLC filed an Unlawful Detainer action against the Company with regard to the office space previously occupied by the Company. The suit was filed in the California Superior Court, County of Los Angeles, (Case No. SC104504) and alleged that the Company had failed to make certain lease payments to the Plaintiff and was, therefore, in default of its lease obligations. The Plaintiff prevailed on its claims at trial and, subsequently, on October 14, 2009 entered into a Forbearance Agreement with the Company pursuant to which Douglas Emmet agreed to forebear on moving forward with eviction until December 31, 2009, if the Company agreed to pay to Douglas Emmet 50% of three month’s rent, in advance, for the months of October, November and December 2009. As of January 1, 2010, the Company was required to pay to Douglas Emmet the sum of $466,752 to become current under the existing lease or face immediate eviction and judgment for that amount. Prior to January 1, 2010, Douglas Emmet agreed to a month-to-month situation where Platinum pays 50% of its rent at the beginning of the month and the landlord holds back on eviction and enforcement of judgment while they evaluated whether they will consider negotiating a new lease with the Company that would potentially demise some of the Company’s current office space back to the landlord as well as potentially forgive some of the past due rent. As of June 30, 2010, the Company has abandoned the leasehold and moved to new offices. In January, 2011, Douglas Emmett served the Company a new lawsuit to recover unpaid rent and damages. The parties are in meaningful discussions for a settlement. The accounts payable of the Company include a balance to Douglass Emmet sufficient to cover the liability, in managements’ assessment.
Franklin v Platinum
(and a derivative action, by Franklin, against Scott Rosenberg) During mid-September 2011, Jeff Franklin, an independent contractor with the Company, was terminated, and, after settlement discussions as to his termination payments broke down, Franklin initiated arbitration, under his January 2010 written agreement, against Platinum on October 5, 2011. Franklin is seeking approximately $350,000 in cash, 10% of the Company in an equity position, and 25% of all intellectual property rights on certain film projects for the next five years. The Company has countered with a claim for a return of approximately $80,000 that it believes was over-paid to Franklin against commissions due under the written agreement.
On a parallel track, Franklin, claiming the position of lead plaintiff, is asserting the right, on behalf of the Company to sue Scott Rosenberg for intellectual property transfers that Franklin believes are injurious to Platinum and which were conducted in a fraudulent and derogatory manner by both Scott Rosenberg and the Board of Directors. The parties were served on October 16
th
and October 23
rd
.
With exception to the litigation disclosed above, we are not currently a party to, nor is any of our property currently the subject of, any additional pending legal proceeding that will have a material adverse effect on our business, nor are any of our directors, officers or affiliates involved in any proceedings adverse to our business or which have a material interest adverse to our business.
( 11 )
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Related party transactions
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The Company has an exclusive option to enter licensing/acquisition of rights agreements for individual characters, subject to existing third party rights, within the RIP Awesome Library of RIP Media, Inc., an entity in which Scott Rosenberg is the Manager. Scott Mitchell Rosenberg also provides production consulting services to the Company’s customers (production companies) through Scott Mitchell Rosenberg Productions (another related entity) wholly owned by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg. At the time the Company enters into a purchase agreement with a production company, a separate contract may be entered into between the related entity and the production company. In addition, consulting services regarding development of characters and storylines may also be provided to the Company by this related entity. Revenue would be paid directly to the related entity by the production company.
As consideration for the Amendment of the assigned secured convertible notes payable to an entity managed by the CEO and one of the Company’s Directors, the Company must pay to such entity 25% of all gross revenues derived from Co-Owned intellectual property, including the merchandising revenue received from the film, “Cowboys and Aliens”. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company incurred participation fees relating to this agreement of $18,750 and $31,875. As of September 30, 2011, the Company had unpaid fees relating to this agreement of $379,375. As of September 30, 2011, the entity was no longer managed by CEO nor one of the Company’s directors and is now considered an unrelated party.
In September 2010, the Company consummated a sale of its Drunkduck.com website to an affiliate of Brian Altounian, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. The sale includes all components of the website, all copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks, trade names and all material contracts related to the website’s operations with a cost basis of $40,000. The selling price totaled $1,000,000 which was comprised of $500,000 in cash to be paid in installments through October 28, 2010 and $500,000 in future royalties. For accounting purposes, the Company determined recognition of this sale on the installment method was appropriate since the collection of the purchase price could not be assured. The Company has received $350,000, or 70% of the cash proceeds with the balance past due as of September 30, 2011. The Company will also receive payments equal to 10% of Net Revenues generated from the website until the $500,000 in royalties is received. The Company retains partial ownership until the total selling price has been received.
As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had accrued payroll, included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, of $584,576 and $502,784, respectively, accrued interest, included in Accrued interest-related party notes payable, of $0 and $189,770, respectively, and accrued participation fees, included in Related party payable, of $347,500, due to Scott Rosenberg or entities in which he is a manager. Related party payable as of September, 2011 also includes a short term loan of $100,000 from an entity which is managed by Scott Rosenberg.
Common stock consists of $0.0001 par value, 2,500,000,000 shares authorized, 413,234,555 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2011 and 310,345,811 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2010.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, 337,000 shares that were previously issued as a finder’s fee were returned to the Company.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company issued 41,323,534 shares of common stock for services with a total value of $898,278. The number of shares issued for the services was based upon the fair market value of the stock on the date of issuance, with the differences between the fair market value of the stock and the fair market value of the services, or $791,371, recognized as loss on extinguishment of debt of $106,907
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company issued 20,929,737 shares of common stock for conversion of debt or payment of accounts payable with a total value of $505,350. The number of shares issued for the conversion of debt and payment of accounts payable was based upon the fair market value of the stock on the date of conversion or payment, with differences between the fair market value of the stock and the fair market value of the debt recognized, or $366,562, as loss on extinguishment of debt of $138,788.
In July, 2011, the Company established a compensation and benefit plan to provide incentive to employees and consultants. The Company filed Form S-8 to register 15,000,000 shares for the plan. The Company issued 11,860,085 shares under the plan.
In January, 2011, the Company’s S-1 filing became effective with 41,000,000 shares available pursuant to the Dutchess Opportunity Fund agreement. Of such shares, (i) Dutchess has agreed to purchase 41,000,000 pursuant to the investment agreement dated January 12, 2010, between Dutchess and the Company, and (ii) NO shares were issued to Dutchess in consideration for the investment. Subject to the terms and conditions of such investment agreement, we have the right to put up to $5,000,000 in shares of our common stock to Dutchess. This arrangement is sometimes referred to as an Equity Line.
We will not receive any proceeds from the resale of these shares of common stock offered by Dutchess. We will, however, receive proceeds from the sale of shares to Dutchess pursuant to the Equity Line. When we put an amount of shares to Dutchess, the per share purchase price that Dutchess will pay to us in respect of such put will be determined in accordance with a formula set forth in the Investment Agreement. Generally, in respect of each put, Dutchess will pay us a per share purchase price equal to ninety-five percent (95%) of the daily volume weighted average price of our common stock during the five (5) consecutive trading day period beginning on the trading day immediately following the date of delivery of the applicable put notice.
Dutchess may sell the shares of common stock from time to time at the prevailing market price on the Over-the Counter (OTC) Bulletin Board, or on an exchange if our shares of common stock become listed for trading on such an exchange, or in negotiated transactions. Dutchess is an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") in connection with the resale of our common stock under the Equity Line.
Pursuant to the agreement, the Company sold 40,972,474 shares of the Company’s common stock during the first nine months of 2011 to Dutchess Opportunity Fund for $1,019,232, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $1,009,232 after costs.
( 13 )
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Stock Options and Warrants
|
Stock Options
In 2007, the Company adopted the Platinum Studios, Inc. 2007 Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The options under the plan shall be granted from time to time by the Board of Directors. Individuals eligible to receive options include employees of the Company, consultants to the Company and directors of the Company. The options shall have a fixed price, which will not be less than 100% of the fair market value per share on the grant date. The total number of options authorized is 45,000,000.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company issued no options to purchase the Company's common stock. The aggregate value of the options vesting, net of forfeitures, during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $0 and $108,695, respectively and has been reflected as compensation cost. As of September 30, 2011, the aggregate value of unvested options was $4,560 which will be amortized as compensation cost as the options vest, over 2 months.
Additional information regarding options outstanding as of September 30, 2011 is as follows:
|
|
Options Outstanding at September 30,
2011
|
|
Options Exercisable at
September 30, 2011
|
|
Range of
Exercise Price
|
|
Number of
Shares
Outstanding
|
|
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)
|
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
|
Number of
Shares
Exercisable
|
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.01 - $0.05
|
|
|
4,000,000
|
|
|
.50
|
|
$
|
0.05
|
|
|
4,000,000
|
|
$
|
0.05
|
|
$
|
0.06 - $0.10
|
|
|
10,265,000
|
|
|
3.05
|
|
$
|
0.10
|
|
|
10, 115,000
|
|
$
|
0.10
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,265,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,115,000
|
|
|
|
|
The options had no intrinsic value as of September 30, 2011.
Stock Warrants
The following table summarizes the outstanding warrants to purchase Common Stock at September 30, 2011:
Number
|
|
Exercise Price
|
|
Expiration
Dates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000,000
|
|
$
|
0.0044
|
|
May, 2019
|
|
14,062,500
|
|
$
|
0.0044
|
|
June, 2019
|
|
40,000,000
|
|
$
|
0.0044
|
|
October, 2020
|
|
852,272,727
|
|
$
|
0.0044
|
|
October, 2020
|
|
40,000,000
|
|
$
|
0.11
|
|
August, 2021
|
|
34,090,909
|
|
$
|
0.11
|
|
August, 2021
|
|
1,005,426,136
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of September 30, 2011, the intrinsic value of the warrants outstanding was $6,519,347 based upon the trading price of the common shares as of that date.
Common Stock
In October, 2011, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation with the State of California to increase is authorized shares from 500,000 to 2,500,000.
Common Stock Issued for Conversion of Debt
In October and November, 2011, the Company issued 4,745,454 shares of its common stock to settle convertible promissory notes with a value of $24,202.
In October and November, 2011, the Company issued 21,710,228 shares of its common stock to settle accounts payable and accrued expenses totaling $108,660.
Equity Line of Credit
In November, 2011, the Company’s signed a new Investment Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement with Dutchess Opportunity Fund II, LP, or "Dutchess". Pursuant to the agreement, Dutchess has agreed to purchase 98,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. Subject to the terms and conditions of such investment agreement, we have the right to put up to $10,000,000 in shares of our common stock to Dutchess. This arrangement is sometimes referred to as an Equity Line.
We will not receive any proceeds from the resale of these shares of common stock offered by Dutchess. We will, however, receive proceeds from the sale of shares to Dutchess pursuant to the Equity Line. When we put an amount of shares to Dutchess, the per share purchase price that Dutchess will pay to us in respect of such put will be determined in accordance with a formula set forth in the Investment Agreement. Generally, in respect of each put, Dutchess will pay us a per share purchase price equal to ninety-five percent (95%) of the daily volume weighted average price of our common stock during the five (5) consecutive trading day period beginning on the trading day immediately following the date of delivery of the applicable put notice.
Dutchess may sell the shares of common stock from time to time at the prevailing market price on the Over-the Counter (OTC) Bulletin Board, or on an exchange if our shares of common stock become listed for trading on such an exchange, or in negotiated transactions. Dutchess is an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") in connection with the resale of our common stock under the Equity Line.
Pursuant to the terms of a Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 25, 2011, between Dutchess and us, we are obligated to file one or more registration statements with the SEC to register the resale by Dutchess of shares of common stock issued or issuable under the Investment Agreement. We must file with the SEC an initial registration statement on Form S-1 of which this prospectus forms a part, in order to access the credit line, covering the resale of the 98,000,000 shares of common stock which is less than one-third (1/3) of our current public float (where "public float" shall be derived by subtracting the number of shares of common stock held by our officers, directors and "affiliates" (as such term is defined in Rule 144(a)(1) of the 1933 Act) from the total number of shares of our common stock then outstanding). After the later of (i) sixty (60) days after the time that Dutchess shall have resold substantially all of the shares registered for resale under the initial registration statement, or (ii) six (6) months after the effective date of the initial registration statement, we are obligated to register for resale another portion of the credit line amount, utilizing available equity equal to one-third (1/3) of our then outstanding public float. This registration process will continue until such time as all of the dollar amounts available under the credit line, using shares of common stock issuable under the Investment Agreement, have been registered for resale on effective registration statements. In no event will we be obligated to register for resale more than $10,000,000 in value of shares of common stock.
ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the information in this quarterly report contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate" and "continue," or similar words. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they:
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·
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discuss our future expectations;
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|
·
|
contain projections of our future results of operations or of our financial condition; and
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|
·
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state other "forward-looking" information.
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We believe it is important to communicate our expectations. However, there may be events in the future that we are not able to accurately predict or over which we have no control. Our actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors.
GENERAL
We are a comics-based entertainment company. We own the rights to a library of over 5,000 comic book characters, which we adapt and produce for film, television and all other media. Our library contains characters in a full range of genre and styles. With deals in place with film studios and media players, our management believes we are positioned to become a leader in the creation of new content across all media.
We are focused on adding titles and expanding our library with the primary goal of creating new franchise properties and characters. In addition to in-house development and further acquisitions, we are developing content with professionals outside the realm of comic books. We have teamed up with screenwriters, producers, directors, movie stars, and novelists to develop entertainment content and potential new franchise properties. We believe our core brand offers a broader range of storylines and genres than the traditional superhero-centric genre. Management believes this approach is maintained with Hollywood in mind, as the storylines offer the film industry fresh, high-concept brandable content as a complementary alternative to traditional super hero storylines.
Over the next several years, we are working to become the leading independent comic book commercialization producer for the entertainment industry across all platforms including film, television, direct-to-home, publishing, and digital media, creating merchandising vehicles through all retail product lines. Our management believes this will allow us to maximize the potential and value of our owned content creator relationships and acquisitions, story development and character/franchise brand-building capabilities while keeping required capital investment relatively low.
During 2009 and 2010, the Company produced a feature film entitled “Dylan Dog: Dead of Night” which was released during 2011.
We derive revenues from a number of sources including: Print Publishing, Filmed Entertainment and Merchandise/Licensing.
Set forth below is a discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Platinum Studios, Inc. (the “Company”, “we”, “us,” and “our”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the information set forth in the condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.
RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS – THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 COMPARED TO THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
NET REVENUE (UNAUDITED)
Net revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $4,943,963 and $10,469,444, respectively, as compared to $150,645 and $2,248,693 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010. Currently the Company derives most of its revenue from film licensing, options to purchase rights, the purchase of rights to properties and first look deals. This type of revenue can vary significantly between quarters and years. The revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were primarily related to film licensing revenue from the release of “Dylan Dog: Dead of Night.”
The net revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was primarily purchase rights revenue from one customer as principal photography initiated on one of the Company’s properties, “Cowboys and Aliens.”
Cost of revenues
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 costs of revenue were $4,692,049 and $10,167,007, respectively compared to $14,378 and $493,960 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010. The costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were primarily amortization of film costs related to the licensing revenue for the film “Dylan Dog: Dead of Night.” The costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were primarily participation costs related to the purchase rights revenues on “Cowboys and Aliens.”
Operating expenses
Operating expenses increased $359,138 or 55% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 to $1,009,398 as compared to $650,260 for the three months ended September 30, 2010. This increase was related to an increase in marketing and promotional entertainment expenses of $44,000 as the Company promoted “Cowboys and Aliens,” an increase in commissions of $53,000 related to “Dylan Dog: Dead of Night” and on licensing agreement revenues from “Cowboys and Aliens,” an increase in legal fees of $178,000 due to lawsuits and new licensing contracts, an increase in consulting fees of $173,000 as the Company used consultants instead of hiring more permanent staff, an increase in insurance of $17,000 due to increases in group health insurance costs and the addition of D&O coverage and an increase in foreign withholding taxes of $22,000 related to foreign licensing revenues on “Dylan Dog: Dead of Night,” and These increases were offset by a decrease in salaries of $34,000 and a decrease in stock option expense of $154,000
Operating expenses increased $24,848 or 1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to $2,276,343 as compared to $2,251,495 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as cost remained consistent across the nine month periods.
Development costs
Development costs increased $92,991 or 92% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 to $194,298 as compared to $101,307 for the three months ended September 30, 2010. Development costs increased $274,059 or 114% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to $514,305 as compared to $240,246 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. These increases were primarily due to expenditures for outside artwork and writing fees required to develop the Company’s comic book characters and costs related to an animated comic book series.
Gain (loss) on settlement of debt
The company recorded a los on settlement of debt for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 of $(79,126) and $(245,695), respectively, as compared to a gain on settlement of debt for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 of $27,492 and $109,949, respectively. The losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were primarily related to settlement of accounts payable by issuance of the Company’s common stock at a discount to the value of the payable and the conversion of convertible notes payable at a discount. The gain for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was primarily related to the settlement of leases in default at a discount to amount remaining on the lease.
Loss on derivative liability
The Company recorded a loss on derivative liability of $1,282,318 and $4,280,048 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. The derivative liability, recorded in connection with secured convertible debts payable and related warrants that are re-valued at each reporting date with changes in value being recognized as part of current earnings.
Cost of Financing
The cost of financing for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 of $3,153,691 is related to the extensions of the secured debt formerly held by the Company’s Chairman and CEO, Scott Rosenberg. In August 2011, the debts that were originally due in May and June of 2011 were extended to May and June of 2012. As part of the consideration of the extensions, new warrants were issued. The cost of financing is the value of the conversion feature of the debt and the value of the new warrants less the debt discount recorded. The value of the conversion feature and the new warrants was $6,903,691, less the debt discount of $3,750,000.
Interest expense
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, interest expense was $826,955 and $3,664,790, respectively as compared to $121,279 and $1,079,444 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010. The increase is primarily related to amortization of debt discount recorded as interest expense in connection with secured convertible debts payable.
As a result of the foregoing, the net loss increased by $6,164,985 and $12,130,152 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 to $6,293,872 and $13,832,435 as compared to the same periods in 2010.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (UNAUDITED)
NET CASH FLOW FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
Net cash flow provided by operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $3,977,148 as compared to net cash flow used by operations of $268,093 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The increase in cash flows from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was primarily due an increase in amortization of film library of $9,107,636, an increase in amortization of debt discount of $2,404,180, an increase in loss on valuation of derivative liability of $4,035,048, an increase in the cost of financing of $3,153,691, a decrease in investment in film library of $1,204,668, a decrease in deferred revenue of $5,939,785 and an increase in net loss of $12,130,152.
Net cash used by investing activities was $6,126 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 for the purchase of office equipment.
Net cash used in financing activities was $3,978,035 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to net cash provided of $309,260 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities is attributed to a decrease in proceeds from short-term notes payable of $492,353, and an increase in payments on short-term notes payable of $4,345,201.
At September 30, 2011 the Company had cash balances of $69,262. The Company will issue additional equity and may consider debt financing to fund future growth opportunities and support operations. Although the Company believes its unique intellectual content offers the opportunity for significantly improved operating results in future quarters, no assurance can be given that the Company will operate on a profitable basis in 2011, or ever, as such performance is subject to numerous variables and uncertainties, many of which are out of the Company’s control.
GOING CONCERN
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company had a net loss of $13,832,435. At September 30, 2011, the Company had a working capital deficit of $9,422,222 (excluding its derivative liability) and a shareholders’ deficiency of $27,944,223. The Company is also delinquent in payment of $116,308 for payroll taxes as of September 30, 2011 and in default of certain of its short term notes payable including its $4,916,665 note payable to Standard Chartered Bank.. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from this uncertainty. The Company intends to raise funds to finance operations until the Company achieves profitable operations. The Company’s capital requirements for the next 12 months will continue to be significant. If adequate funds are not available to satisfy either medium or long-term capital requirements, the Company’s operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected and the Company could be forced to cut back its operations.
NOTES PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTY
The Company entered into a Credit Agreement on May 6, 2009, with Mr. Rosenberg, its Chariman and Chief Executive Office, in connection with the issuance of two secured promissory notes. Two warrants were issued to Mr. Rosenberg in connection with the issuance of various promissory notes as of May 6, 2009 and June 3, 2009. The advances in 2009 increased Rosenberg’s security interest held in the Company’s assets to approximately $3,750,000. These transactions were:
May 6, 2009 Secured Debt
- The May 6, 2009 secured debt has an aggregate principal amount of $2,400,000, is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $0.048 and bears interest at the rate of eight percent per annum. The original principal amount of $2,400,000 is to be repaid upon the expiration of the notes on May 6, 2010. The Company may prepay the notes at any time. In connection with this debt the Company also issued ten-year warrants to purchase 25,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for $0.048 per share.
June 3, 2009 Secured Debt
- The June 3, 2009 secured debt amounted to an aggregate principal amount of $1,350,000, is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $0.038 and bears interest at the rate of eight percent per annum. The original principal amount of $1,350,000 is to be repaid upon the expiration of the notes on June 3, 2010 but may be prepaid at any time. In connection with this debt the Company also issued ten-year warrants to purchase 14,062,500 shares of the Company’s common stock for $0.038 per share.
First Modification of Secured Convertible Notes Payable
– On October 22, 2010, the Company entered into a series of agreements with its CEO, Chairman, and a major shareholder to extend the due date of certain existing loans made by the CEO. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements, the new due date for the secured convertible notes payable totaling $2,400,000 was extended to May 6, 2011 and the new due date for the secured convertible notes payable totaling $1,350,000 was extended to June 3, 2011. The interest rate under these loans was increased from 8% to 10%, effective upon the original due date of May 6, 2010 and June 3, 2010, respectively.
In exchange for these due date extensions, Company granted to the CEO:
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3.
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Two additional sets of warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock. The first set allowing for the exercise of up to 40,000,000 warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, at an exercise price of $0.11 per share, and the second set allowing for the acquisition of up to $3,750,000 in stock, also at an exercise price of $0.11 per share. Both sets (“New Warrants”) vested immediately and will expire on October 22, 2020; and
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As more fully described in the Intellectual Property Rights Assignment Agreement between the Company and Scott Rosenberg (included as an exhibit to the Company’s 8K filing, as amended, on December 28, 2010), 25% of gross revenues from those certain co-ownership rights assigned to Scott Rosenberg. A list of intellectual property that is excluded from this agreement is also in the exhibit to the 8K filing.
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The notes and warrants were assigned in October, 2010 to Assignment & Collateral Holdings, LLC “(ACH)”, an entity managed at that time by a Director of the Company and Mr. Rosenberg, CEO and Chairman of the Company.
Second Modification of Secured Convertible Notes Payable
– In August , 2011, the Company entered into a series of agreements with ACH to extend the due date of certain existing loans originally made by the CEO. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements, the new due date for the secured convertible notes payable totaling $2,400,000 was extended to May 6, 2012 and the new due date for the secured convertible notes payable totaling $1,350,000 was extended to June 3, 2012.
In exchange for these due date extensions, Company granted to ACH:
Two additional sets of warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock. The first set allowing for the exercise of up to 40,000,000 warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, at an exercise price of $0.11 per share, and the second set allowing for the acquisition of up to $3,750,000 in stock, also at an exercise price of $0.11 per share. Both sets (“New Warrants”) vested immediately and will expire on August 12, 2021.
Due to the resignation of Mr. Rosenberg in May of 2011 as manager of ACH and the Director’s resignation as manager in September, 2011, the Company no longer considers ACH a related party.
The exercise price and the number of shares underlying the warrants are subject to anti-dilution adjustments from time to time if the Company issues common stock at below the exercise price at that time for the warrants. The dilutive issuances provisions of the warrants and convertible notes were triggered during the second quarter of 2011 due to issuances of common stock pursuant to the Dutchesss Opportunity Fund Agreement. As of June 30, 2011, the revised pricing on the warrants and conversions was set at $0.0121. The revised pricing was reduced further during the third quarter of 2011 due to conversions of debt by holders of convertible notes. As of September 30, 2011, the revised pricing on the warrants and conversion is now set at $0.0044 for the warrants that were issued originally and as part of the first debt modification.
BANK NOTE PAYABLE
In December, 2008, the Company, through its subsidiary, Long Distance Films, Inc., entered into a promissory note with Standard Charted Bank to fund the production of “Dead of Night” in the original amount of $13,365,000. The amount due on this note as of September 30, 2011 was $4,916,665. As of October 14, 2011, the balance has been reduced to $4,621,655 through the receipts of funds other licensees. The loan is collateralized by all rights in the sales agency agreement and the distribution agreements in connection with the production. In August, 2011, Standard Chartered Bank delivered a default notice under the note.
OTHER
The company has unpaid liabilities due to the Internal Revenue Service for employee obligations, which is approximately $116,308. We have entered into payment plans to pay off these liabilities but there can be no guarantee that the Company will be able to continue making such payments. If the Company defaults on its payment plans, the governmental entities involved might exercise their collection powers, which may be abrupt and immediate, and could possibly levy upon existing accounts of the Company, with no notice or little advance warning.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We do not have any off balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues, results of operations, liquidity or capital expenditures.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Critical accounting policies and estimates are those that may be material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters of the susceptibility of such matters to change, and that may have an impact on financial condition or operating performance. For example, accounting for our investment in films requires us to estimate future revenue and expense amounts which, due to the inherent uncertainties involved in making such estimates, are likely to differ to some extent from actual results.
DERIVATIVE LIABILITY. The Company evaluates all of its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. For stock-based derivative financial instruments, the Company uses the Binomial option pricing model to value the derivative instruments at inception and on subsequent valuation dates. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date.
The derivative liabilities are re-valued at each reporting date with changes in value being recognized as part of current earnings. This revaluation for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 resulted in a loss of $4,280,048. Any change in the significant assumptions could result in a different valuation that could affect the Company’s results of operations.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs”. ASU No. 2011-4 does not require additional fair value measurements and is not intended to establish valuation standards or affect valuation practices outside of financial reporting. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt the ASU as required. The ASU will affect the Company’s fair value disclosures, but will not affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income”. The ASU eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity, and instead requires consecutive presentation of the statement of net income and other comprehensive income either in a continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU No. 2011-5 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt the ASU as required. It will have no affect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment”, an update to existing guidance on the assessment of goodwill impairment. This update simplifies the assessment of goodwill for impairment by allowing companies to consider qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount before performing the two step impairment review process. It also amends the examples of events or circumstances that would be considered in a goodwill impairment evaluation. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company will adopt the ASU as required. It will have no affect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the AICPA, and the Securities Exchange Commission (the "SEC") did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company's present or future consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
n/a
ITEM 4T. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based upon this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is: (1) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure; and (2) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms. There was no change to our internal controls or in other factors that could affect these controls during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Rustemagic v. Rosenberg & Platinum Studios
. On or about June 30, 2009, Ervin Rustemagic filed suit against the Company and its President, Scott Rosenberg, in the California Superior Court for the County of Los Angeles (Case No. BC416936) alleging that the Company (and Mr. Rosenberg) breached an agreement with Mr. Rustemagic thereby causing damages totaling $125,000. The matter was settled through arbitration in April, 2011 with only minimal liability to the Company. Under the settlement agreement, the Company has guaranteed additional payments due by Scott Rosenberg in the amount of $77,000 and that payment by Rosenberg has not been made, leading to additional litigation over the guaranteed amount and a subsequent judgment for the sum in excess of $125,000, with interest, currently due and payable.
Harrison Kordestani v. Platinum.
Harrison Kordestani was a principal of Arclight Films, with whom the Company had entered into a film slate agreement. One of the properties that had been subject to the slate agreement was “Dead of Night.” Arclight fired Mr. Kordestani and subsequently released Dead of Night from the slate agreement. In late January 2009, Mr. Krodestani had an attorney contact the Company as well as its new partners who were on the verge of closing the financing for the “Dead of Night.” Mr. Kordestani, through his counsel, claimed he was entitled to reimbursement for certain monies invested in the film while it had been subject to the Arclight slate agreement. Mr. Krodestani’s claim was wholly without merit and an attempt to force an unwarranted settlement because he knew we were about to close a deal. We responded immediately through outside counsel and asserted that he was engaging in extortion and the company would pursue him vigorously if he continued to try and interfere with our deal. The company has not heard anything further from Mr. Kordestani but will vigorously defend any suit that Mr. Kordestani attempts to bring. The Company has not reserved any payable for this proceeding.
Douglass Emmet v. Platinum Studios
On August 20, 2009, Douglas Emmet 1995, LLC filed an Unlawful Detainer action against the Company with regard to the office space previously occupied by the Company. The suit was filed in the California Superior Court, County of Los Angeles, (Case No. SC104504) and alleged that the Company had failed to make certain lease payments to the Plaintiff and was, therefore, in default of its lease obligations. The Plaintiff prevailed on its claims at trial and, subsequently, on October 14, 2009 entered into a Forbearance Agreement with the Company pursuant to which Douglas Emmet agreed to forebear on moving forward with eviction until December 31, 2009, if the Company agreed to pay to Douglas Emmet 50% of three month’s rent, in advance, for the months of October, November and December 2009. As of January 1, 2010, the Company was required to pay to Douglas Emmet the sum of $466,752 to become current under the existing lease or face immediate eviction and judgment for that amount. Prior to January 1, 2010, Douglas Emmet agreed to a month-to-month situation where Platinum pays 50% of its rent at the beginning of the month and the landlord holds back on eviction and enforcement of judgment while they evaluated whether they will consider negotiating a new lease with the Company that would potentially demise some of the Company’s current office space back to the landlord as well as potentially forgive some of the past due rent. As of June 30, 2010, the Company has abandoned the leasehold and moved to new offices. In January, 2011, Douglas Emmett served the Company a new lawsuit to recover unpaid rent and damages. The parties are in meaningful discussions for a settlement. The accounts payable of the Company include a balance to Douglass Emmet sufficient to cover the liability, in managements’ assessment.
Franklin v Platinum
(and a derivative action, by Franklin, against Scott Rosenberg) During mid-September 2011, Jeff Franklin, an independent contractor with the Company, was terminated, and, after settlement discussions as to his termination payments broke down, Franklin initiated arbitration, under his January 2010 written agreement, against Platinum on October 5, 2011. Franklin is seeking approximately $350,000 in cash, 10% of the Company in an equity position, and 25% of all intellectual property rights on certain film projects for the next five years. The Company has countered with a claim for a return of approximately $80,000 that it believes was over-paid to Franklin against commissions due under the written agreement.
On a parallel track, Franklin, claiming the position of lead plaintiff, is asserting the right, on behalf of the Company to sue Scott Rosenberg for intellectual property transfers that Franklin believes are injurious to Platinum and which were conducted in a fraudulent and derogatory manner by both Scott Rosenberg and the Board of Directors. The parties were served on October 16
th
and October 23
rd
.
With exception to the litigation disclosed above, we are not currently a party to, nor is any of our property currently the subject of, any additional pending legal proceeding that will have a material adverse effect on our business, nor are any of our directors, officers or affiliates involved in any proceedings adverse to our business or which have a material interest adverse to our business.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on April 15, 2011.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
During the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company issued 15,833,444 shares of our common stock for services and settlement of accounts payable with a value of $137,942.
The Company relied on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Act for the private placement of these securities pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Act and/or Regulation D promulgated there under since, among other things, the transaction did not involve a public offering, the investors were accredited investors and/or qualified institutional buyers, the investors had access to information about us and their investment, the investors took the securities for investment and not resale and we took appropriate measures to restrict the transfer of the securities.
During the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company issued 14,534,740 shares of our common stock in exchange for debt with a value of $236,126.
The Company relied on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Act pursuant to Section 3 (a) (9).
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None
ITEM 4. REMOVED AND RESERVED
None
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
31.1*
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Certification by Chief Executive Officer, required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act
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32.1*
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Certification by Chief Executive Officer, required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code
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Filed herewith
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Los Angeles, State of California, on November 17, 2011.
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Platinum Studios, Inc.
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By:
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/s/ Scott Mitchell Rosenberg
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Scott Mitchell Rosenberg
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Chief Executive Officer,
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Chairman of the Board and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer
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