LOS ANGELES, Diversion, Inc., a Los Angeles-based gaming studio responsible for the social games FameTown and The A-List, today announced that it has closed a Series B strategic funding round and a $1 million advertising deal with Sony Pictures.

The A-List, which launched on Facebook on July 6th 2011 is a next-generation social game where users star in virtual movies to gain fame, fortune, and notoriety among other industry professionals.

The investment was led by TomorrowVentures, Hearst Corporation, and The Tornante Company LLC (which is backed by Michael Eisner). Marcy Carsey (producer of such hits as The Cosby Show and That 70's Show) and Art Bilger (Venture capital investor) also joined the round.

Sony Pictures' $1 million advertising commitment is a follow-up to Sony Pictures' late 2010 ad buy for Burlesque at the time of FameTown's launch.

Diversion intends to use the additional funding to continue development of entertainment-based social games and to expand the company's scope.

Founded in 2010 by Dayvid Iannaci (CEO), Amir Haleem (CTO), Chris Bruce (Lead Developer), Jason Carlton, (VP, Content) and Shawn Fanning and Michael Eisner (board advisors), Diversion continues to execute on its unique strategy - the fusion of social gaming and entertainment.