Friday, December 30, 2011

J.R. Martinez Gets Ready For His Gig As Tournament of Roses Parade Grand Marshal

JR Martinez Want the truth? When Dancing With the Stars champ J.R. Martinez was asked to be the grand marshal of the 123rd Tournament of Roses Parade - airing January 2 in 3D and commercial-free on HGTV (11am/10c) - he didn't say yes because it's such a big honor. The Iraq War vet told TV Guide Magazine the real reason he signed on. TV Guide Magazine: What a prestige gig! Past marshals of the parade include John Wayne, Bob Hope, Jimmy Stewart, Walt Disney and even four U.S. Presidents - Hoover, Eisenhower, Nixon and Ford. You're in great company!Martinez: Only I didn't know that when they offered me the opportunity. [Laughs] I said yes because I wanted tickets to the game! I'm a huge football fan so I was, like, 'Hell, yeah!' I get to go to the Rose Bowl, man!" That's what I was excited about. TV Guide Magazine: And now?Martinez: [Laughs] Now I get it. But I didn't really wake up until the day of the big press announcement. They drove me out to Pasadena incognito like I'm the president and covered me as I went into the building. Then they took me through the kitchen which I thought was a mean joke - I'm the Hispanic guy so I have to go through the kitchen! - and only then did I see the list of the grand marshals of the past. Suddenly I'm like, "This is a big freakin' deal!" It's very cool and a tremendous honor. TV Guide Magazine: So now that you know the score, any nerves about the big day?Martinez: Nah. I'm fine. I'm mellow. I had dinner with the president of the Rose Parade association and members of the committee and they were saying, "We don't think you really understand how crazy and stressful it's going to be!" TV Guide Magazine: Hellooo, try fighting in Iraq.Martinez: [Laughs] Hellooo, try dancing in front of 20 million people! All I gotta do on January 2 is show up and wave. Waving and smiling and talking are what I do best! But, seriously, I also hope to remind people we're still at war in Afghanistan. People are tuning it out. They're tired of hearing about it. They've moved on. But there are still thousands of service men and women who need our help and support. It's also important for me to remind America that even though the war in Iraq is going to be stamped Mission: Complete it will not be complete for the men and women who fought there and are now coming back. You're going to be seeing a lot of PTSD. You're going to be seeing more of the psychological issues, the internal scars. In that sense, the Iraq war is not over, and will never be. TV Guide Magazine: What's up with your acting career? Will you still pursue it now that All My Children is history?Martinez: I got the bug! I've really developed a love for acting so we'll see what else is out there for me. I never had an agent for AMC. Now I've signed with the William Morris Agency so we'll see if those guys can find me some roles. But the biggest thing I want to pursue is hosting. I hosted the preshow for CNN Heroes for Showbiz Tonight and really enjoyed it. I'd love to do more. But I'm fine with whatever happens. I could never have imagined all this. It's still so surreal, so hard for me to grasp. It's crazy! The biggest thing I have to remind myself is to never change. If I can just stay me through all of this incredible stuff that's happening, I will be okay. Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Will prison time deter pic pirates?

While Hollywood hopes the primary one-year prison sentence for your "X-Males Roots: Wolverine" sailing will discourage potential copycats, the precedent-setting punishment isn't likely to considerably modify fighting against content robbery, experts say. NYer Gilberto Sanchez was sentenced Monday with a year in federal prison for uploading the 20th Century Fox pic in March 2009 -- several month before its theatrical release. His sentence might be a long incarceration for online robbery of basically one film, in line with the Justice Department. "I am hoping Internet pirates will think carefully before they upload," assistant U.S. attorney Lisa E. Feldman, who done the "Wolverine" situation, told Variety. "Like Sanchez, they may think it offers them prestige nevertheless it could easily get them prison rather." Sanchez mentioned he acquired the "workprint" copy in the film -- including several incomplete effects sequences -- for $5 in the street vendor. He then posted it to Megaupload.com for just about any previous day Fox been there removed. The FBI was later capable of trace Sanchez's Ip. Studio seen the 2011 upload since the most dangerous incident of piracy so far, according to legal documents within the situation, largely because the film hit the internet before its theatrical release. That's almost uncommon, plus it brought towards the importance from the punishment. In 2003, unlicensed copies of "The Hulk," "Terminator 3: Rise in the Machines" and "Pirates in the Caribbean: The Curse in the Black Jewel" circulated inside the U.K. just before the flicks hit theaters, but not one of them leaked the moment "Wolverine." Regardless of the importance of Monday's sentencing which is possible ways to encourage idol idol judges to acquire tough on IP robbery, legal experts question simply what amount of the deterrent it'll be. The sentence could discourage some casual clients but may not dissuade individuals that tend to be towards restrictions on distribution of copyrighted material. As well as, since pic pirates frequently rebel of non-public interest rather than to earn money, many content thieves fit the 2nd description. "It'll certainly become a deterrent," mentioned Stanford U. law professor Paul Goldstein, a professional on intellectual property law. "Whether it deters the very best people remains an problem.Inch Caused by person punitive measures in piracy cases can be tough to gauge. In 1997, congress passed no Electronic Robbery Act, which allowed more criminal penalties in piracy cases and opened up in the entrance to more effective justice. Ever since then, Hollywood has become more combative within the efforts to avoid piracy. The MPAA is backing a questionable anti-piracy bill -- the Stop Online Piracy Act -- presently making its way through Congress. But rivals the legislation may have unintended effects, like censoring entire websites over small infractions. Not every the industry's anti-piracy jobs are recognized by showbizzers. Award season screners, for example, are progressively spurring complaints about complicated security coding that could make certain they're difficult to watch. Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com

Butler rebounds from 'Mavericks' problem

Gerard Butler remains treated and released after being make the hospital inside the wake to become held underwater by large waves while filming "Of Males and Mavericks" in Northern California. The incident happened Sunday when filmmakers were shooting second-unit moments of Butler together with other audiences within the Mavericks surf breakThat frequently sees massive groups of waves. He happened underwater carrying out a large number of waves broke before him and washed ashore just before being saved. Butler was taken by ambulance to Stanford Clinic for examination and was later released. "He's fine now," mentioned Brooke Wilcher, a speaker for producer Walden Media, on Tuesday. Wilcher mentioned "Mavericks," using the true story of Jay Moriarty's rise for the forefront of huge wave surfing, has nearly completed production. Second-unit filming was wrapped on Monday. Butler is representing surfer Ron "Chilled" Hesson, who trained the youthful Moriarty, carried out by Jonny Weston. Curtis Hanson directed a lot of the shooting and was been effective due to health problems inside the latter stages of production by Michael Apted. Hanson, Mark Manley, Brandon Hooper and Jim Meenaghan are coming up with. Moriarty looked for to ride the legendary Northern California break known to as Mavericks, where winter increases generate treacherous waves how large five-story structures, and trained for more than a year under Hesson. Fox is delivering "Of Males and Mavericks" on March. 26. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

'Iron Lady' Red-colored Carpet: Who Came, What Went Down, Who Used What

George Clooney has signed to star in the western world Coast premiere of 8, a stage play chronicling the historic federal court trial knocking over Proposition 8, the ballot measure that refused lgbt Californians the authority to marry.our editor recommendsStar-Studded Cast Debuts Dustin Lance Black's Prop. 8 Play AFM 2011: Take advantage of Reiner Planning Film on Proposition 8 Legal CaseCalifornia's Prop. 8 Moves Nearer to a Showdown in U.S. Top Court. Related Subjects•Politics The development -- directed by Take advantage of Reiner and compiled by Dustin Lance Black -- will run one evening limited to Los Angeles' Wilshire Ebell Theatre on March 3. Proceeds may benefit the American Foundation for Equal Privileges in the national fight for marriage equality. PHOTOS: George Clooney's Career in Pictures "It's astonishing that lgbt People in america continue to be treated as second-class people," Clooney stated. "I'm certain that, soon, the laws and regulations of the nation will reflect the fundamental truth that lgbt people -- like several people -- are born equal in dignity and privileges." Competitors of Proposition 8 have known as in the game to unseal the recording from the federal trial for that public to determine. A ruling is anticipated soon. Meanwhile, the limited showing of 8 will need to suffice. "Young people need to witness what went down within the Proposition 8 trial," states Black, the Oscar-winning author from the Harvey Milk biopic Milk in addition to the 2011 J. Edgar, "if for not one other reason rather than see inequality and discrimination positively declined inside a court where truth and details matter." STORY: Dustin Lance Black Debuts Prop. 8 Play in NY The move west follows a effective performance from the play in NY in September having a cast including Morgan Freeman, Ellen Barkin, John Lithgow and Bradley Whitford. Within the L.A. version, Clooney is going to be became a member of by another all-star cast who'll take part in the roles from the legal teams, litigants and witnesses for sides from the situation, that is now on appeal. Additional cast people is going to be introduced soon. "This play continues to exhibit People in america -- 1 by 1 -- that prejudice and fear cannot endure truth and justice," stated AFER Board leader Chad Griffin. "Our Metabolic rate neither knows nor tolerates treating gays and lesbians as second-class people." PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery George Clooney: Career in Pictures Related Subjects Dustin Lance Black George Clooney Politics

Monday, December 12, 2011

Lindsay Lohan Apparently Rebounds Stolen Purse, Minus Cash

First Launched: December 12, 2011 10:30 AM EST Credit: Getty Images La, Calif. -- Caption Lindsay Lohan sits in the courtroom throughout her probation breach hearing within the Airport terminal terminal Courthouse in La on November 2, 2011Lindsay Lohans reported missing purse caper in Hawaii appears to possess began to complete, nevertheless the actress is going a lot cash. Merely a following day from the actress purse, which contained her passport and probation documents enabling her to remain in Hawaii for your weekend was stolen, Lindsay apparently retrieved her bag. According to TMZ, the actress looked the party in Laie for several hours trying to find her missing bag, but found nothing. A man apparently returned the bag for the actress but apparently, the $10,000 in cash Lindsay was moving, did not have. The unknown guy apparently mentioned he found the bag, which contained everything nevertheless the cash, in the pub. Lindsay arrives in the courtroom on Wednesday, where she'll appear before Superior Court Judge Stephanie Sautner at her progress report hearing in La. The headline-making actress whose Marilyn Monroe-inspired Playboy cover leaked the other day apparently am very happy to recover her purse and identification documents they did not question the missing money. This really is really the 2nd time the star has experienced passport worries immediately right before a court date. In May 2010, Lindsay is at the Cannes Film Festival when she mentioned her passport happen to be stolen and was unable to return stateside just before a court. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Phone-Hacking Scandal: Reporters Said Not Responsible For Deleting Messages That Gave Girls Parents False Hope

New information emerged over the weekend in the News Of The World phone hacking scandal. Police are said to have concluded that reporters from the shuttered paper were not responsible for deleting certain messages on the answering machine of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler. The Guardian reports that News Of The World reporters were likely to blame for the deletion of some messages, but not for deletion of the particular messages that caused the Dowler family to have false hope that the girl was still alive. According to the report, evidence shows that her cellphone would automatically delete messages 72 hours after listened to. So while reporters would have caused some messages to be erased inadvertently, police found that others had been deleted before the News Of The World began hacking into the phone. When the original news of reporters’ actions came to light earlier this year, News Corp chief Rupert Murdoch called it “abhorrent,” closed down News Of The World, apologized to the Dowlers and gave them a 2 million settlement while also donating 1 million to charities. The attorney for the Dowlers, Mark Lewis, said in a statement over the weekend, “It remains unchallenged that the News Of The World listened to Milly Dowler’s voicemail and eavesdropped on deeply personal messages which were being left for her by her distraught friends and family. By listening to messages, deletions occurred even if no conscious act of deletion had been undertaken.

Friday, December 9, 2011

The Truly Amazing Wife Bosses: We Don't Want Will and Alicia To become Will-They-Or-Won't-They Couple

Julianna Margulies Boy meets girl. Boy falls deeply deeply in love with girl. Boy waits 15 years for girl to part ways from husband. After which it girl breaks tabs on boy ... because she "can't." Yes, The Truly Amazing Wife's Team Will fans required to close the entrance on "Willicia" as quickly as people elevator entrance doors opened up up a couple of countless days ago. "We don't want this show being because Cheers mode of "when do they really or won't they" kind of factor. Much like that's, we preferred to exhibit the problem that Alicia has many things pressing on her behalf account and a lot of guilt excursions and feelings that factor into whether she continues an affair," co-creator and executive producer Robert King notifies TVGuide.com. "There's a mental moment a year ago where Sophistication states, 'Mom, you need to safeguard us more.' Which has been nagging at Alicia all this year." The Truly Amazing Wife exclusive: Court is within session for Denis O'Hare However, King and also the wife, co-creator and executive producer Michelle King, stress that doesn't mean people entrance doors have shut forever. "Inside our minds, Will is deeply deeply in love with Alicia. There's, yes, romanticism in regards to the past together with an intimate instinct towards finding commitment within your existence," Robert King states. "But there's the strain for Will and Alicia once Will starts seeing women again, if he's doing. There can't help but be this pang with Alicia because she's a really charged sexual being now." Romance will be the farthest factor from Alicia's mind though as she returns her focus to her kids especially her career. "Can you select the route of Diane, who's somebody who put family on hold and hang career first? Will there be in any manner it is possible with family?" King states. "In my opinion when the situation is not about emotional risk, they are about changing your projects.In . Watch full cases of The Truly Amazing Wife Alicia's ongoing find it hard to balance her career and her family brings Peter (Chris Noth) in to the picture. "Peter and Alicia share plenty of difficulties and a lot of discomfort," King states. "What Alicia describes to Peter is a factor she could never tell Will, that is they're trying to boost children. Though Peter, clearly comes the baggage of Jackie, and merely the number of Molotov cocktails she'll throw into this." On top of Jackie's speaking, spying ways, furthermore, you will find the issue in the Peter's office's analysis into Will (Josh Charles), which Alicia (Julianna Margulies) has yet to uncover about. "Clearly, he preferred to harm Will in private. It absolutely was also type of a political help to pursue the need analysis. It is extremely difficult when people a few things are aligned: something you would like but a thing that advances your work,In . according to him. "Does that undercut the honesty from this? Alicia will need to manage by utilizing Peter too." American Pie's Jason Biggs lawyers around the Great Wife "Ultimately these two figures are really glued with each other and be worried about each other as pals. While their relationship and closeness level has deepened, In my opinion what's happened at this time around feels right," Charles states. "He's his hands full with trying to stay a lawyer and steer clear of prison." It may need a great keep Will in the prison, since the analysis brings more than a few skeletons from his closet. "It earns many major threads that have been pursuing Will for a while. Will has always cut not not even close to the ethical line, sometimes crossing it," King states. "That stuff doesn't disappear. If there's any lesson the show has sent, it is the sins of history keep coming back." The analysis may even further open Will's eyes about his want more within the existence than most office at Lockhart & Gardner. "Will may have a brush with dying, if this involves his career because of what is happening using this analysis," according to him. Will's search for commitment "will truly nag at him throughout the time from the partner of the year. He will decide with the finish of year.In . Does meaning there's expect a reconciliation between Will and Alicia? "That doesn't imply it cannot bring her to Will's sphere for some reason. It really will have to be described as a different permutation since you will not wish to go backwards while using narrative," King states. "There's this constant forward momentum to who Alicia is becoming.In . The Truly Amazing Wife airs Sunday at 9/8c on CBS. (Additional verifying by Robyn Ross)

John Edwards returns to Mark Burnett Prods.

John Edwards is getting back with Mark Burnett's production venture following his short stint as chief operating officer of Relativity Media. Edwards is coming back towards the COO publish at Mark Burnett Prods., the task he'd until left in May for Relativity. Word of Edwards' departure from Relativity appeared late Thursday. He's the 5th high-level professional to ankle Relativity previously year. "I needed to follow my heart, that was in operating with Mark," stated Edwards. "This is when I thought about being for future years.Inch Edwards was one of the key designers from the partnership that Burnett's company inked in April with Hearst Entertainment for multiplatform production and live occasions (Daily Variety, April 12). As COO, Edwards will oversee the entire selection of Burnett's companies, including maintaining numerous unscripted series on air as well as in development, in addition to a planned foray into scripted TV. Additionally, Burnett is active in many digital initiatives. However the firm's link with Hearst will clearly be considered a priority, based on Edwards, who indicated both organizations are curious about expansion possibilities both stateside and abroad. Edwards rejected to go over specific endeavors. Contact Shaun Sneider at shaun.sneider@variety.com

Thursday, December 8, 2011

'The Five-Year Engagement' Trailer: Jason Segel and Emily Blunt Can't Settle on a Wedding Date (Video)

Jason Kempin/Getty Images Red Flag Releasing has acquired U.S. rights to the Phillip Montgomery-directeddocumentary ReGeneration. Ryan Goslingnarrates and produced the film, which Red Flag will release in April.our editor recommendsRyan Gosling: Career in Pictures Ryan Gosling gets cynical for 'ReGeneration' doc A graduate of NYU Film School, Montgomery features students from his former high school in Eagan, Minnesota, in an exploration of the roots of apathy and cynicism in today's youthand the factors that led to the Occupy movement.Noam Chomsky, Amy Goodman, Talib Kweli and Adbusters founder Kalle Lasn are among the commentators that appear in the film. PHOTOS: Ryan Gosling's Career in Pictures "We are thrilled to partner with the filmmakers and contribute to this extremely important conversation and do our part to keep the flame alive as we head into the elections in November," said Red Flag's Paul Federbush. Anonymous Content and Engine 7 Films produced with Gosling. "The very moment we started exploring the subject of apathy in today's youth, we knew there was something in the air," said Montgomery. "While cynicism prevailed in the national dialogue toward social and political causes, the youth was telling us something very different. Their voice was one of hope. The world has shown this to be true, from Iran, the Arab Spring, to Wisconsin, and now the world-wide 'Occupy' movement. This is such an electrifying time in our culture and we are so excited to partner with Red Flag to expand the reach of the film. Together it is our hope that ReGeneration will serve as a call to action as the groundswell of activism grows." Federbush negotiated the deal with Parlay Media's Kevin Iwashina, WME Global's Liesl Copland and Deborah McIntosh, Anonymous Content's Paul Green and Matt DeRoss and Engine 7's Joel Goulder, Jeremy Goulderand Chris Baker on behalf of the filmmakers. Red Flag has released the films Meskada, 8: The Mormon Proposition and We Were Here.The company will next openNorwegian Woodin January in partnership with Soda Pictures and the documentary The Green Wave, about the recent post-election protests in Iran, in June. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Ryan Gosling: Career in Pictures Ryan Gosling

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

PGA announces TV noms

'Mad Men' will contend for just about any fourth straight PGA drama series award.AMC's ''Mad Men'' remains attracted onto contend for just about any fourth straight Norman Felton drama series award within the Producers Guild of America. Other nominees introduced Wednesday inside the drama category are HBO's ''Boardwalk Empire,'' Showtime's ''Dexter,'' HBO's ''Game of Thrones'' and CBS's ''The Good Wife.'' ABC's ''Modern Family'' was nominated to compete for just about any second straight PGA Danny Thomas award for comedy series along with NBC's ''30 Rock,'' CBS' ''The Large Bang Theory,'' Fox's ''Glee'' and NBC's ''Parks and Entertainment.'' ''30 Rock'' won the award this past year and 2010. Noticeably absent within the drama list were Showtime's new terrorist-designed series "Homeland," with Claire Danes, and also the latest season of AMC's highly recognized skein "Breaking Bad." Both people shows began following a org's qualifications period for series: June 1, 2010-May 31, 2011. People dates also meant "Mad Males," that has not broadcast a completely new episode since October 2010, made the cut. Round the comedy side, Fox's "New Girl" wasn't qualified. The Three shows, however, were acknowledged with Authors Guild Honours nominations, which have been also introduced Wednesday. The PGA's qualifications period is comparable to that one in the Emmy Honours, even though TV Acad's kudos are often given out in mid-September. While using PGA Honours dated for Jan. 21 within the BevHilton, there's nearly an eight-month gap involving the finish of qualifications as well as the honours air date. PGA topper Vance Van Petten mentioned the primary reason the org doesn't make their qualifications period an entire twelve several weeks -- The month of the month of january through December -- happens when a broadcast demonstrate that launches inside the fall changes producers in-between seasons inside the summer season, it may be unclear which producers to credit for honours reasons. "It's a sensitive problem," Van Petten told Variety . "It is really an problem that appears for people every year, which we always address it." Van Petten mentioned the PGA changed the qualifications period about five years ago. He added that might be frequently times when an outgoing producer might have strong negativity against a present or incoming producer, also to request these to both represent a occur an honours show might be too awkward for individuals involved. For longform programming, the PGA mirrors the Golden Globe standards getting a twelve several weeks qualifications perid. Comedy Central's ''The Colbert Report'' will contend for just about any fourth straight victory inside the live entertainment and talk category in the syndicated ''Ellen DeGeneres Show,'' HBO's ''Real Time With Bill Maher,'' NBC's''Saturday Evening Live'' and CBS' ''The 64th Annual Tony Honours.'' Discovery Channel's ''Deadliest Catch'' will receive a second consecutive victory inside the nonfiction category against PBS' ''American Masters,'' Travel Channel's ''Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations,'' ESPN's ''30 for 30'' and CBS' ''Undercover Boss.'' Competition TV nominees are CBS' ''The Amazing Race,'' Fox's ''American Idol,'' ABC's ''Dancing While using Stars,'' Lifetime's ''Project Runway'' and Bravo's ''Top Chef.'' The relaxation from the nominations in movies and longform TV will probably be introduced Jan. 3. The PGA, which has 4,750 people, hasn't made its final determination regarding credited producers round the nominated shows. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Barbara Orbison dies at 60

Posted: Wed., Dec. 7, 2011, 1:14pm PTBy ASSOCIATED PRESS Barbara Orbison, widow of rock n' roll pioneer Roy Orbison and owner of music publisher Still Working Music, died from pancreatic cancer in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Dec. 7, the 23rd anniversary of her husband's death. She was 60. Since the 1980s, Barbara Orbison managed her husband's estate and kept his legacy alive, while her company, Nashville-based Still Working Music, focused on the development of songwriters, artists and producers. It was awarded BMI's 2010 Song of the Year for Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me." With her son, Roy Kelton Orbison Jr., she co-produced a four-CD box set of her husband's 107 recordings. "Roy Orbison: The Soul of Rock and Roll" was released in 2008 and contains all of his hits and 12 previously unreleased tracks. The package marked the first all-inclusive body of Roy Orbison's work from his earliest recordings to the Traveling Wilburys' debut album, "Mystery Girl" and his last live performance. Roy Orbison died in 1988 at age 52. In addition to Roy Jr., Barbara Orbison is survived by sons Wesley and Alexander. ___ Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Katherine Heigl Launches "I Hate Balls" Campaign

Katherine Heigl Katherine Heigl hates balls. That's right - you heard correctly. The 33-year-old actress has launched a campaign on IHateBalls.com to promote the spaying and neutering of animals.Check out photos of Katherine HeiglTo promote her message, Heigl posed topless while holding a puppy for print ads, and partnered with FunnyorDie.com to create a snarky PSA where she explains, "I can't cut the nuts off human men - yet. So I've dedicated my time to the neutering of dogs. Because that's legal!"Check out the PSA here:Katherine Heigl Hates Balls from Katherine Heigl

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Grammy Nominations: Kanye West Tops With 7 Nods; Adele, Rihanna Among Album of Year Contenders

Kanye West leads the nominees for the 54th annual Grammy Awards with a total of seven mentions, including song of the year and best rap-sung collaboration.our editor recommendsGrammy Awards: Complete List of Nominees54th annual Grammy Nominees: Kanye West, Adele, Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Katy PerryNicki Minaj, Katy Perry Join Grammy Nominations ConcertRihanna, Usher and The Band Perry Added To Grammy Awards Nomination ConcertLatin Grammy Awards: Calle 13 Sets Record With 19 Wins, Including Album of the YearVan Halen to Appear at Grammy Nominations Special, Possibly Perform at Awards CeremonyRelated Topics•Grammy Noms Adele, Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars followed the hip-hop star with six nominees apiece, while Lil Wayne and Skrillex each earned five noms. PHOTOS: Grammy Award Nominees While West led the nominees, he wasn't cited in the album of the year category for either November 2010 release My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy or August's Watch the Throne, a collaboration with Jay-Z (both would have been eligible under the 12-month period Oct. 1, 2010-Sept. 30, 2011). Vying for the top award will be Adele (21), Foo Fighters (Wasting Light), Lady Gaga (Born This Way), Bruno Mars (Doo-Wops & Hooligans) and Rihanna (Loud). Adele and Mars also will compete for record of the year honors with "Rolling in the Deep" and "Grenade," respectively. Also nominated in that category were Bon Iver ("Holocene"), Mumford & Sons ("The Cave") and Katy Perry ("Firework"). PHOTOS: Top 10 Highest Paid Music Artists The song of the year category featured four of the same nominees for record of the year -- "Rolling in the Deep," "Grenade," "The Cave" and "Holocene" -- which will compete with West's "All of the Lights" (with Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie. Meanwhile, the best new artist category will be a competition between The Band Perry, Bon Iver, J. Cole, Nicki Minaj and Skrillex. The nominations were announced Wednesday night during CBS' Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! which was hosted by LL Cool J highlighted with performances by Jason Aldean, the Band Perry, and past Grammy Award winners Lady Gaga, Ludacis, Lupe Fiasco, Sugarland and Rihanna. Valerie Simpson and Mike Stoller -- both of whom lost their longtime songwriting partners this year -- joined Usher for a moving tribute to songwriters. PHOTOS: The Music Industry's Greatest Givers Minaj, Perry, Mars and Person of Interest's Taraji P. Henson were among the evening's presenters. The Grammy Awards are scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 12. They will air live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Click here for the complete list of nominees. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Grammys: Top 10 Must-See Moments Related Topics Grammy Awards Kanye West Katy Perry Lady Gaga Nicki Minaj Lil Wayne Bruno Mars Adele Grammys 2012

Daniel Radcliffe Could Play Allen Ginsberg In 'Kill Your Darlings'

Serta Radcliffe may be focusing on a script nobody may wish to see, but his next is really a movie we are certainly thinking about. Twitch reviews that Radcliffe is allegedly up for negligence Beat poet Allen Ginsberg within the approaching film "Kill Your Darlings." The role initially belonged to Jesse Eisenberg once the movie was initially introduced, but sources near to Twitch say Radcliffe looks like it's taking his place. The first kind "Harry Potter" star will apparently get began around the production after he finishes his operate on Broadway in "How To Achieve Business Without Really Trying." The film, produced by author-director John Krokidas, is really a thriller according to actual occasions that happened between famous authors Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and Lucien Carr. Carr is credited for getting together Ginsberg, Kerouac and William S Burroughs in friendship, but younger crowd notoriously offered amount of time in 1944 for killing his lover David Kammerer. It's unclear exactly what the exact plot from the movie is, but that last little factoid certainly ties to the film's plot. Chris Evans was initially said to be playing Kerouac and Ben Whishaw was mounted on play Carr when the flick was initially introduced, but it is unclear whether they are still mounted on it or whether Krokidas will assemble a brand new cast. It will likely be interesting to determine what spin Radcliffe gives around the poet, especially instead of James Franco just playing him within the well-received movie "Howl." Maybe he'll have the ability to connect with Ginsberg within the fact he's beginning to create some very good poetry. Do you consider Radcliffe is a great fit for Ginsberg? Inform us within the comments section below or on Twitter!

Bard barbs inspire teens

Normally, lots of students standing across one another hurling insults forward and backward wouldn't inspire a teacher's wanton praise.But also for producer Paul Heller ("David and Lisa," "My Left Ft") the understanding was "miracle."The barbs were plucked from Shakespeare plays -- rhythmic iambic pentameter -- as well as the teens were students at George Washington Fundamental High, involved in a drama workshop introduced by Heller, co-chair of BAFTA/LA's community outreach and education committee, which sponsors an entertainment training program that serves Los Angeles' inner-city youth."Consistency might be one's heart from this,In . Heller states in the program, which inserts mentors with students taking into consideration the humanities. "What continues frequently in inner-city efforts is always that people can be found in and spend a while, nonetheless they disappear. Here, the mentors were engaged, so when the kids felt that, they increased being excited."The program is, mainly, the development of film and tv producer Katy Haber ("Edge Runner," "The Sicilian"), founding board part of BAFTA/LA and Heller's co-chair.In summer season 2005, Haber began organizing free BAFTA/LA tests of first-run movies in Helen Keller Park, a place of South Central near Washington Prep so recognized for its gang warfare that it's nickname increased being "Helen Killer" Park.It absolutely was a screening of Baz Luhrmann's "William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet" at Washington Prep that inspired current day ongoing Shakespeare's Project."Iambic pentameter gets the same rhythm as rap," notes Haber, "which we thought, 'Why don't perform our personal output of Romeo and Juliet?'?"In May, while using participation in the Washington Prep drama department, the Shakespeare Project staged its student output of "Romeo and Juliet" within the amphitheater in Ladera Park."For the students, Shakespeare can be a language, plus it needed them plenty of attempt to realize they were showing the identical feelings the figures had," states Heller in the testing period. "Once they caught that, it absolutely was a concept. Kids will not express outward feelings. This gave them free rein to make it happen.InchGreater london-born mentor Sherill Turner ("Love's Labor Lost," Shakespeare Santa Cruz) advised Washington Prep students to consider the Montagues as well as the Capulets since the Bloods as well as the Crips to have the ability to get yourself a better understanding from the play."This is why this play can get done again and again," Turner highlights. "It's this constant notion that children are dying because of their parents' hate. It definitely is relevant. And so they really attracted on into that."A documentary featuring BAFTA/LA's training program influences works, and ground is positioned to destroy in February around the community center/screening room in Helen Keller Park.Plans may also be fast showed up for just about any spring output of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream.""The film and television business offers quite a bit to supply,In . states Haber. "How come we benefit without giving back? I strongly believe that us British people should hands back for the community."Britannia Honours 2011Bard barbs inspire teensHonoreesDavid Yates Helena Bonham Carter Warren Beatty Ben Stiller John Lasseter Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

'The Hunter,' 'Eye from the Storm' Vie for Australian AACTA Honours

Thanks to Vital Pictures Vital Pictures originates out swinging against a fraud suit filed Tuesday with a financing entity that backed a string of high-profile movies but prosecuted declaring the studio underreported huge amount of money in revenue in fraudulent accounting claims. Melrose 2, the NY-based entity that agreed in 2006 to back a slate of Vital films in return for in regards to a 25 % share of revenue, argues inside a suit filed Tuesday the studio has involved in an exercise of "under-confirming the revenue and overreporting the expenseInch due to 29 films co-funded by Melrose, including such hists as Jason Bourne 3, Rotor blades of Glory and also the Transformers series. "In comparison, 5 years after [the co-financing agreement] was signed, Melrose 2 has still not seen $ 1 of make money from its $375 million investment" regardless of the films getting in $7 billion in revenue, states the complaint, filed in Los Angeels Superior Court. But Vital responds inside a statement launched Tuesday mid-day the studio has performed fair using its financial partner: "Vital has complied using its obligations to Melrose 2 and it has been forthcoming within the audit process. We're disappointed these sophisticated traders would decide to file a suit full of hyperbole that ignores the real details instead of simply because process right through to completion. The Melrose 2 traders have previously received almost 90% of the investment back underneath the financing agreement, and many of the films by which they participate (like the effective Transformers 3) stay in the first stages of the generating potential. "In the end plan to intensely defend this suit, the variations between your parties' positions are relatively modest in amount and that we are confident they may be resolved within the regular course." The suit claims potentially huge amount of money in damages and argues that Vital has frequently attempted to hinder the audit process on specific films, in addition to charge improper expenses against its profit participation obligations. There is a lot of press coverage from the Melrose deal along with other mega-budget "slate" financing plans in 2006 and 2007. Wall Street money was flowing freely into Hollywood, and galleries were happy to accept cash in return for back-finish participations in the future. Then, once the economy crashed and hedge funds along with other financing organizations shied from movie opportunities, speculation came about about whether traders will make back their cash around the Hollywood deals. Melrose traders believe they've been scammed. Vital states it's complied using the deal. It will likely be interesting to determine how this situation works out. The suit alleges reasons for action for breach of contract, breach from the covenant of excellent belief and fair dealing, fraud, unfair competition and declaratory relief. Browse the full complaint here. Email: Matthew.Belloni@thr.com Twitter: @THRMattBelloni Vital Pictures

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Melrose II Fund Suing Vital Over Profits From Transformers Together With Other Films

La, November 29, 2011 Kirkland & Ellis LLP is representing Melrose Traders 2 LP (Melrose 2) in the breach of contract situation through which Melrose 2 seeks to recoup profits connected using its nearly $375 million acquisition of 29 films produced by Vital Pictures Corporation and DW Art galleries L.L.C., formerly known to as Dreamworks Art galleries (Accused). The 29 films, including such hits as Jason Bourne 3, Charlottes Web, Dreamgirls, Flags within our Fathers, Rotor rotor blades of Glory, Jackass 2 and many types of three Transformers films, among others, make close to $7 billion so far. The investor group was wanting to head off being the next co-financing vehicle to own prosecuted against Vital and DW Art galleries LLC, but despite our ongoing efforts to remain our versions, Vital has rejected to cooperate, an agent for your investor group pointed out. The complaint alleges: In 2006, Accused became a member of right into a contract with Melrose 2 through which Melrose 2 would admit a 25% copyright fascination with around 30 films that Accused produced. To obtain this possession interest, Melrose 2 made the decision to finance an expert rata volume of the expansion costs. Melrose 2 met its obligations and requires up to now, provided nearly $375 million to Accused to produce 29 films. Inside the five years since the agreement was signed, Melrose 2 has not received any profits utilizing their nearly $375 million investment. Accused have frequently impeded Melrose 2s audits, involved with obstructionist tactics, overstated deficits and understated the revenues received concerning the the exploitation in the Melrose 2-funded films. Vital has deliberately inflated deficits and underreported gross receipts which we plan to strongly pursue our clients claims and recover its share in the profits throughout these films, mentioned Kirkland & Ellis attorney Mark Holscher, who leads the Kirkland team, together with partner Diana Torres. Mr. Holscher is called among Californias Best Gamers lawyers which is a across the nation recognized wager-the-company trial attorney. This Season, he won a $52 million verdict regarding actor Don Manley in the breach of contract and copyright breach situation including delinquent profits against Rysher Entertainment, Qualia Capital LLC and 2929 Entertainment, Corporation.

Monday, November 28, 2011

'Flowers of War' dispute defused

BEIJING -- China's Film Bureau has intervened to resolve a potentially bitter dispute over the distribution revenue split on helmer Zhang Yimou's latest epic, the Christian Bale starrer "The Flowers of War." Pic, which is this year's official foreign language entry for China at the Academy Awards, is due to bow in China on Dec 16. The movie's distribs, Beijing New Pictures Film, Huaxia Film Distribution and China Film Group, had announced that the minimum price for a ticket would be hiked by five yuan (80 cents), and said distribs would get an increased take of 45% of profits, with the cinemas getting 55%. This marked a 2% hike in the take going to the distribs, at a time when cinemagoing has fallen by a similar amount. Fearful that cinemagoers would blame the hardtop operators, eight of the biggest China theater chains, including Beijing Film Distribution and Screening Association, Shanghai United Circuit and Zhejiang Time Cinema, rebelled and threatened to boycott the pic. "The average price for a film ticket in Beijing is 35 yuan ($5.50). According to what was announced by the distributors, the film's minimum price will be 40 yuan ($6.27). That's a record price," said Liu Hongpeng, vice-prexy of the Beijing Film Distribution and Screening Association, and the Shanghai United Circuit and Zhejiang Time Cinema chains. Zhang Yimou's long-time producer and partner Zhang Weiping said the price hike was justified because "Flowers" is 145 minutes long and it cost 600 million yuan ($94 million) to make, the most expensive Chinese film ever. "The cinemas have taken fewer risks than the investors in the film. There is nothing wrong with investors making more money than the cinemas," said Zhang. Biz figures described the stand-off as "like Armageddon." The Film Bureau, which is part of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television watchdog, stepped in to mediate. There will be no boycott of the movie, and the revised profit-sharing scheme will apply only to the first 500 million yuan ($78 million) the film makes at the box office, Liu said. "If box-office revenue exceeds 500 million yuan, cinemas will be allowed to take a greater percentage of the profits," Liu said. Pic, which deals with the "Rape of Nanking," the massacre that followed the invasion of China's wartime capital on Dec. 13, 1937, will be distributed in North America by Wrekin Hill Entertainment and Row 1 Entertainment. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Up-to-date: George Michael In Vienna Hospital With Pneumonia

First Released: November 23, 2011 6:16 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption George Michael begins his 25 Live tour in North Park, Next Month, 2008VIENNA, Austria -- George Michaels publicist states the British singer continues to be put in the hospital in Vienna with pneumonia. Connie Filippello stated Wednesday that Michaels approaching tours in Vienna, Strasbourg, France, and Cardiff, Wales, happen to be postponed consequently and will also be rescheduled. Her statement stated the singer continues to be identified with pneumonia and that he is presently undergoing treatment. Austrian condition broadcaster states that's happening at Viennas AKH hospital. A lady who clarified the telephone there declined to comment because of privacy rules. She also didn't offer her title. Michael, 48, canceled his planned Vienna concert on Monday two hrs prior to being because of start. Copyright 2011 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Pamela Anderson Deserves a 'Break' to Play Virgin Mary, Canadian TV Host Tells Catholics

TORONTO - Canadian funnyman Russell Peters remains defiant about casting Pamela Anderson to play the Virgin Mary in his upcoming Christmas TV special, despite stirring up heavy criticism from the Catholic media.our editor recommendsPamela Anderson to Play Virgin Mary in Christmas TV ShowPamela Anderson And Russell Peters In Xmas Sketch Comedy Routine "I didn't even think of the other side of Pam Anderson which is so long ago, it's like come on, give the chick a break already," Peters told the CTV News Channel Monday, referring to the former Baywatch star's nude photo shoots and homemade porn videos with Tommy Lee. Anderson is to play mother Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms, opposite Peters as Joseph, in the CTV and The Comedy Network's A Russell Peters Christmas Special. Predictably, the Canadian TV show, called "irreverent" by CTV in its publicity, has unleashed a flood of opinion pieces from Catholic publications that criticize Anderson for playing the Virgin Mary. But Peters said the casting conforms to the 1970s-style variety show he plans for Canadian TV. "We had written the sketch and we didn't know who we were putting in it and we thought, hey, Pam Anderson is Canadian, we can use more Canadian people in this show," he said. Related Topics Pamela Anderson International

Friday, November 18, 2011

Herzog, James Among the Snubs on Academy's 2011 Oscar Documentary Short List

Another year, another ruthless paring down of the Oscar-caliber documentary feature crop, with the acclaimed likes of Werner Herzog’s Into the Abyss, Steve James’s The Interrupters, Asif Kapadia’s Senna and others falling by the wayside as the Academy whittled its 125 submissions to 15 shortlist contenders. And honestly, this is a list I can live with. I wasn’t crazy about Abyss and would have been more than a little frustrated to think that might finally be the film for which the Academy recognizes Herzog. Senna and The Interrupters (and, to a lesser degree, the batshit Errol Morris trifle Tabloid) got jobbed, no doubt, but when you realize that the Oscar is Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory’s to lose anyway, the bitterness abates and you just tip your cap and content yourself to watch the rest of the game from the home-video sidelines. That said: Big ups to If a Tree Falls, Bill Cunningham NY” and Pina“:http://www.movieline.com/2011/02/berlinale-dispatch-wim-wenders-takes-his-place-in-the-3-d-vanguard.php (above), a few Movieline favorites the crew here wouldn’t mind seeing advance to the Big Show. Here are your final 15, via AMPAS; check back here Jan. 24 for the final nominees in this and the rest of the Oscar categories. Battle for Brooklyn Bill Cunningham NY Buck Hell and Back Again If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front Jane’s Journey The Loving Story Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory Pina Project Nim Semper Fi: Always Faithful Sing Your Song Undefeated Under Fire: Journalists in Combat We Were Here Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

'X Factor': Chris Rene Wears Questionable Rocawear 'Occupy' Shirt

Shirley Halperin As being a Top Ten finalist on X Factor has its own rights. Just request Chris Rene, who handled to obtain his on the job a Rocawear Occupy Wall Street shirt for his performance of Bob Marley's "No Lady No Cry" on Wednesday evening. even though the Jay-Z-possessed company drawn the tees from the website and merchants among bad weather of debate.our editor recommendsJay-Z Selling Occupy Wall Street T-T shirts No Intends to Share Profits With ProtestorsJay-Z's Occupy Wall Street T-T shirts: What THR's Visitors Say PHOTOS: The Scene at Occupy Wall Street At problem: the concept that the road was produced to aid Occupy Wall Street but wouldn't share profits using the 1000's of protesters who've setup camping in parks and near government structures for that better a part of two several weeks. Stated one particular critic: "Jay-Z, as gifted because he is, has got the political sensibility of the hood rat and it is a nut sack. To try to profit from the first important social moment of half a century by having an overpriced bit of cotton is definitely an insult towards the fight for economic civil privileges referred to as #occupywallstreet." PHOTOS: The Scene at Occupy La Rene obtained the shirt with the show's stylist team, brought byJune Ambrose, who informed the finalist it originated from Jay-Z. "I am so honored, I'm able to barely say anything," Rene told the Hollywood Reporter following his performance. For the content? He too feels solidarity with Occupy protesters, but what goes on if he wins the $5 million prize and becomes area of the 1 %? Stated Rene:"I'd be among individuals clowns, however i could be enhancing the 99%. There's always an answer. It's that which you use your hard earned money with your heart. Because actions speak even louder than words, as well as in existence, it's the most crucial factor." Jay-Z The X Factor Chris Rene

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Summit ink int'l deals on 2 photos

Summit Entertainment has closed worldwide deals for the majority of the world because of its magician heist pic "You Now See Me" and Steve McQueen's "Twelve Years a Slave." Summit co-chair Patrick Wachsberger told Variety that response was strong for game titles throughout the American Film Market. "There is lots of competition with multiple offers," he added."You Now See Me," directed by Louis Leterrier, stars Mark Ruffalo, Jesse Eisenberg, Morgan Freeman, Isla Fisher and Melanie Laurent inside a tale of the squad from the world's finest illusionists who accomplish a number of daring bank heists throughout their performances, then shower the earnings on the audiences. Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci are creating via their shingle Kurtzman Orci Paper Items."It is a large studio-type high-concept movie open to independent marketers at any given time once the financial crisis has limited individuals type of game titles," Wachsberger noted. "You Now See Me" offered to EOne for that U.K., SND for France, Telemunchen for Germany, Arum for The country, and Nordisk. Summit is weighing multiple offers for Japan with this deal prone to close inside a week."Twelve Years a Slave," with River Road creating and financing, stars Michael Fassbender -- who toplined McQueen's "Shame" -- together with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kaira Pitt. McQueen will direct from the script he co-authored with John Ridley, in line with the true story of Solomon Northup, a NY citizen kidnapped in Washington in 1841 and saved from the cotton plantation in Louisiana in 1853.Pitt can also be creating through Plan B with partners Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner together with Pohlad. CAA is organizing financing and representing U.S. privileges for that pic skedded to begin production early the coming year.InchServantInch told to EOne within the U.K., Tobis in Germany, Planeta in The country, Mars in France, Svensk in Scandinavia and Icon around australia.Wachsberger also stated Summit brings four films available towards the Berlin market in Feb but he is not revealing the game titles yet. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Monday, November 14, 2011

'Breaking Dawn' Premiere Preview: Photos of Past 'Twilight' Red-colored-colored Carpets (PHOTOS)

Twi-hards: here is your week! On Thursday evening during the night time, you together with numerous other fans nationwide will crowd movie theaters for your relieve 'Breaking Beginning, Part I.' The best way to pass time between from time to time? With Moviefone's help, clearly! Your friendly editors have a very bevy of features arranged throughout 'Twilight' Week, plus a live-stream of tonight's 'Breaking Dawn' premiere in La, additionally to exclusive video interviews with Billy Burke, Rachelle Lefervre and Rachelle Lefervre, where they'll -- among other activities -- do impressions of each other. So, yeah: awesome. To begin with, though, is trip lower memory lane to look back at past 'Twilight' premieres. Remember how youthful K-Stew, RPattz and Tay-tay looked in 2008? Otherwise, see the photos ahead. RELATED: Make the most of, Kristen and Taylor Cast the eighties version of 'Twilight' RELATED: Behind the curtain of 'Breaking Beginning, Part I' 'Breaking Beginning' Premiere Preview: Photos of Past 'Twilight' Red-colored-colored Carpets 'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' Premiere (2010)'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' Premiere (2010)'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' Premiere (2010)'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' Premiere (2010)'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' Premiere in Rome (2010)'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' Premiere (2010)'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' Premiere (2009)'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' Premiere (2009)'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' Premiere (2009)'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' After Party (2009)'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' Premiere (2009)'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' After Party (2009)'Twilight' Premiere (2008)'Twilight' Premiere (2008)'Twilight' Premiere (2008) See All Moviefone Galleries » [Photo: Getty Images] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Thursday, November 10, 2011

AFI Fest Awards Grand Jury Prize to The Loneliest Planet

AFI Fest closes up shop today (with a very climactic showing of The Adventures of Tintin), but before we say so long to the parking garage at Hollywood & Highland, we have one piece of business left to deal with: the awards. AFI awarded its Grand Jury Prize to Julia Loktev’s The Loneliest Planet “for its bold exploration of societal structures and gender roles, set against a landscape that conveys both profound beauty and profound alienation.” And because Gael Garcia Bernal is adorbz. Click through for the rest of prizes and announcements. AUDIENCE AWARDS Breakthrough Section (award accompanied by a $5,000 cash prize) WITH EVERY HEARTBEAT by Alexandra-Therese Keining New Auteurs Section BULLHEAD by Michal R. Roskam World Cinema Section A tie: JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI by David Gelb and KINYARWANDA by Alrick Brown Young Americans Section WUSS by Clay Liford LIVE ACTION AND ANIMATED SHORT FILM SECTION JURY AWARDS As in previous years, a jury determines the AFI FEST 2011 Live Action and Animated Short Film Section Awards. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences recognizes each winner as a qualifier for the annual Academy Awards. The Short Film Jury — comprised of filmmakers Barry Jenkins and Gerardo Naranjo (AFI Conservatory Class of 2001) and festival programmer Kim Yutani — announced the awards with their statements. Live Action Short Film Section Grand Jury Prize: FROZEN STORIES from Grzegorz Jaroszuk “for its world of meta-reality suffused with enough context to rend a beautifully nuanced story for the most heightened elements.” Honorable Mention: BABYLAND by Marc Fratello “for its assured direction, stunning lead performance and the ability to balance humor and pathos all the way up to its shocking conclusion.” Animated Short Film Section Grand Jury Prize: THE EAGLEMAN STAG by Michael Please “for its ambitious and elegant storytelling, both narrative and aesthetically, in which the bigness of life and the concept of time are deftly unpacked in a moving nine minutes.” Honorable Mention: THE VOYAGERS by Penny Lane “for its skillful juxtaposition of archival footage and personal narrative to tell a moving story of exploration, romance and space travel.” NEW AUTEURS SECTION CRITIC’S PRIZE This year AFI FEST debuts its New Auteurs Critic’s Prize selected by an esteemed panel of international critics: Justin Chang (Variety), Mike Goodridge (Screen International), Mark Olsen (The Los Angeles Times) and Jean Oppenheimer (American Cinematographer). Grand Jury Prize: THE LONELIEST PLANET by Julia Loktev “for its bold exploration of societal structures and gender roles, set against a landscape that conveys both profound beauty and profound alienation.” Special Jury Prize: ATTENBERG by Athina Rachel Tsangari “for its wit, distinct voice and playful sense of storytelling.” Acting Award Prize: BULLHEAD’s Matthias Schoenaerts “for his nuanced and intensely physical embodiment of bruised masculinity.” Read more of Movieline’s coverage of the 2011 AFI Fest here.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Exclusive: Once Upon a Time Casts Lost's Emilie de Ravin As Belle

Emily de Ravin Once Upon a Time has landed another Lost alum. Emilie de Ravin, who played Australian castaway Claire on the ABC island mystery series, has been cast as Belle, as in Beauty and the Beast's Belle, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively. ABC's Once Upon a Time turns fairy tales into reality Details of her role are scarce, but we hear Once's Belle will have a connection to Rumplestiltskin (Robert Carlyle). No word on whether the titular Beast will appear, but Gaston is slated to pop up as well. The 29-year-old Roswell alum has starred in such films as Remember Me, Public Enemies and Brick. She will first appear in Episode 12, slated to air early next year.

Fantastic, MPI in 'Stitches' deal

Fantastic Films and MPI Media Group along with the Irish Film Board have come onboard horror comedy "Stitches," directed by Conor McMahon. Deal was announced Tuesday at the American Film Market. McMahon is the writer-director of "Disturbed," "Dead Meat" and the TV series "Zombie Bashers." Principal photography will begin late this year in Ireland. The cast includes Ross Noble and Tommy Knight of "Doctor Who" and "The Sarah Jane Adventures." The film is being produced with some financing from the Irish Film Board. Story centers on Richard "Stitches" Grindle, a jaded kids' birthday clown. He falls victim to a fatal party mishap at the hands of a group of nasty children. Years later, the group of now teenagers attend a party at which Stitches is the uninvited guest of honor, returning to avenge his untimely death. MPI Media Group's recent productions include "The Innkeepers," "Stake Land," "Hatchet 2" and "The House of the Devil." Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Monday, November 7, 2011

New Regency, EEAP extend pact

BERLIN -- New Regency has re-upped its exclusive distribution pact with Berlin-based certification group Eastern European Acquisition Pool. The sale provides EEAP with exclusive TV distribution rights to New Regency game game titles in Russia as well as the Commonwealth of Independent States, aside from the Ukraine, for the following three years. EEAP's Moscow-based subsidiary Gala Media will oversee distribution in the region. Furthermore to Andrew Niccol's approaching sci-fi thriller "With Time,Inch starring Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried, and "Alvin as well as the Chipmunks: Nick-Wrecked," the completely new Regency library includes such game game titles as "Dark day and night," "Warmth," "Fight Club," "L.A. Private" and "Disloyal." "The collaboration with New Regency remains extremely effective within the last couple of years which we're thrilled that New Regency wants to continue the partnership in the region,In . mentioned EEAP controlling director Alexander van Duelmen. "After recent discussions with Russian Tv producers round the new license contracts, I am sure that we'll achieve ongoing the impressive sales accomplished so far this past year and 2010." The discussions to improve the partnership were performed by van Duelmen and New Regency senior V . p . Peter Eiff. Contact Erection dysfunction Meza at staff@variety.com

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Tesco takes consult with market

Actor Leslie Phillips gabs with music artist Robin Gibb in 'Living the Existence,' part of U.K. supermarket giant Tesco's push into entertainment.LONDON -- Innovative business models in TV are rare, but a fledgling U.K. demonstrate that claims use a twist round the celebrity interview signifies marketing options including VOD and also the area of retail."Living the Existence," which bowed November. 6 on satcaster funnel Sky Arts, pairs stars to speak to each other regarding private lives -- the idea since two stars eating your body body fat with each other will most likely produce a more honest and uninhibited exchange when in comparison to some chatshow interview."They're frank discussions between two equals," states Rosemary oil oil Reed Wells, creative director for Mystery Prods., who produced the series. "Most interview-based Tv shows occur because the celebrity features a book to plug or possibly a movie to market. Piers Morgan is great at making people cry however, if he interviews a hollywood, he is not their equal, which inhibits what his interviewees make sure he understands.InchMuch better recognized for making features, Mystery fully funded the ten hourlong segs -- its first foray into TV -- selling DVD and digital rights to British supermarket giant Tesco, one of the greatest retailers in the world. Within The month of the month of january 2010, Tesco's have to move beyond like a mere store of entertainment introduced to have an alliance with U.S. media firm Amber Entertainment to produce straight-to-DVD movies to promote exclusively within the supermarkets.Taken, Tesco revealed the extent of the digital ambitions by buying a large part stake inside the U.K. VOD website, Blinkbox, with an undisclosed sum -- echoing Walmart's purchase of Vudu.While using DVD market in steep decline, the synergies involving the supermarket's home theatre activities and having a digital platform are apparent, as clients migrate from dvd disks to downloads and streaming.When "Living the Existence" finishes its pay TV work on Sky Arts in the finish from the month of the month of january, Blinkbox clients could have a 2-week window to download the show before a box set, that consists of the ten-part series plus four exclusive episodes, emerges only in British Tesco stores. The sunday paper in the series will probably be available exclusively at Tesco."Normally I believe that no to everything," states Make the most of Salter, Tesco's category director, entertainment and media. "However, if I saw the pilot for 'Living the Life' (an encounter between Brit actor Stephen Fry and ex-Moving Stone Bill Wyman) I used to be struck with what an amazing idea it absolutely was. Frequently a high profile is asked on tv having a journalist. This show creates a really different dynamic (that's) a little voyeuristic, but very revealing."How revealing remains to look, nevertheless the Fry and Wyman discussion, while somewhat narcissistic, provided some entertaining experience of to those two different artists whilst it covered well-trod ground.For casting the very best stars, Reed Wells, who co-produces the show with Caroline p Wolfe in the Felix p Wolfe agency, states Tesco "preferred to make sure the participants were appropriate for the kind of people who shop at Tesco." Others featured inside the series include British broadcaster-author Melvyn Bragg with actress Joanna Lumley Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and Jeremy Clarkson, host in the BBC's "Top Gear" and artist Peter Black and helmer Ken Russell.Talks they're under approach to adapt the format for your U.S. and Australia, and Mystery is seeking a distributor to promote the finished show worldwide.Another U.K. season remains greenlit, with stars apparently organizing to register. Meanwhile, once the digital and DVD home home windows work, Salter will most likely consider buying and selling in other Tv shows to operate a vehicle Blinkbox and boost Tesco's home theatre biz. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Friday, November 4, 2011

'J. Edgar': What the Critics Are Saying

Clint Eastwood's upcoming biographical tale, J. Edgar, revolving around the first FBI director J. Edgar Hoover kicked off this year's AFI Fest (and is the subject of The Hollywood Reporter's latest cover story). Late Thursday evening, critics began weighing in on the Oscar hopeful that stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Armie Hammer and Naomi Watts.our editor recommendsLeonardo DiCaprio As 'J. Edgar': What He's Saying About the Role'J. Edgar' Q&A: Clint Eastwood'J. Edgar' Q&A: Leonardo DiCaprioHow Makeup Transformed Leonardo DiCaprio Into 'J. Edgar'Leonardo DiCaprio Starrer 'J. Edgar' to Open Nov. 9 PHOTOS: 'J. Edgar' Premiere Red Carpet Arrivals THR's Todd McCarthy gave the feature a positive review. "This surprising collaboration between director Clint Eastwood and Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black tackles its trickiest challenges with plausibility and good sense, while serving up a simmeringly caustic view of its controversial subject's behavior, public and private," he writes. "Big-name talent behind and in front of the camera, led by a committed performance by Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role, assures extensive media attention and public curiosity up to a point." But McCarthy cautions that Warner Bros., the studio behind the film, will face challenges marketing it to the public. The studio, he says, "faces a significant commercial challenge in stirring the interest of younger audiences likely to regard J. Edgar Hoover as an irrelevant artifact of the bad old days or, most reductively, a hypocritical closet case." COVER STORY: The Making of 'J. Edgar' THR's awards blogger Scott Feinberg attended Thursday's premiere and while he said his "gut feeling was that I had just seen a very good film," it was not "a slam-dunk for a best picture nomination or anything else (though I would be pretty surprised if, at the very least, DiCaprio doesn't make it into the best actor field and the film's showy makeup work isn't recognized)." Though he did credit the film's look, calling it "visually beautiful, intellectually stimulating." Screen International's Mike Goodridge gave J. Edgar a good review, as well, giving note to the two-hour film's claim to fame. "Its biggest achievement is to look at recent U.S. history through a personal and distinctively gay lens," he writes in his review. "In fact, Eastwood delivers the most un-self-conscious depiction of a gay relationship in a mainstream studio movie to date, although gay rights activists will hardly be looking to promote J. Edgar Hoover as any sort of role model." But not all critics were buying into the hype. Slant's Glenn Heath Jr. said Eastwood's attempt at telling the story of a historical figure "is as long-winded as it is convoluted" and the actor-director "hasn't just made a bad film, he's also made a downright lazy one." Heath Jr. likened the flashbacks to Citizen Kane that "it's almost shocking Eastwood doesn't throw in a 'News on the March' segment at some point." HitFix's Kris Tapley wasn't 100 percent sold on the film ("The film itself, though, wasn't .. impressive."), but praised DiCaprio's portrayal of Hoover that could potentially carry him to an Oscar victory. "LeonardoDiCaprio is exceptional in the title role, digging into an incredibly complex character, committing from frame one to the embodiment and maintaining that course without losing focus," he writes. "It's at times a broad portrayal of a broad persona, but I thought the actor found ways to dial it down and make the internal machinations of the man count." Of the issues at hand in the film, Tapley says, "The problems mostly stem from a somewhat lazy, arbitrarily structured 'greatest hits' screenplay from Dustin Lance Black. It's clunky and labored, but it's really only part of the problem." Related Topics Clint Eastwood Dustin Lance Black Leonardo DiCaprio Naomi Watts J. Edgar

Thursday, November 3, 2011

'The Mentalist' Co-Star Michael Rady Talks Simon Baker's Pointing Style, First Day Jitters and a pair of Approaching Projects

Sonja Flemming/CBS"The Mentalist" A completely new analysis in to a serial killer may be striking somewhat close to home for Patrick Jane round the Mentalist.our editor recommends'House of Lies': 'Melrose Place's' Michael Rady and 'Carnivale's' Nick Stahl Join Showtime ComedyShowtime's 'House of Lies' Full Trailer Debuts (Video) The newest situation every week, featured in Thursday's episode "Blinking Red-colored-colored Light," concentrates on a serial killer who gains prestige on television. It's not just any episode it marks series star Simon Baker's second stint behind the digital camera round the CBS procedural. (Baker, who shows the unconventional investigator, directed his first Mentalist episode within the third season.) But things aren't hunky dory within the California Bureau of Analysis (CBI). PHOTOS: CBS' Year Tv Shows: 'Person of curiosity,' 'A Gifted Guy' plus much more Since the youthful boss in the CBI Luther Wainwright, co-star Michael Rady, who was simply an ordinary round the one-and-done Melrose Place reboot round the CW, told The Hollywood Reporter that "pressure's on" to produce they "look wonderful.In . "He notifies his crew, 'Look, let's not screw this up,' " he mentioned. Rady, which has a little role inside the Clint Eastwood film J. Edgar and appears inside the approaching Showtime comedy House of Lies, spoke to THR about playing a young boss, being directed by Baker and people two anticipated projects. PHOTOS: Fall TV Preview: The Returning Shows The Hollywood Reporter: You're inside the thick of things round the Mentalist. Now when was the following episode? Michael Rady: The next episode personally, shooting-wise, is at another week . 5. I really like coming back there so on, "What went lower? What went lower when i disappeared?Inch THR: Is it possible to discuss where Luther Wainwright reaches, at this time around inside the fourth season? Rady: Now, you'll see Wainwright trying just to walk the street and jostle for position inside the FBI for remedies with this new analysis devoted towards the San Joaquin serial killer, that's been on trips for just about any handful of several days. It's getting national coverage now so Luther sees part of his job as getting CBI to appear great again and putting its ft forward on television too. He thinks inside the CBI and wants those to be right on the internet for [while using other agencies]. He notifies his crew, "Look, let's not screw that certain up." Pressure's on. As being a good parent, "OK, that can be done what to do but we must complete what If only to complete. And hopefully we could get this work." There's some chasing after after around everything. THR: And Wainwright's a young boss. How has his presence affected they? Will there be an unpleasant, uncomfortable tension there? Rady: That's natural in him being the completely new guy, thrust into our world from the well-oiled machine. Additionally, he's these ideas of trust and transparency, completely foreign ideas based on their the past. He's so youthful, they could't help but question, "Is guy legitimate? Is he serious?" He doesn't even look who are old enough to operate a vehicle. Personally, I used to be trying to -- due to natural character of the -- give them respect to be able to get respect back. Hearing them and hearing Patrick's wild ideas and also the crazy antics and permit him to have his say after which it speak. Listening first so on next. I saw that as his response to survival in this Patrick Jane world. THR: Are there any challenges becoming an actor jumping right into a recognised show? Rady: The initial factor we shot really was the scene where I meet everyone the first time to make sure that was rather appropriate. Clearly, I didn't know anybody. I couldn't help like a little nervous since they've had of a 1000 bosses OK, I'm just the next boss. Once I was introduced day one, it absolutely was, "Oh you're the completely new boss. Gotcha. We're not stretching its like to bother learning your title because you're apt to be gone each week.In . [Laughs] They didn't condition that however didn't know how extended I'd be around. The term what is stuffed with gigantic Sitting words and tongue-twisters. All you want have to say is a mouthful. The initial couple days I used to be acquiring just a little overcome due to it after which it I recognized it'll happen every single cast member. They have their moments of, "Wait! What is am I saying? I don't know a few things i'm saying any more.Inch That put me comfortable. I possibly could relax. THR: How's Simon just like a director? Rady: I used to be while using Luther Wainwright approach of listening, watching and learning as they's been transporting this out forever. He's a picture which they know what he wants. I used to be happy where I saw him just do how he wanted it. He's got a discerning eye. He shoots within the stylish, he thinks inside the moment which he's like, "Here, do that. You know what happens, let's do this, enables do that.In . If something isn't working, he throws it. "That's no more working it whatsoever, it's garbage." That's invigorating. Doing television, that might be helpful. You're going to get inside the zone. THR: Is pointing something you're considering coping with? Rady: I don't always know. At this time around, I'm still just intrigued due to it because it seems like this kind of massive job. I'm anticipating that eventually I'll desire to direct just because of watching and watching, trying to pay for my thoughts around everything we as stars don't know a director does. I'm still wrapping my thoughts around everything. THR: You'll be turning up in Showtime's House of Lies, about several management consultants. Could be that the different experience of the Mentalist? Rady: It's another kind of show generally. I am in a position to't liken it to anything, that's something I like relating to this. It creates its own fingerprint, style-wise. It's nothing beats Work or Entourage. It possesses its own look, way with words, humor. The producers right from the start told everyone, "That can be done whatever to do. Everyone was allowed to stretch their wings and explore their creativity in addition to their ideas." I'm playing Kristen Bell's fiance Wes. Don Cheadle might be the Simon Baker in the management consultants team essentially. Kristen Bell's character is leading a double existence which i'm another half of her existence, where she really features a soul and might want to be normal, but nobody understands this. THR: Finally, you're in J. Edgar. Rady: The film is told through J. Edgar dictating his existence story to special agents inside the bureau. There's three or four people. (Rady plays Agent Manley.) J. Edgar encounters a few of individuals agents that are taking his dictations. I obtained to carry out a handful of moments with Leo[nardo DiCaprio]. That was pretty wild. [Laughs] Among people encounters that we won't soon forget. The Mentalist airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. on CBS. Email: Philiana.Ng@thr.com The Mentalist J. Edgar

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

SiriusXM profits rise, try not to beat street

SiriusXM Radio saw profit jump last quarter on revenue up 6 % to $763 million. The satellite radio giant stated net gain increased to $104 million from $68 million. It added 334,000 internet new customers within the period to complete with 21.3 million customers. Traders might have expected faster overall sub growth and tad greater revenue, delivering Sirius stock reduced pre-market trade. It had been off by a lot more than 7 percent prior to the bell. Sirius's customer acquisition costs were also lower. Its cash position solid with $600 million available in the finish from the quarter. Sirius credited the uptick in gross customers to a rise in U.S. light vehicle sales, new vehicle transmission and coming back activations. SiriusXM installation handles car manufacturers really are a answer to its business. It needs another revenue bump -Up 10 % to $4.4 billion -- for 2012 if this boosts the cost of their core SiriusXM package by $1.50 annually to $12.29. Average monthly churn was steady at 1.9 %. ''This continues to be a thrilling year for SiriusXM, but I am much more excited through the many possibilities waiting for us in 2012,'' Boss Mel Karmazin stated inside a statement. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

In this area: Conan O'Brien's Go back to New You are able to City

Jimmy Fallon and Conan O'Brien To celebrate his one-year anniversary on The best spinner's, Conan O'Brien introduced his late-evening show to NY for his first broadcast in the The Big Apple since he left Late Evening at the begining of 2009. And nearly 3,000 screaming fans were available in the Beacon Theater to provide him a warm welcome. Conan O'Brien looks back on his large year "I haven't heard applause like this given that they introduced I had been departing NY," O'Brien joked towards the top of his monologue. O'Brien then switched his focus on the people from the audience, a lot of whom were outfitted in Halloween outfits. Not remarkably, greater than a couple of fans were outfitted as O'Brien. "I see lots of Conan costumes," he stated. "Hey, a minimum of you are able to take yours off! I am held in this!" O'Brien, who now tapes Conan in La, constantly repeated his passion of NY City, and each of the episode's pre-recorded bits celebrated the town. Within the first, O'Brien spent your day being employed as a delivery boy in a Chinese restaurant with mixed results. His first delivery customer declined to simply accept food from him for anxiety about standing on camera. Later, Conan could not discover the address he was delivering to, so he gave the meals off to people in the pub. (Then he changed the takeout food that he'd distributed with Thai soup, however the clients rapidly forgave their famous delivery boy.) Conan O'Brien to officiate gay wedding on television Another pre-recorded bit saw O'Brien putting on a disguise to be able to visit his old buddies at NBC without which makes it "too awkward." So, using an imitation mustache plus some shades (Conan first pointed out that he appeared as if a "hipster child molester" and then the Unabomber), he combined in to the audience in the Today Show in Rockefeller center. The NY City love ongoing having a fight towards the dying between your Empire Condition Building along with a Scientology book store - also known as "the very best building L.A. could develop." (The Empire Condition Building easily won.) Then NY City Mayor Michael Bloomberg switched as much as administer a NY citizenship test. Sample question: What's Derek Jeter's finest accomplishment? Conan's (correct) answer: Minka Kelly. Take a look at photos of O'Brien O'Brien's first guest each week was Jimmy Fallon, who been successful O'Brien because the host recently Evening. Fallon offered up a "winning" impression of Charlie Sheen, and required a couple of moments to plug his new Ben & Jerry's frozen treats flavor, that the audience tried following the show. (Sadly, this reporter would be a little late towards the sample line, however it sounds scrumptious.) Both Fallon and music performer/comedian Reggie W, who opened up for Conan throughout his countrywide tour this past year, carried out rousing musical amounts. W did an appropriate rendition of "The Boys Are In Town" while Fallon carried out a "Halloween Song" which was a real celebration of America that incorporated an enormous American flag and red-colored-whitened-and-blue-clad baton twirlers. Throughout some commercial breaks, O'Brien embarked out in to the audience to sign autographs, pose for pictures as well as hand out a couple of hugs. Throughout others, he danced round the stage and pretended to box announcer/partner Andy Richter. At some point late within the show, O'Brien removed his jacket to awesome off, simply to uncover some noticeable pit stains. He switched to talk about his embarrassment using the audience, however the Team Coco crowd simply roared with increased applause. Only in NY. Conan airs weeknights at 11/10c on The best spinner's. What have you think about O'Brien's fist show in the The Big Apple?

Monday, October 31, 2011

Watercooler: On the Scene with Ghost Hunters Halloween Live

Ghost Hunters Halloween Live Ghost Hunters is going live again tonight for their sixth annual, six-hour Halloween special and it is gonna be a creepshow! This year, the TAPS team is returning to the notorious Pennhurst State School in Spring City, PA, a sprawling abandoned facility that's allegedly haunted by some very unsettled spirits who endured unimaginable stays at the former institution. TV Guide Magazine spent the hours leading up to Mischief Night with the crew as they set up for their All Hallow's Eve hunt to check out the creepy site and deliver to you this report on what we can expect see...or maybe just hear moaning in the dark.Pennhurst's Painful PastBuilt at the turn of the century and shut down in 1986 after a local news affiliate exposed the asylum's atrocities, Pennhurst's myriad sins included everything from overcrowding to doctors ripping patients' teeth out as punishment for unruly behavior. "It seems they put a lot of people in here they didn't know what to do with," says Destination Truth 's Josh Gates, returning for his fifth Halloween hosting gig. "And what's really sad about the property is that you had this weird mix of mentally disabled people, developmentally challenged people and [wards of the state] who just didn't have any education. There were a lot of people here who slipped through the cracks."Speaking of cracks, there are plenty of them after so many years of neglect. "A lot of the buildings are falling in on themselves, there's a ton of water damage, and it's scary," says Gates. "There's a tunnel system that runs beneath all of the buildings...I went down there by myself and it's terrifying."The Live AngleWhile TAPS members strap on their infrared cameras and EVP recorders and head off into the night, viewers will get a front-row seat to any potential scares, thanks to an interactive option during the six-hour broadcast."Syfy.com has a pretty robust presence online, they stream live cameras over the website, people can make comments, there's a chat room, and a 'Panic Button' that viewers can hit if they see something," explains Gates. "That sends a message to the interactive center, where there will be TAPS members talking to people. And those message will direct what's happening, giving the viewers a real interesting control...they're part of the team."During the evening, Gates will report in from the interactive center, as well as the TAPS command center (both located inside one of the more intact buildings), to see what watchers are saying about the investigation, so watch your mouth, kids!The Ghosts "Jay and I chased a shadow in one of the buildings," says Grant Wilson of his and TAPS co-leader Jason Hawes' first go round at Pennhurst, which also netted them a recording of disembodied laughing, while two other team members had a heavy metal shutter slam shut near them and heard voices in one building's main rooms. "There's a lot going on here."Although we never saw anything during our tour of the facility with team members Amy Bruni and Adam Berry, there was a definite air of something permeating the place. Between the dilapidated, windowless playroom known as "Candyland," the random, rotting children's toys left behind after the site's closure, the rusted filing cabinets teeming with ancient medical files, and the lone, old-school wheelchair sitting on its side in one of the cavernous underground tunnels, this is not where you want to find yourself after sundown."It's a real sad place," agrees Bruni. "Terrible, awful things happened here, so we try to be respectful of that." For Berry, the key to scaring up any signs of lingering spirits is showing the respect anyone would expect from uninvited visitors. "You don't want to provoke. The last thing you want to tell someone is 'I'm gonna get you if you don't do this!' because they were told that all the time [as patients]. They're not going to want to communicate with us if they're afraid of us."Still, that doesn't mean all are welcome, even if they have the kindest of intentions. "One of them told us to go home," recalls Bruni. "We heard it out loud. But then at the same time, two of the guys heard laughter, so you have this mix of happy, anger, sadness...you never know. We're dealing with entities that, in life, were mentally disabled, abandoned, and abused...we're not just here for ourselves, or the show. We're also trying to help them."The InvestigationHaving tackled Pennhurst once before, Hawes and Wilson are psyched to be back among the apparitions they've already met. "Obviously this place has given some amazing results for us," says Wilson. "And the owner of the property truly needs more help."To that end, the guys plan to "go in and target the areas the owner has the most concerns about and see if we can come up with some rational explanations," says Hawes, who admits to being more afraid of humans than any possible paranormal activity. "The owners are [usually] the ones that scare us, because you never know who they are or how they are," he laughs. "When you're investigating, you might have frightening moments, but you're going there in search of it, so why let it frighten you?""We've been doing it so long, we now have a good sense of what could happen," continues Wilson, who jokes that the team knows they won't be hunted by a serial killer or "sucked into a TV." In fact, even with the live aspect, this night "is no different from any other investigation. Once we get going, we forget all of the live stuff and do our thing."Plus, they'll have millions of viewers watching their backs online."That's the really cool thing," offers Hawes. "All the fans who tune in are able to see everything that's happening and they'll be experiencing it at the same time. That means everything to us."So are you signing on for a night of hunting with the Ghost Hunters Live? Or do you have other Halloween plans?Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Friday, October 28, 2011

David Tennant sees double

TennantDavid Tennant takes a double starring role as twin instructors at rival schools in "Nativity 2," a follow up to Darlene Isitt's 2009 U.K. hit comedy. Pic, backed by U.K. distrib Entertainment One, began shooting March. 17 for six days within the British Midlands and North Wales. Such as the first movie, the reduced-budget follow up relies around a college wearing a Christmas performance competing along with other schools. Tennant, most widely known for "Physician Who," plays a temp teacher who must lead several under-achieving kids within the national contest, while his golden-boy brother (also Tennant) leads the task from the classy rival school. Written and directed by Isitt, the pic is created by Nick Johnson of Mirrorball Films, and co-funded by Premiere Picture and Media Professional Six. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Malin Akerman and Tyler Labine on 'Cottage Country,' Killing Family People and Angry Squirrels

'Bad Teacher' scene-stealer Lucy Punch is shivering within the cold cottage country air as Daniel Petronijevic ('Happy Town') takes are designed for her having a bow and arrow. Tyler Labine ('Rise from the Planet from the Apes') jumps directly into stop the madness, while Malin Akerman ('Watchmen') takes my way through from the safe distance. The 4 funny individuals are filming a scene for 'Cottage Country,' a brand new dark comedy a good eager-to-please yes-guy (Labine) attempting to produce the perfect getaway for themself and the super-hot girlfriend (Akerman). Much to his chagrin, his incredibly annoying brother (Petronijevic) turns up together with his loopy girlfriend (Punch). Determined to not get pressed around any longer, Labine stacks up for themself -- and ends up killing his brother! Amusing antics ensue within this flick, set hitting theaters sooner or later the coming year. The film is occur the summer time, however the fall Ontario weather continues to be not even close to warm. The chilly climate is a particular shock for Akerman, who just finished shooting 'Rock of Ages' in balmy Miami alongside Tom Cruise and Paul Giamatti. Moviefone braved the wind, rain and cold for any day earlier this year to talk with Akerman, Labine and Petronijevic about the reason why you will not wish to miss this crazy little dark comedy. (Brace yourself for Labine's amazing squirrel impression. It's priceless.) ['Cottage Country' Photo Thanks to Christos Kalohoridis/Alliance Films] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

TV Rankings: ABC Tops Key Demo, 'Happy Endings' Hits Series Levels

ABC Game 6 around the globe Series was said to be a large evening for Fox -- so large, most systems filled the evening with reruns. But a rain delay forced Fox to air back-to-back repeats of Glee, departing the doorway available for that evening's only original choices gain large. ABC, which only broadcast one repeat (Modern Family), capped the evening within the 18-49 demo, taking home a 3.3 rating by having an average audience of 10.six million audiences. New instances of The Center (11.two million, 3.1) and Suburgatory (9.8 million, 3.4) were both up, with Happy Being (8.3 million, 3.5) striking all-time levels in audiences and grown ups 18-49. Revenge (8.7 million, 2.8) also outperformed other systems within the demo. PHOTOS: 10 Showrunners to look at in 2012 On CBS, a brand new episode of Survivor (11.six million, 3.4) acquired from last Wednesday, but pressed the network to edge out ABC in audiences. Overall, the network placed second by having an average demo of two.7. NBC adopted in third, calculating b .9 in 18-49, having a rerun of Whitney (1.2) since it's most powerful artist. Fox and also the CW both tied having a .7, a brand new episode of America's Next Top Model being the only real series of these two to get out of decimals gain single.. ABC - 3.3 - The Center: 10.two million, 3.1 - Suburgatory: 9.8 million, 3.4 - Modern Family (R): 11.4 million, 4.4 - Happy Being: 8.3 million, 3.5 - Revenge: 8.7 million, 2.8 CBS - 2.7 - Survivor: South Off-shore: 11.six million, 3.4 - Criminal Minds (R): 11.3 million, 2.8 - CSI (R): 9. million, 2. NBC - .9 Up Through The Night (R): 3.8 million, 1.1 - Whitney (R): 4.a million, 1.2 - Harry's Law (R): 4.4 million, .8 - Prime Suspect (R): 3.5 million, .8 Fox - .7 - Glee (R): 2.5 million, .7 - Glee (R): 2.3 million, .7 CW - .7 - Ringer (R): 1.3 million, .4 - America's Next Top Model: 2.3 million, 1. TV Rankings

The Secrets of Casting

The Secrets of Casting By Michael Lindsay-Hogg October 26, 2011 Why, if you think you've done a good audition, might you not be chosen? It's so hard to stomach that, when you've put yourself on the line. A director always tries to have control of his (or her) production. But there's a but. Which is, unless he (or she)and from now on, let me call everyone "he," because that's what I amhas full creative and contractual control, sometimes there's a sort of horse-trading going on.Let's say there are two parts left to be cast, and I really want an actress for Part No. 1, but the producer doesn't "get" her talent and wants someone else. I'll say, "Yes, your choice, she'd be good too. Let me think about that." But I still want the person I want. Then he'll say, "What about this actor for the other part?," maybe a less important one. "Let me sleep on that," I'll say. Then the next day, I'll come in and suggest an actor for Part No. 2 that I'm pretty sure the producer won't like, but I'll fight for him a little, until I'll say, "The actor you want. Are you sure that he's right?"But, he might feel at a disadvantage. No one's ever really sure. I've only been sure sure once, which was when I saw Amanda Plummer for "Agnes of God." And, interestingly, after Amanda had been cast, I had to sit through several months of the part of the Mother Superior being offered to the wrong people and doing whatever I could to derail those offers, because I knew Geraldine Page should play the part; but at the time, her stock was low, and it was not until Lee Remick was hired for the psychiatrist (good for box office) that I could sweep away all the others and get Geraldine the part. And then it didn't work out with Lee. Liz Ashley came in and was terrific, and Geraldine and Amanda were nominated for Tonys, and Amanda won.The most important thing a director does is choose: designer, composer, lighting. And the actors. And directors have differing ways of choosing actors. Some do it by readings and auditions. They're okay in a wayin the theater more than moviesbecause you get a chance to see what the actor's voice is like and how at ease, or not, the actor seems to be on stage. But what I really like is just talking to the actor, maybe trying to get over his nervousness, and then learning something about the human being: where he comes from, why he wants to be in this grueling racket, and what he sees in the part. I always think the working relationship with an actor starts at the first handshake. A reading doesn't tell me that much, because an actor might be good but make the wrong stab at the character at the beginning. And anyway, you don't know if it works or not till you've done it. Rehearse, make mistakes, go in the wrong direction (and that can be important because of what you'll learn), then get back on course again. And I've found, over the years, with my "talking" method that I've made the right choice many more times than the wrong one.Now, go back to me and the producer. I'll say, "Why don't you want this actress for Part No. 1?" And he'll say, "Blah-blah-blah." I've already given him the actor he wanted for Part No. 2, so when I say, "I really want this actress because blah-blah-blah," he's obliged to say, "Yes, I see what you're saying." "Sleep on it," I'll say. And, usually, the next day, after a little more stubbornness from me, I'll have got the person I want for what was the more important part. I may have really preferred another actor for Part No. 2 but may have had to sacrifice him for what was more important to me. That's "horse-trading." An actor may be talented and imaginative but sometimes lose a part for reasons not to do with any of his gifts.Good luck to you all. Michael Lindsay-Hogg's memoir, "Luck and Circumstance," is in bookstores now. In it, among other things, as well as talking about his time working with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, the director discusses the casting process for the television series "Brideshead Revisited." The Secrets of Casting By Michael Lindsay-Hogg October 26, 2011 Why, if you think you've done a good audition, might you not be chosen? It's so hard to stomach that, when you've put yourself on the line. A director always tries to have control of his (or her) production. But there's a but. Which is, unless he (or she)and from now on, let me call everyone "he," because that's what I amhas full creative and contractual control, sometimes there's a sort of horse-trading going on.Let's say there are two parts left to be cast, and I really want an actress for Part No. 1, but the producer doesn't "get" her talent and wants someone else. I'll say, "Yes, your choice, she'd be good too. Let me think about that." But I still want the person I want. Then he'll say, "What about this actor for the other part?," maybe a less important one. "Let me sleep on that," I'll say. Then the next day, I'll come in and suggest an actor for Part No. 2 that I'm pretty sure the producer won't like, but I'll fight for him a little, until I'll say, "The actor you want. Are you sure that he's right?"But, he might feel at a disadvantage. No one's ever really sure. I've only been sure sure once, which was when I saw Amanda Plummer for "Agnes of God." And, interestingly, after Amanda had been cast, I had to sit through several months of the part of the Mother Superior being offered to the wrong people and doing whatever I could to derail those offers, because I knew Geraldine Page should play the part; but at the time, her stock was low, and it was not until Lee Remick was hired for the psychiatrist (good for box office) that I could sweep away all the others and get Geraldine the part. And then it didn't work out with Lee. Liz Ashley came in and was terrific, and Geraldine and Amanda were nominated for Tonys, and Amanda won.The most important thing a director does is choose: designer, composer, lighting. And the actors. And directors have differing ways of choosing actors. Some do it by readings and auditions. They're okay in a wayin the theater more than moviesbecause you get a chance to see what the actor's voice is like and how at ease, or not, the actor seems to be on stage. But what I really like is just talking to the actor, maybe trying to get over his nervousness, and then learning something about the human being: where he comes from, why he wants to be in this grueling racket, and what he sees in the part. I always think the working relationship with an actor starts at the first handshake. A reading doesn't tell me that much, because an actor might be good but make the wrong stab at the character at the beginning. And anyway, you don't know if it works or not till you've done it. Rehearse, make mistakes, go in the wrong direction (and that can be important because of what you'll learn), then get back on course again. And I've found, over the years, with my "talking" method that I've made the right choice many more times than the wrong one.Now, go back to me and the producer. I'll say, "Why don't you want this actress for Part No. 1?" And he'll say, "Blah-blah-blah." I've already given him the actor he wanted for Part No. 2, so when I say, "I really want this actress because blah-blah-blah," he's obliged to say, "Yes, I see what you're saying." "Sleep on it," I'll say. And, usually, the next day, after a little more stubbornness from me, I'll have got the person I want for what was the more important part. I may have really preferred another actor for Part No. 2 but may have had to sacrifice him for what was more important to me. That's "horse-trading." An actor may be talented and imaginative but sometimes lose a part for reasons not to do with any of his gifts.Good luck to you all. Michael Lindsay-Hogg's memoir, "Luck and Circumstance," is in bookstores now. In it, among other things, as well as talking about his time working with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, the director discusses the casting process for the television series "Brideshead Revisited."