Friday, December 23, 2011

Mel Gibson & Wife Finalize Divorce

First Released: December 23, 2011 5:41 PM EST Credit: Getty Images La, Calif. -- Caption Mel Gibson close to Darkness premiere in Madrid, The country, on Feb 1, 2010Mel Gibson has completed his divorce from his wife of 28 years. Lawyers for that Oscar champion andhis ex-wife made an appearance briefly inside a La courthouse Friday to submit a suggested judgment, that your judge signed hrs later. Robyn Gibson declared divorce in April 2009, just several weeks before Gibsons then-girlfriend delivered a daughter. The Braveheart star suggested for their own court filings the couple separated in 2006. The previous couples divorce continues to be more low-key than Gibsons custody of the children fight with Russian music performer Oksana Grigorieva. Gibson agreed in August to pay for Grigorieva $750,000 to stay a bitter dispute and split custody of the children of the daughter. The 55-year-old and the former wife have seven children together, however their 12-year-old boy may be the only minor. Copyright 2011 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Google acquires RightsFlow

Aiming to streamline payments to musicians and publishers, YouTube parent Google has acquired licensing and royalty reporting service RightsFlow.RightsFlow, launched in 2007, uses a 30-million-song database and proprietary technology to match songs to publishers and manage payment.Though featuring millions of musicvideos on its site, YouTube has occasionally had a contentious relationship with publishers over royalty payments, disbursement of which can sometimes be a Byzantine process."By combining RightsFlow's expertise and technology with YouTube's platform, we hope to more rapidly and efficiently license music on YouTube," wrote YouTube product manager David King on the company's blog, "meaning more music for you all to enjoy and more money for the talented people producing the music."Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Monday, December 5, 2011

Chris Columbus Finds Jesus

Anne Rice's undertake him, anyway...No, we don't imply Christopher Columbus finds the facial skin of Jesus in the cake or perhaps the seed items from the tomato: he's aiding to create an adaptation of Anne Rice's tome Christ The Master: From Egypt.Cyrus Nowrasteh, who last made The Stoning Of Soraya M, is onto co-write and direct the film after Grain approached him about coping with the job. It absolutely was a quick leap next to Columbus, who made the decision to create the pic via his 1492 Pictures company.The plot follows a seven-year-old Jesus departing Egypt to return where you can Nazareth, where he discovers who his father is actually which his existence features a slightly different future compared to that of his pals."This film gets the potential to become film classic, a picture that will attract all ages, all over the world,In . Columbus mentioned in the statement acquired by Variety. "I am proud to sign up this incredible production." Thinking about the truth that Christmas is almost here, it may look like that filmmakers together with other creative types have become ideas inside their tights: furthermore, you will find Seth Grahame-Cruz working up a script based on his book Unholy Evening, which re-imagines another chunk in the youthful JC's existence.Columbus hasn't directed a film themselves since 2010's Percy Jackson, but he's been busy just like a producer, backing he likes in the Help. He's also got a good amount of projects on the move, getting a remake of Troll Hunter and several other novel adaptations like the Cypress House and Charles Yu' The Best Way To Live Safely In The Science Imaginary World, which was introduced only a couple of days ago.

Friday, December 2, 2011

'Deliverance' Actor Dies: Bill McKinney Dead at 80

Actor Bill McKinney has died at age 80. McKinney is better noted for playing the sadistic Mountain Guy within the 1972 film 'Deliverance.' McKinney would go onto star in movies for example Mike Peckinpah's 'Junior Bonner,' 'First Bloodstream,' and 'Back towards the Future Part 3.' He seemed to be in a number of Clint Eastwood films, including 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot,' 'The Outlaw Josey Wales' and 'Pink Cadillac.' An argument on Bill McKinney's Facebook page states that, "Today our dear Bill McKinney died at Valley Presbyterian Hospice. An enthusiastic smoker for two-and-a-half decades of his more youthful existence, he died of cancer from the wind pipe. He was 80 but still sufficiently strong to possess shot a Dorito's commercial 2 days just before his passing, and that he ongoing to operate on his biography together with his writing partner. Hopefully 2012 brings a writer for that wild ride his existence was. He's made it by boy Clinton, together with several ex-spouses. R.I.P. Bill sept.12 1931 - 12 ,. 1 2011." [via EW and Facebook] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Rare 'Empire Strikes Back' Interviews: Prequels, Sequels and also the 'Controversial' Ending

Should you loved our Billy Dee Williams/Harrison Ford photo from the 2009 week, then you are likely to love this. The State The Exorcist Blog lately published a press video from 1980, featuring rare interviews using the cast and crew of 'Empire Strikes Back.' A few of the highlights include Harrison Ford talking about the potential of 'Star Wars' sequels (Episodes 7, 8, and 9) director Irvin Kershner protecting that which was then considered 'Empire''s questionable cliffhanger ending and David Prowse, who performed Darth Vader, being unsure of concerning the finish from the movie since George Lucas actively gave him an imitation script (Mark Hamill was the only real cast member who understood what would happen). For your benefit, enjoy the best quotes below (although, if you are a 'Star Wars' fanatic, the entire factor is certainly worth watching). Mark Hamill on his infant boy "Everybody was thinking of getting him very plainly, because once they return and perform the tales which were two decades earlier, in [Episode 3] ... there's an 8-year-old Luke playing around and playing without anyone's knowledge, and that i stated, 'Wait one minute, one actor in the household is sufficient for me personally.AInch David Prowse on discovering Darth Vader was Luke's father "It surprised me, really, because I did not know anything about this until I had been occur the cinema last Saturday ... I practically flattened within the chair." Harrison Ford around the difficulty actor Anthony Daniels faced while playing C3PO "You've no clue the torture [he] suffered to experience that part ... It required such a long time to place him within the costume also it required such a long time to obtain him from it.Inch Harrison Ford around the potential 'Star Wars' sequels "The storyline we are involved in now really concludes itself within the next film, after which George progresses with similar milieu but different figures ... Our figures pretty much conclude their story in ['Return from the Jedi']." Billy Dee Williams on audiences thinking he's the "token black guy" "I do not consider individuals things really...I had been happy to become asked included in the 'Star Wars' cast." Irvin Kershner around the "questionable" ending "It was the ending. [It] may jar [audiences] only because once they saw 'Star Wars' ... there is a triumphant ending." [via Official The Exorcist Blog and io9] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Write a Haiku, Win Tickets to the L.A. Premiere of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Attention all spy genre enthusiasts, Cold War buffs and Gary Oldman fans: Movieline is giving away three (3) pairs of VIP tickets to the Los Angeles premiere of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy to the trio of readers who come up with the most clever haiku poems dedicated to one of the film’s stars. The thriller from director Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In) is set in 1973 and stars Gary Oldman as an espionage veteran forced out of semi-retirement to uncover a Soviet agent who has infiltrated Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service. Colin Firth, Stephen Graham, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Toby Jones and Simon McBurney co-star. You have 24 hours to write a haiku in ode to any of the film’s stars to officially enter the contest. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’s L.A. premiere will take place in Hollywood on Tuesday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m. Winners will have to pick up their tickets at will-call before 6:00 p.m. that day. Lastly, since Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is rated R, only readers that are 18 and older can win. The official synopsis: The long-awaited feature film version of John le Carr’s classic bestselling novel. The time is 1973. The Cold War of the mid-20th Century continues to damage international relations. Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), a.k.a. MI6 and code-named the Circus, is striving to keep pace with other countries’ espionage efforts and to keep the U.K. secure. The head of the Circus, known as Control (John Hurt), personally sends dedicated operative Jim Prideaux (Mark Strong) into Hungary. But Jim’s mission goes bloodily awry, and Control is forced out of the Circus - as is his top lieutenant, George Smiley (Gary Oldman), a career spy with razor-sharp senses. Estranged from his absent wife Ann, Smiley is soon called in to see undersecretary Oliver Lacon (Simon McBurney); he is to be rehired in secret at the government’s behest, as there is a gnawing fear that the Circus has long been compromised by a double agent, or mole, working for the Soviets and jeopardizing England. Supported by younger agent Peter Guillam (Benedict Cumberbatch), Smiley parses Circus activities past and present. In trying to track and identify the mole, Smiley is haunted by his decades-earlier interaction with the shadowy Russian spy master Karla. The mole’s trail remains cold until maverick field agent Ricki Tarr (Tom Hardy) unexpectedly contacts Lacon. While undercover in Turkey, Ricki has fallen for a betrayed married woman, Irina (Svetlana Khodchenkova), who claims to possess crucial intelligence. Separately, Smiley learns that Control narrowed down the list of mole suspects to five men. They are the ambitious Percy Alleline (Toby Jones), whom he had code-named Tinker; suavely confident Bill Haydon (Colin Firth), dubbed Tailor; stalwart Roy Bland (Ciarn Hinds), called Soldier; officious Toby Esterhase (David Dencik), dubbed Poor Man; and - Smiley himself. Even before the startling truth is revealed, the emotional and physical tolls on the players enmeshed in the deadly international spy game will escalate… Entries must be received along with your name and an email address where you can be reached. You may enter in the comment section below or on Movieline’s Facebook or Twitter pages. Contest ends Friday, December 2 at 2:00 p.m. PT/5:00 p.m. ET.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Munsters Reboot Names Bryan Singer Executive Producer

The Munsters The Munsters reboot has drawn on Bryan Singer as executive producer, based on the Hollywood Reporter.Singer, the author-director-producer from the X Males franchise, is stated to become writing and executive-creating the project with Pushing Daisies and Dead Much Like Me creator Bryan Larger.Browse the relaxation of present day newsThis time around, the main one-hour drama is going to be edgier and more personal and more dark compared to original, which broadcast from 1964 to '66 and starred Fred Gwynne as Herman Munster and Yvonne P Carlo as Lily Munster.Singer and Larger labored together last year to evolve Augusten Burroughs' Sellevision right into a TV series for NBC, however the project never got off the floor.NBC accumulates Munsters reboot pilot from Pushing Daisies creatorSinger's TV credits include creating roles on House and Dirty Sexy Money.

TV Ratings: 'Victoria's Secret Fashion Show' Rakes in Record Ratings at CBS

Mark Leibowitz Holiday programming, repeats and scantily clad models were the right combination for CBS on Tuesday night. Following solid airings of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (4.0 rating in adults 18-49) and NCIS (2.9), the 2011 iteration of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show brought in its highest showing ever in the demo.our editor recommendsHow 'Victoria's Secret Fashion Show' Turns $12 Million Into $5 Billion in One Hour TV Ratings: Fox Wins November Sweep Among Adults 18-49'Kourtney & Kim Take NY' Hits Ratings Records With Season Premiere STORY: How 'Victoria's Secret Fashion Show' Turns $12 Million Into $5 Billion in One Hour The 10 p.m. broadcast of the runway show brought in a 4.6 rating in adults 18-49. That number is up 36 percent from last year's showing and marks best number in the demo to date. Total viewers for the show were also up, with 10.3 million for the hour, its biggest audience since 2002. Fox had new episodes of Glee, New Girl and Raising Hope, all of which saw growth from their last original broadcasts two weeks ago. Glee was up three tenths of a point to a 3.2 rating in adults 18-49, with New Girl reaching a 3.6 and Raising Hope bringing in a 2.4. PHOTOS: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2011 Parenthood and The Biggest Loser were both up for NBC, pushing the network to third place in the demo. Parenthood grew by three tenths in adults 18-49, with a 2.2 rating and total audience growth of over 1 million to 5.7 million. ABC filled the vacancy at 9:00 p.m. with back-to-back repeats of The Middle. The two broadcasts averaged a 1.4 rating among adults 18-49. New episodes of Last Man Standing (2.4) and Man Up! (1.7) were both down from their last original broadcasts, while Body of Proof only suffered slightly without its Dancing With the Stars lead-in. The drama got a 1.8 rating in the key demo, two weeks after its last original. PHOTOS: Behind the Scenes of the 'Victoria's Secret Fashion Show' On the CW, Ringer returned down with a 0.6 in adults 18-49. 90210, however, was up two tenths from last week with a 0.8 in the demo. Tuesday, Nov. 29, Overnight Ratings: 8 p.m. CBS: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (12.7 million viewers, 4.0 rating in adults 18-49) Fox: Glee (7.8 million, 3.2) ABC: Last Man Standing (10.2 million, 2.4) NBC: The Biggest Loser (7.1 million, 2.3) The CW: 90210 (1.6 million, 0.8) 8:30 p.m. ABC: Man Up! (6.6 million, 1.7) 9 p.m. Fox: New Girl (7.6 million, 3.6) CBS: NCIS (R) (13.4 million, 2.9) NBC: The Biggest Loser (7 million, 2.5) ABC: The Middle (R) (4.7 million, 1.4) The CW: Ringer (1.6 million, 0.6) 9:30 p.m. Fox: Raising Hope (5.3 million, 2.4) 10 p.m. CBS: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (10.3 million, 4.6) NBC: Parenthood (5.7 million, 2.2) ABC: Body of Proof (9.4 million, 1.8) PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Behind the Scenes of the 'Victoria's Secret Fashion Show' TV Ratings

Monday, November 28, 2011

Ken Russell Has Died

Prolific British director dead at 84British director KenRussell has died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 84. Best known for dramas like Women In Love, which secured him an Oscar nomination, and rock musical Tommy, he was known for his flamboyant style and delight in controversial themes and presentations.Russell began his career as a photographer, before moving intoTV documentary and short films. His first film was a comedy called French Dressing in 1963, but it wasn't until 1967's Billion Dollar Brain, with MichaelCaine and KarlMalden, that he had a major success. His reputation was cemented two years later with Women In Love, the adaptation of DHLawrence's novel, which received four Oscar nominations, including one for Russell himself, and landed Glenda Jackson her win for Best Actress - all this despite inviting controversy for a naked wrestling scene between Oliver Reed and AlanBates.Russell continued to invite controversy with The Devils, starring Reed again and Vanessa Redgrave, before The Who's Tommy provided his biggest hit in 1975. 1980 saw his first foray into sci-fi with Altered States, before he took to directing opera and theatre inbetween sporadic cinematic releases.Ahuge personality - as anyone who watched The South Bank Show during the 1990s will tell you - it almost seems unlike the man to fall asleep for the final time.He is survived by his wife, Lisi Tribble, and his six children, Xavier, James, Alexander, Victoria, Toby and Rex. He will be sorely missed.

Icon U.K. to close distribution arm

After months of speculation, Icon U.K. Group is shuttering its U.K. distribution arm with Lionsgate U.K. believed to be in negotiations to buy its library and handle future releases of acquired titles in the territory. The news comes after Len Blavatnik's Access Industries, which purchased Icon U.K. Group in November 2009, tapped Aviv Giladi as CEO of the company last week in a move expected to herald a shift toward a more production-based business.According to sources, the remaining 32 employees at the London-based company were told last week that roughly 20 would be axed. Icon U.K. Group is going through a consultation phase to decide which positions to chop. Additionally, sources said that Lionsgate is expected to purchase the company's U.K. library, which includes "Drive," "A Single Man" and "Precious."Acquisitions that have yet to be distributed in Blighty include low-budget horror "You're Next," which Icon pre-bought for low six-figures from HanWay Films at Cannes. Coincidentally, Lionsgate picked up U.S. rights for the pic following its preem at Toronto. For the time being, sources say that the foreign sales arm, headed up by Hugo Grumbar, will remain intact but long-term plans are to eventually close that fraction of the business and focus solely on production and investment in commercial pics. This isn't the first time this year that Icon has axed jobs: In January, Icon laid off 15% of its staffers as part of cost cuts due to the increased pressures facing its U.K. biz. At the time, rumors were circulating that Access had given Grumbar and Ian Dawson, managing director of the U.K. arm, a year to show results or the company would be shut. In October, Variety revealed that Access had been shopping Icon's U.K. library to potential buyers following the distrib's weak performance. Giladi, who is chairman of Israeli media company R.G.E. Group and a non-executive director on the board of Ealing Studios, is believed to be one of the figures managing the potential sale of Icon's U.K. library. Icon refused to comment at the time of going to press while Lionsgate was unavailable for comment. Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Sarah Silverman Comedy Can get Pilot Order at NBC

Sarah Silverman NBC has bought its Sarah Silverman comedy project to pilot. From Imagine TV and last century Fox Television, the network showed up the only real-camera comedy loosely based on Silverman's existence following a effective investing in an offer war in August. The pilot will star Silverman just like a lady readjusting to single existence undertaking a decadelong live-in relationship. The comic will co-write the project with Serta Sterling and Jon Schroeder, who co-written her Comedy Central series The Sarah Silverman Program. STORY: TV Development Report Card Executive producers round the comedy include Ron Howard, Silverman, Sterling, John Grazer and Francie Calfo. The pilot order has come about as the fourth-place network, under NBC Entertainment topper Bob Greenblatt, remains trading large this development season to create back the network. Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com Twitter: @Snoodit Sarah Silverman TV Development Pilot Season 2011-12

Friday, November 18, 2011

Peace for some time as org and prodco collaborate

Once the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. and Dick Clark Prods. attempt the 2010 Golden Globe telecast, they'll be within the awkward position on joining up at the time of acrimonious lawsuit.Although it might have no impact on the program itself -- simply because they were within this same position this past year -- there was expectation the whole problem of that has privileges towards the show might have arrived at some form of resolution right now.The HFPA prosecuted Dick Clark Prods. in November 2010, charging that it is longtime producer discussed a long term broadcast cope with NBC without its consent. But Dick Clark Prods., possessed by Serta Snyder's Red-colored Zone Capital Partners, continues to be strident in the contention that they are within their contractual privileges achieve this, which they legally can produce the show as lengthy because they forge an offer using the Peacock.After several weeks of proceedings, the situation was poised to visit trial on Sept. 6, raising the chance there could be a minimum of a verdict arrived at within the dispute prior to the ceremony. But simply days prior to the trial ended up being to start, U.S. District Judge Valerie Baker Fairbank withdrew in the situation for any health reason, but her alternative, Judge Howard Matz, has already established this type of crowded calendar he's been not able to locate dates for any trial this season. A hearing is scheduled for November. 30 to create a brand new date, which looks apt to be within the first quarter of 2012.The problem, clearly, wasn't ideal, and both sides then completed a contract where Dick Clark Prods. would again produce the show for HFPA in 2012 however with both sides "protecting their particular positions," based on some pot statement the parties launched at that time. Quite simply, just the truth that they're cooperating, possibly for that one before, doesn't have any effect on the sun and rain from the lawsuit.Over a showdown in the court may resolve the dispute, additionally, it intends to rehash past rifts inside the HFPA along with the business practices of Dick Clark Prods. Chances are it will focus on the discussions in 1993 that brought towards the extension of the privileges agreement the HFPA forged with DCP, in addition to a much in dispute contract clause. Before she withdrew in the situation, Fairbank stated that at problem was if the parties in 1993 "validly joined right into a contract term for limitless, unilateral extensions."What which means would be that the trial will concentrate on precisely what that language meant at that time and what it really has meant over time, and among individuals who might be known as to testify are past and offer HFPA leaders and a range of industry figures, including Dick Clark themself. Even CBS' Leslie Moonves is around the witness list, on the face to provide testimony concerning the HFPA's recent discussions using the Eye attaining privileges towards the ceremony.Past fissures between HFPA people curently have been elevated in pre-trial controlling, and could be broached again inside a trial. The HFPA claims that in 1993, its then leader Mirjana Van Blaricom, was without the legal right to sign an agreement having a "perpetual privileges" clause. The org claims that DCP's leader, Frances La Maina, symbolized for their people in 1993 the contract gave Dick Clark Prods. merely a finite quantity of options.But Van Blaricom, who began her very own rival press association in 1996, states that they did possess the authority. She not just challenges the HFPA's version of occasions, along with the conditions surrounding her departure in the org in 1994, but she filed a declaration in the courtroom with respect to Dick Clark Prods. Inside it, she states that they requested a lawyer to examine the suggested amendment before coming back the performed contract to DCP. She also stated that they and La Maina talked about the intent from the provision, that was a part of DCP's "desire to make sure that its interests weren't jeopardized as long as the Golden Globe Honours continued to be on NBC.""The 1993 Amendment was greatly advantageous towards the HFPA because getting the Golden Globe Honours show broadcast with a major network like NBC made certain both greater license costs and elevated notariety for that HFPA, its primary goals at that time,Inch Van Blaricom mentioned.The show hasn't only been elevated, it's be a cash cow for NBC, Dick Clark Prods. and also the HFPA. Based on court filings, NBC compensated HFPA permission fee of just about $5 million in 2005, which is likely considerably greater since that time.Gold GLOBES PREVIEWRicky did not lose their number Peace for some time as org and prodco collaborate No-limit rule a boon for global pic parade HFPA declines being starstruck in noms process Marketing methods can change at Globes time No relaxation for that bleary-eyed New kids on the market Contact Ted Manley at ted.manley@variety.com

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Studios setting tales far, far away

'Cars 2''Rio''Puss in Boots'With the exception of "Rango," all of this year's American-backed big-studio toons take place abroad, ranging from "Rio's" beautiful Brazilian vistas to "Cars 2's" whirlwind tour of a world inhabited only by cars. Such exotic settings may not seem surprising when you consider animation's long tradition of transporting auds to foreign worlds, though lately, there seems to be a new incentive for telling global stories.First and foremost, while domestic box office remains relatively flat, international audiences -- particularly those in the emerging markets of China, Brazil and Russia -- are rapidly expanding, along with the number of screens."As the technology improves, you can really embrace other cultures and other countries in a way that was never done before," says Bill Damashke, chief creative officer of DreamWorks Animation. A case in point is DWA's "Kung Fu Panda 2," which did $653 million, of which $500 million was international. Carefully designed and animated as "a version of China and a celebration of Chinese culture and art," the sequel did great business all over Asia, he reports.How a toon will play overseas affects everything from writing the script to the casting of vocal talent. For DWA's "Puss in Boots," which is set in what Damashke calls a romanticized version of Spain, "It just made sense to put Salma Hayek opposite Antonio Banderas. She's a great match and has the right Latin feel for the role," he says. Similarly, "Kung Fu Panda 2" features Asian stars Jackie Chan and James Hong alongside Angelina Jolie and Dustin Hoffman. "We wanted a very mixed, international cast," he says.Sony's "Arthur Christmas" was developed by U.K. animation house Aardman (of "Wallace & Gromit" fame). "When they came to us it already had Santa's sled journeying from the North Pole all around the world," says Bob Osher, president of Sony's digital production division. After 18 months of work in England, the director, producers and some crew then moved to Sony's Culver City facility, and later back again to finish post-production in London. "So working with an English team from Aardman, who are so well-known around the world, gave our film a built-in international feel and look."With "Cars 2," Pixar abandoned the quintessential Americana setting of Radiator Springs in favor of a wider international scale, with pit stops in Tokyo, Paris, London and Italy."It was developed as an international story right from the get-go by John Lasseter," says "Cars 2" producer Denise Ream. "He got the initial idea while traveling all over the world promoting the first one -- along with some of the humor, like driving on the 'wrong' or opposite side in the U.K."In conceiving "Rio" at Blue Sky, Brazilian-born director Carlos Saldanha decided on the eponymous city and built the story around it, capitalizing on the creative team's drive "to explore a world and place that hadn't been done yet," the director says. "As I was writing, I was thinking about how 'Ratatouille' used Paris so well, so why not Rio? It's so photogenic and exotic. And then everything -- the animation palette, the design, the music -- all just flowed naturally from that."Native son Saldanha is pleased to see that "Rio" may end up being the biggest film of the year in Brazil. "People were so proud to see a film set there, while for American audiences, there's more of a cultural challenge." He notes that when the project was first greenlit, "We knew it was a little risky, setting the story in Rio. But once we'd made it and done all the trailers and promotion, we just thought of it as a global movie.""It's certainly great for international audiences to be able to go to the movies and see something that's relevant and part of their world," agrees Ream, who suggests that the global trend is also related to filmmakers expanding their storytelling muscles: "They're more confident in exploring unfamiliar worlds, and the technology enables us to be far more adventurous. From a Pixar perspective, it's all about the storytellers just letting their imaginations really run wild."Osher stresses that animation has always been very strong internationally. "Successful animated films tend to well outperform internationally than they do domestically," he says. "They're typically dubbed into 40-plus languages, so they feel like local films, whether you're watching in Brazil, Japan or Cuba. That's a big advantage over live-action films with subtitles."RELATED LINKS Live-action pros blur toon lines Contact Peter Debruge at peter.debruge@variety.com

Monday, November 14, 2011

Fox News to Air Gloria Cain Protecting Husband Herman in First Public Interview (Video)

The wife of Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain spoke in defense of her husband, saying she does not believe the sexual harassment claims against him.our editor recommends10 Hollywood Gamers Which Will Really make a difference within the 2012 ElectionsHerman Cain Faces Reporters on Live TV and Concurs to Lie Detector Test (Video)Herman Cain Declines Sexual Harassment Accusations on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live': 'We're Using This Mind On' (Video) Gloria Cain's first public interview will air throughout Around the Record with Greta Van Susteren on Monday. PHOTOS: 10 Hollywood Gamers Which Will Really make a difference within the 2012 Elections "I understand that's not the individual he's. He totally respects women," Gloria Cain stated. "I am thinking he'd need to have a split personality to complete things that were stated," she added. The pair continues to be married for 43 years. VIDEO: Herman Cain Sexual Harassment Scandal Detailed at Press Conference Lately, four for women who live accused Herman Cain, 65, of sexual harassment, including two who settled harassment claims while Cain was running the nation's Restaurant Connected. The claims have centered Cain's campaign given that they first found light at the end of October, reported by Politico. Cain lately made an appearance on Due To Jimmy Kimmel Live, and completely refused the accusations of among the women, Sharon Bialek. Cain used his wife in their defense. VIDEO: Herman Cain Faces Reporters on Live TV and Concurs to Lie Detector Test "My very own wife stated which i wouldn't do anything whatsoever as silly as what that lady was speaking about, because she does know me," Cain stated about Bialek. Inside a statement a week ago, a Cain campaign spokesperson launched an argument saying, "There has been numerous interesting facts the public has discovered these women in the last couple of days. Hopefully a legal court of public opinion will keep this in mind because these women keep trying and this story alive." Related Subjects Politics Herman Cain

Friday, November 11, 2011

Viacom Stock To Trade On NASDAQ

NY, Nov. 11, 2011 — Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B) today announced the transfer of its stock exchange listing to The NASDAQ Global Select Market from The NY Stock Exchange. The company said that the voluntary transfer to The NASDAQ Global Select Market, an exchange of The NASDAQ OMX Group Inc. (Nasdaq: NDAQ), will be more cost effective, while continuing to provide Viacom shareholders with strong execution and liquidity. Viacom’s Class A common stock will trade on NASDAQ under the symbol “VIA” and its Class B common stock will trade under the symbol “VIAB” beginning December 1, 2011.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

'Game of Thrones' RPG Coming In 2012

Now you'll get to kill off all of your favorite characters yourself! A new action-RPG based on George R.R. Martin's hit fantasy series, starting with "Game of Thrones," is hitting PC and next generation consoles in early 2012. French developers Cyanide Studios have posted a couple of screen shots to their blog. From the look of the grabs, the video game will pull more directly from Martin's books instead of the HBO series, so unfortunately, you won't have the pleasure of seeing an Eddard Stark that looks like Sean Bean. What you will recognize is the snowy landscape and dirty looking brutes. Cyanide put out their first "Game of Thrones" game this fall, a strategy game called "Game of Thrones: Genesis." MTV Geek has more on the news.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Journey 2 Trailer Lands

Welcome to The Mysterious Island...Back in 2008, Josh Hutcherson's Sean Anderson was dragged along on an adventure under the ground with uncle Trevor (Brendan Fraser), where they discovered a strange world of dinosaurs, danger and lava. That was for Journey To The Centre Of The Earth, and now the sequel is racing towards us. So give a warm welcome to the trailer for Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, which you can watch below.Actually, on the evidence of this, you might want to shove that welcome in the fridge for a little while before you dig it out. For though Hutcherson is back on duty as Sean and Dwayne Johnson is his new stepfather, Hank Parsons, the trailer comes off as an uninviting mix of bad puns, goofy overacting (Luis Guzman, we can see you cashing that paycheque!) and blatant 3D pandering. Oh, and dinosaurs. Again.This time around, it's Sean who is the driving force for the expedition as he persuades Hank to join him on an attempt to track down his grandfather (Michael Caine), who has seemingly discovered the mysterious island chronicled by Jules Verne in the titular book. To help on their mission, Sean and Hank recruit the comely Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens) and wacky pilot Gabato (Guzman, mugging for all he's worth).Naturally, they find the place, which is filled with giant lizards, even more giant insects and tiny elephants. But soon they all discover that the island is not as stable as it appears. Well, of course.Besides the odd gag that works here (mostly a credit to Mr Team Bring It himself, who delivers lines like, "that was emasculating" with all the keen gusto he can), Journey 2 looks like it could be sillier than the original, and not necessarily in a good way. Still, we'll reserve judgement until the film arrives on February 10.

Carol Robinson Peete Weighs in at in at In On Kim Kardashians Role In Tyler Perry Movie

First Launched: November 9, 2011 3:58 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Carol Robinson Peete and Billy Rose rose bush are smiles round the number of Access Hollywood Live in Burbank, Calif., on November 9, 2011 La, Calif. -- Kim Kardashian remains just a little warmth from Tyler Perry fans on her behalf inclusion inside the filmmakers approaching movie, The Marriage Counselor, something Access Hollywood Live guest co-host Carol Robinson Peete considered in on. We could always depend on Tyler Perry use a blacktress employment. So all over the world blacktresses are upset, Carol joked in regards to the casting of Kim inside the movie, where the reality star may have the co-worker in the movies lead (Jurnee Smollett). No, its [an] amazing PR move, Carol told Access Hollywood Lives Billy Rose rose bush on Wednesdays show. Its really pretty smart as well as the timing is great. Like her brand, this drama will probably be ideal for the film. So, its really kind of brilliant with techniques I have no difficulties with it. One factor Carol is not so content about is her former job within the Talk, which she and co-host Leah Remini were started from in August. I loved doing The Talk. I used to be great advertising online. I used to be throughout my rut was feeling great relating to this I did so everything I used to be asked for to accomplish and introduced it after which it, poof!, she told Billy when asked for about her exit. Had you been pressed out? Billy asked for. In truth together with you, I've no clue. I wasnt given grounds, Carol referred to. Clashes happened and you'll find certain conditions that are from control, items you cant control, however, you are able to control how you respond. Carol then elevated how other daytime talk shows have handled the exit from the host. Barbara Walters always no less than mentioned when someone would disappear within the table, she'd say, Rosies not here any more because of X, Y or Z. That was never mentioned round the Talk. We just stopped for the talk show witness relocations (? S or no s?) program, i had been gone. Despite her exit within the Talk, the star nabbed a cameo inside the approaching silver screen reboot of 21 Jump Street, based on her classic TV series that co-starred The Actor-kaira Pitt. I used to be given an chance to carry out a cameo inside the movie it's not your mother and father 21 Jump Street, she told Billy in the movie likely to be in March. Its Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, they have tremendous chemistry its very tongue-in-mouth area and extremely funny and lots of cussing! Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

First 'Wanderlust' Trailer: Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux Milk a Goat Together (Not really a Euphemism)

.publish-content img Paul Rudd is among individuals stars have a tendency to plays exactly the same character. That isn't always an optimistic, however for a film like 'Wanderlust,' Rudd's familiar middle-aged slacker is really a welcome addition. Toss in the 'Friends'-y comedy types of Jennifer Aniston, in addition to a hippie commune, and -- well, you have one really strange idea for any film. That comment is further cemented using the first trailer. In 'Wanderlust,' Aniston and Rudd star as Linda and George, a quick-paced husband and wife residing in NY City. However, after George manages to lose his job, the 2 choose to pack some misconception and mind South, eventually tripping on the hippie commune. There we see Aniston milk a goat (together with her new boyfriend Justin Theroux) and take hallucinatory drugs, while Rudd will get hit on by Avoi (Malin Ackerman). Fun occasions throughout! David Wain ('Wet Hot American Summer') directed 'Wanderlust,' featuring many alumni from that cult comedy classic. Are you able to place them? 'Wanderlust' hits theaters on February. 24, 2012. [via Yahoo!] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Chuck D Is Latest to file a lawsuit Over Digital Download Royalties (Exclusive)

Getty ImagesChuck D Universal Group has become facing a brand new suit that alleges the underpaying of royalties on digital downloads. Today, Chuck D of Public Enemy walked as much as bring their own class action lawsuit from the major record label. The suit was filed in Bay Area federal court and allegesthat UMG routinely miscalculates the royalties owed to artists for digital downloads, for example Tunes and ring tones, by dealing with them as "sales" of physical records instead of "licenses." Chuck D's complaint follows around the heels of the federal judge's decision on Tuesday to maneuver forward on the similar consolidated class action lawsuit introduced by Take advantage of Zombie and also the estate of Ron James. Here's our report from today, which describes why the suit has become a offer the record business. In announcing the suit, Chuck D's lawyers at Hausfeld LLP states that UMG has under compensated 100s of huge amount of money in royalties and pointed to some decision this year through the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that provides some precedent that digital downloads ought to be treated as "licenses." "Chuck D continues to be 'fighting the power' for more than 2 decades and can continue doing so through this suit to be able to help all music artists, including many legacy artists who're living on fixed earnings," saidJames Pizzirusso, someone at Hausfeld LLP active in the situation. "This complaint is affected with serious defects and weak points, not minimal which would be that the claims asserted aren't right for class treatment," a UMG representative informs THR. "We'll intensely reduce the chances of it." E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner

Healthy Hollywood: Wellness Wednesday Reality Star Sonja Morgans Anti-Aging Secrets!

First Released: November 2, 2011 12:23 PM EDT Credit: Bravo NY., N.Y. -- Caption Sonja Morgan - The Actual Average women of NY CityReal Average women of NY City star Sonja Morgan includes a taste for living well and understands how to get it done! This society lady continues to be with the ringer falling in the high pedestal of the luxe existence to facing personal bankruptcy following a nasty divorce to re-inventing herself once again. Her personal motto to reside every day just like you have you win and everything to achieve. You decide to go, girl! At 47, Sonja is not afraid to embrace her age or flaunt her sexpot image, adding, Im inside my sexual peak and loving existence. She informs Healthy Hollywood her sex existence is strong and viable, Obtaining a full nights relaxation is essential and going for a natural supplement routine has assisted to attempt. After I am rested, I'm able to undertake full days challenges, which will keep me confident. Confidence equals attractiveness! The good thing of having older may be the knowledge and becoming great information about how to combat drying out effects [from skin], Sonja informs Healthy Hollywood. Sonja has fessed as much as getting botox treatment along with other age-repel remedies, including weekly fruit acidity peels along with other tasty remedies from her medical guru, Dr. Eric Braverman, founding father of PATH Clinic but shes also large on maintaining a healthy diet. I toss in a eco-friendly juice in some places. [I've] plenty of vegetables and fiber, fiber, and much more fiber. Sonjas doc, Dr. Braverman, is another large a part of maintaining the truth stars youthful flair. Good nutrition, including dietary supplements, offers the daily balance women need to have their metabolic process high to allow them to physically feel and look more youthful and more sexy, adds Dr. Braverman. In your own home, women should exercise daily, use facial cleaners and skin skin lotions. Simple such things as adding spice to foods, consuming tea with each meal to purge out body fat, and eating yogurt to enhance arousal are small steps to assist women. Dr. Bravermans Top Anti-aging Methods: 1. Eating 5 portions of fruit each day is a straightforward and natural method to hydrate a womans face and skin glowing. 2. Good sex enables you to look more youthful. Every time a lady orgasms, it enhances the brain by turning it off and on simultaneously. 3. Natural the body's hormones keep your body youthful and sexy. They quick start the brains chemical production, which improves libido and your body healthy, youthful and sexy. 4. Possess a dark eco-friendly salad, glass of vegetable juice or perhaps a bowl of vegetable soup twenty minutes before meals to chop consumption of calories by 30 %. 5. Sleep and much more sleep. Women should reach least 7 hrs of sleep a evening to completely totally reset for any fully healthy body. More about Dr. Bravermans wellness methods at world wide web.pathmed.com. Plus, Sonja shares her beauty secrets at world wide web.sonjamorganonline.com. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Jobs Referred to as Fox News 'A Destructive Pressure Inside Our Society'

Jobs apparently told Rupert Murdoch that Fox News "has converted into a destructive pressure in present day world,Inch according to Walter Isaacson's new biography in the Apple co-founder.our editor recommends5 Details From Steve Jobs' Biography Inside the book, Issacson recounts how Jobs needed Murdoch to task within a News Corp. management retreat this season. Jobs was the featured speaker, as well as in exchange, he asked for Murdoch to listen to his applying for grants Fox News. "'You're coming it with Fox News," Jobs told him over dinner. 'The axis today is not liberal and conservative, the axis is conservative-destructive, and you also've cast your lot while using destructive people.'" PHOTOS: Jobs: 10 Memorable Key occasions in the Apple Co-Founder's Career Jobs told Isaacson he thought Murdoch really did not like what measures Fox had opted. However, Murdoch later mentioned he was utilized for the complaints in regards to the news funnel. "'[Jobs has] got type of a left wing undertake this," he mentioned. Jobs requested Murdoch get yourself a reel of Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck's shows to check out, which Murdoch made the decision to. Hannity remains on Fox News, but Beck left the network in June of 2011. Fox News chief Roger Ailes has since mentioned the network was around the "course correction" in the far right. Related Subjects Rupert Murdoch Jobs Fox News Funnel

Ratings Pit Of Debt: X Key To Hit (Or Tie) Series High, Guy Up Drops, NCIS: LA Hot

Jay Leno Can get Large Ratings Boost From Leader Obamas Appearance The live show stage introduced the extended-anticipated ratings bump round the X Factor. The initial live show edition in the reality series last evening released a 4.3/10 in 18-49 from 8-10:30 PM, a collection-high fast national result. The show’s premiere released a 4.2 fast national before rising with a 4.4 inside the finals, so X Factor is on course low of match that whenever the Live+round-the-clock ratings are released later today. When compared with last Tuesday, X Factor was up 10% in 18-49 and 13% in general audiences to 11.8 million. Fox won the evening in 18-49 and handle second to CBS in general audiences. ABC’s Last Guy Standing (2.8/8) wound up 7% in the fast national the other day (10% within the final), throughout its second outing fellow new comedy Guy Up was lower 21%. The Dwts results show featuring removing Chaz Bono released a few.5/6, lower 4%, while Body Of Proof (1.9/5) was flat. ABC (2.3/6, 10.6 000 0000) was third for your evening in measures. CBS’ NCIS: LA (3.7/9, 15.9 million) was up 9% for just about any season filled with the demo. NCIS (4./11, 19 million) was up a tenth from the other day in 18-49. It assigned X Element in their eyes-to-mind at 8 PM and when more ranked since the most-seen program in the evening. NBC’s The Finest Loser (1.9/5) matched up up its season low from the other day. It absolutely was then another Prime Suspect rerun (1./3).

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Walking Dead Can get Season 3 Pick-Up

First Launched: October 25, 2011 3:27 PM EDT Credit: AMC Caption Andrew Lincoln subsequently subsequently as Ron Grimes on AMCs breakout show about which makes it through in the zombie affected world, The Walking Dead La, Calif. -- Sheriff Ron Grimes is coming back for just about any third season to supply quick justice to people flesh-loving zombies round the Walking Dead. AMC confirmed on Tuesday they greenlit Season 3 in the survivalists-meet-zombies drama, based on Robert Kirkmans comic series, and starring Brit Andrew Lincoln subsequently subsequently. Today we are thrilled to announce the dead shall live after we happily renew The Walking Dead for just about any third season on AMC and, globally, with this particular terrific partners at Fox Worldwide Channels, AMC Leader Charlie Collier mentioned in the statement. We are grateful for everyones contribution before and behind the digital camera after we keep your Walking Dead a unique television experience. And, we are so proud since it is constantly set viewership records around the globe. The Walking Dead is really a major hit for AMC within the second season, which just broadcast its second episode on Sunday. The shows season premiere captured arrived over 11 million audiences. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

MTV's Killer Halloween: Weapons Of Choice

Welcome to MTV's Killer Halloween! All week long, we're looking at ten of the greatest horror movie villains of all time, and with your help, we'll determine once and for all just how powerful these murdering psychopaths and evil masterminds really are. Our contestants: Freddy Krueger ("A Nightmare on Elm Street"), Jason Voorhees ("Friday the Thirteenth"), Michael Myers ("Halloween"), Ghostface ("Scream"), Leatherface ("The Texas Chainsaw Massacre"), Chucky ("Child's Play"), Norman Bates ("Psycho"), Pinhead ("Hellraiser"), Hannibal Lecter ("Silence of the Lambs") and Jigsaw ("Saw"). For day two of MTV's Killer Halloween, we're ranking the weapons of choice for all of horror's scariest bad guys and we need your help. How is a killer going to take out his teenage victims without an iconic deadly implement? It's up to you to choose which of the signature weapons is the most deadly! Rank each killer's weapon from one to five -- one being the worst, five being the best -- beyond the jump! Freddy Krueger You have to give him points for uniqueness. Where other murderers might grab a knife, Freddy chose instead to attach one to each finger. The glove and five parallel scratches down a victim's side are iconic images of horror. Jason Voorhees Perhaps Freddy needs five knives to get the job done, but Jason only needs one. A big one, in fairness: his massive machete is one of the most famous weapons in horror movie lore, cleaving victims left and right for decades now. Michael Myers Sometimes nothing beats a throwback. You may call Michael's whole "babysitter killer with a butcher knife" shtick tired, but he was the originator. Respect. Ghostface Wes Craven's meta-killer may have taken a cue from Michael Myers with his choice of weapon -- a hunting knife -- but the "Scream" villain has speed and usually an accomplice at his or her disposal as well. Leatherface The title "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" tells you most of what you need to know about Leatherface, who brought the scary movie killer into the post-industrial age with a gas-powered blood bath. Chucky What Chucky lacks in stature, he makes up for in variety. Never sticking with one tool, Chucky has killed with everything from a ruler to a kitchen oven, but he has always used his knowledge of voodoo to try to leave his doll body behind. Norman Bates Arguably the one who started it all, Norman Bates keeps things simple with his whole "knife in the shower" thing. What may be even more dangerous than his cutlery is the split personality he shares with his deceased mother. Pinhead The master of other-worldly sadomasochism, Pinhead has a number of hellish tools at his disposal. The box that summons him and his cenobites, the Lament Configuration, is a particularly nasty charm that can rip its victims to pieces with chains. Hannibal Lecter The only thing worse than a cannibal is a genius cannibal with a psych degree. Before the good doctor eats you, he'll make sure to stare into your soul and reduce you to your deepest, darkest memories until the lambs stop screaming. Jigsaw The killer with a conscience also is the killer with a lot of spare time on his hands. Jigsaw uses his elaborate torture scenarios and devices to find out who is truly moral in an evil world. You play by his rules and you just might make it out unscathed. Check out the results from Killer Halloween's style poll! Freddy Krueger is your pick for most stylish! Now we don't feel so bad for wearing our ugly Krueger sweaters to work today! Justify your votes in the comments section or hit us up on Twitter!

DreamWorks Animation Taps Chuck Viane To Explore Distribution Options

GLENDALE, Calif., Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) today announced the retention of Chuck Viane as a distribution consultant to the Company. Viane will be working with DreamWorks Animation executives on a consultancy basis, effective immediately. He has a wealth of experience from 25 years in the industry and will provide counsel on the implementation of the studio’s future distribution plans. “In addition to being a truly great guy, Chuck is one of the smartest, most experienced and respected leaders in the industry and I don’t know of anyone with a deeper understanding of the movie landscape, its trends and its future,” said DreamWorks Animation Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Katzenberg. “At this strategic moment in time for DreamWorks Animation, I am confident that he will serve as an invaluable resource.” “I’ve known Jeffrey Katzenberg for 26 years and he was a close colleague of mine during our time together at Disney,” said Viane. “Under his leadership, I believe that DreamWorks Animation has truly become a studio for the 21st Century and I look forward to helping shape their future distribution strategy.” Viane previously served as President of Global Distribution for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Prior to Viane’s distinguished 25-year career with Disney, from which he retired early this year, he served as Vice President and Head Buyer for General Cinema Theater Corp.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

NBCs Fear Factor Returns Dec. 12, Will Air Mondays 8-10 PM

NBC has scheduled the reboot of Fear Factor, which will serve as a bridge between The Sing-Off and The Voice in the Monday 8-10 PM slot. The revamped gross-out competition will premiere on December 12. We have taken the groundbreaking Fear Factor franchise that many fans remember fondly and have ramped it up to make it even more challenging and competitive than ever before, said Paul Telegdy, NBC’s president of alternative and late night. Once again, the contestants will have to face their ultimate fears to prevail — and the tension and drama of that process will make for some riveting television. New stunts on the show include Towering Inferno and the Helicopter TNT Crash. Remaining the same are host Joe Rogan and producers Endemol USA, Matt Kunitz and David Hurwitz.

Industry Anti-Piracy Group Makes Media Push

Industry Anti-Piracy Group Makes Media Push By Daniel Holloway October 18, 2011 Creative America, an entertainment industry coalition created in June to combat content piracy, introduced today it has released a brand new campaign that features a remodeled website and 60-second public service bulletins to air on NBCUniversal television systems.Creative America also introduced that several new organizations have became a member of the coalition, such as the AFL-CIO, the Association of Talent Agents, the Copyright Alliance, Luxurious Entertainment Services Group, FilmL.A., the nation's Association of Theatre Proprietors, the Producers Guild of America, and also the Stage Company directors and Choreographers Society. The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and also the Screen Stars Guild are probably the organization's founding people."Since Creative America was released, it's created an increasing community of individuals deeply worried about the result that content thievery is getting on American jobs and creativeness," Mike Nugent, executive director of Creative America, stated inside a written statement. "Once people comprehend the scope and enormity of the problem, they would like to do something." Industry Anti-Piracy Group Makes Media Push By Daniel Holloway October 18, 2011 Creative America, an entertainment industry coalition created in June to combat content piracy, introduced today it has released a brand new campaign which includes a remodeled website and 60-second public service bulletins to air on NBCUniversal television systems.Creative America also introduced that several new organizations have became a member of the coalition, such as the AFL-CIO, the Association of Talent Agents, the Copyright Alliance, Luxurious Entertainment Services Group, FilmL.A., the nation's Association of Theatre Proprietors, the Producers Guild of America, and also the Stage Company directors and Choreographers Society. The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and also the Screen Stars Guild are probably the organization's founding people."Since Creative America was released, it's created an increasing community of individuals deeply worried about the result that content thievery is getting on American jobs and creativeness," Mike Nugent, executive director of Creative America, stated inside a written statement. "Once people comprehend the scope and enormity of the problem, they would like to do something."

Monday, October 17, 2011

TV Guide Network Inspections Hollywood's Infamous Urban Tales

Marilyn Manson, Josh Saviano, The Question Years TV Guide Network is thinking about 25 of Hollywood's urban tales in the new special. Will be a dead munchkin hanging without anyone's understanding from the Wizard of Oz scene? Did Marilyn Manson play Paul Pfeiffer on Question Years? And one of the all-time lengthy lasting questions: Did a mixture of Pop Rocks and soda kill Mikey within the Existence cereal ads? Have the truth behind the crazy tales. Comics for instance Penn Jillette and Gilbert Gottfried are featured, additionally to many people mixed up in tales like voice of Wendy's chihuahua Carlos Alazraqui. Crazy Hollywood Urban Tales airs Monday at 8/7c on tv Guide Network.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Pena to step lower at N.Y. fest

The 49th annual NY Film Festival wrapped Sunday evening using the announcement that Richard Pena, the longtime program director from the Film Society of Lincoln subsequently Center and also the mind from the fest's selection committee, will step lower in the finish of 2012.Next year's NYFF would be the event's 50th year, and Pena's 25th in the Film Society.Pena's tenure has incorporated the outlet from the Film Society's Walter Reade Theater along with the completely new Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, which added two more screens for this year's festival programming. Pena's years within the publish also provide placed influential NYFF spotlights on filmmakers including Pedro Almodovar, Mike Leigh and Lars Von Trier, amongst others. Pena introduced his departure in the screening of "The Descendants," the closing evening film of the year's fest. He ankles to pursue other possibilities, and stated the fest's 50th anniversary appeared a great time to transition.Pena will stay associated with the Film Society, creating and organizing a brand new educational initiative. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Disney Funnel greenlights 'Zombies' pilot

Disney Funnel has greenlit an plane pilot for musical program "Zombies and Cheerleaders," by getting a watch toward a 2012 premiere once the cabler orders it to series. Eric Weinberg ("Scrubs") is professional creating the project, put together by co- professional producers Ernest Raso and David Light. Todd Strauss Schulson will direct. "Zombies" notifies the storyplot of Zed Necrodopolis, a greater-school student who is undoubtedly a zombie but is desirous of ingratiating themselves while using popular cheerleading clique. Kid cabler has furthermore made official another season of animated series "Sea food Hooks," getting a premiere date of November. 4. Within the newcomer year, "Sea food Hooks" increased being TV's No. 2 animated series inside the 6-11 and 9-14 demos, behind the cabler's "Phineas & Ferb." Felicia Day, Wallace Shawn and Doug Brochu will probably be among the site visitors to appear on season a few the show, created by Noah Z. Manley, who professional produces with Maxwell Atoms. Disney TV Animation produces. Kyle Massey, Justin Roiland and Chelsea Kane will be the lead figures, with Rachel Dratch, Jerry Stiller, Atticus Shaffer, Jennifer Coolidge, Richard Simons, Dana Snyder, Alex Hirsch (who aided develop the series), John DiMaggio, Edie McClurg, Small Lister and Kari Wahlgren among the supporting and recurring voices. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Hebron leaves London legacy

HebronWhile the BFI London Film Festival will welcome a raft of fresh game titles -- "Shame," "The Artist" and "Carnage" to title a couple of -- the 2010 55th edition, March. 12-27, is going to be putting in a bid farewell to historical artistic director Sandra Hebron.Hebron, that has labored using the festival for fifteen years and was in the helm for nine of these, made a decision in This summer to step lower.Former Sydney Film Fest topper Clare Stewart will replace her following the current edition finishes. Hebron is closing the curtain on her behalf tenure on the high note: This past year saw a lot more than 132,000 attending in the festival -- its greatest number up to now. She's departing at any given time once the British film biz is going through a shakeup: Included in the recently updated British Film Institute, the London fest artistic director will also oversee BFI's Southbank Theater, employment which had formerly been another one. But Hebron states her move would be a timely and private one. "Personally i think as I have been putting my particular stamp around the festival for a long time,Inch she states. "Yes, I have only been the artistic director since 2003, but I've been focusing on it for over that, so I have had an influence within the festival in excess of fifteen years now, and that i kind of seem like that's enough."I am a large believer in cultural renewal, and around I really like the festival, I never desired to remain on it to some extent where I felt like I had been just studying the motions," Hebron continues. "Although I do not seem like that now, each year or two, it could have been time."Hebron, like many fest company directors, required a circuitous path to the task: She started her career being an academic in Sheffield. She cites the city's "vibrant, independent filmmaking scene" and also the Anvil -- a 2-screen cinema designed by Dork Godin (who introduced Motown music towards the U.K.) -- as the impetus on her curiosity about the film world."It really implies that if you possess the right people in individuals jobs, they are doing affect individuals lives," Hebron states. "Knowing Dork and seeing the flicks he designed certainly helped me desire to be more involved."Hebron moved into independent film distribution and went Manchester's well-loved indie cinema Manchester Cornerhouse before an chance in the London Film Festival emerged. London began like a festival for that public, and situation mainly a festival for individuals who love film, Hebron keeps. But the easiest method to ensure a topnotch fest would be to develop and keep excellent associations using the industry fitness center abroad. "Why is a good festival are great films and interesting people there to discuss them," Hebron states.Her record bears out that philosophy. World premieres unspooling throughout Hebron's tenure include "Fantastic Mr. Fox," which introduced George Clooney, Bill Murray and Wes Anderson towards the capital and dealing Title's "Frost/Nixon." She also stored auds speculating by having an annual "surprise film," that has ranged from "No Country for Old Males" to "Sideways" to "The Wrestler."Ultimately, her philosophy continues to be simple."We do not always need to select a film for just about any other reason than it is a very fine film (that) you want to show," Hebron states. "We are not really a festival that's predicated on premieres." Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Will Hollywood Book Biopic Of Jobs?

Typically the most popular biopic in Hollywood at this time around must rely on former Time magazine top editor Walter Isaacson’s approved biography of Jobs being launched by Simon & Schuster on November 21st. Due to the television and movie industry’s past and provide penchant to create entertainment from people’s lives, it won’t be extended just before it is converted to a film.The 448-pageprofileis based on over 40 interviews while using Apple co-founder well as over 100 conversations with pals, family people, co-employees and rivals. Plus it’s a compelling story: the structure around the world’s best technology company by creating the items that changed how people use electronics and totally transformed laptop computer, music, and mobile phone industries. Jobs gave his full cooperationbut had not make out the print by mid-August, the date in the Barnes and Noble overview. At first titled iSteve: it Of Jobs, Isaacsonhad second ideas aboutwhat was suitable for thefirst biographyto getJobs’ blessingand cooperation.Even when itwasn’t even finished, it handled to obtain (briefly) into the top 50 on Amazon . com . com’s bestseller list.Isaacson eventually convinced his author Simon & Schuster togo while using simple title of Jobs. First planned for 2012, it’s release date was elevated.Work apparently fought against against off a extended report on would-be biographers over time then chose Isaacson who’s talked about Henry Kissinger, Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein.Jobs themselves mentioned he'd no skeletons within the closet, though there things he’d done he wasn’t pleased with.But he was touchy about his personal existence, naturally. According to Fortune magazine, at the begining of eighties Jobs requested Michael Moritz, then Time‘s Plastic Valley reporter, to chronicle the Mac’s creationfor it that increased being The Little Kingdom (1984). However, if Moritz reported, with time‘s 1983 Machine of year,a detail aboutJobs’ family, access was abruptly stop.Throughout time of Jobs dying, only one movie had ever chronicled his rise to tech titan:Pirates Of Plastic Valley,a semi-humorous docudrama in regards to the two visionaries behind Microsoft and Apple good book Fire Inside The Valley: Your building from the Pc by Paul Freiberger & Michael Swaine.Proven on TNT in 1999,thetelefilm starred Anthony Michael Hall as Bill Gates andNoah Wylieas Jobs. Apparently, Jobs thought the E.R. actor did an admirable job wearing the turtleneck. And, through the Macworld NY in July1999, Jobs hadWylie emerge dressedlike him to start the keynote.

Exclusive: Suburgatory Casts Prom Star as Love Interest for Tessa

Thomas McDonnell Looks like Tessa will find something to love about the suburbs after all! Prom star Thomas McDonell has booked a two-episode stint on ABC's Suburgatory, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively. Cheryl Hines on mocking, embracing the suburbs in Suburgatory He'll play Scott Strauss, an incredibly handsome guy who both Tessa (Jane Levy) and Dalia (Carly Chaikin) go gaga for. Catfight, anyone? The role reunites McDonell, 25, with Levy; the two starred opposite each other in Josh Schwartz' upcoming feature Fun Size. McDonell also stars as the young Barnabas Collins (the older version will be played Johnny Depp) in Tim Burton's film adaptation of Dark Shadows.

Watch Online Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Physical Violence Worsens Has Strong Month On CNN As Well As In Distribution

September appeared to smile on Physical Violence Worsens.Msnbc states that it is prime time rankings for that month are up 46% (to 253,000) in the target 25-54 demo, and 34% (to 769,000) as a whole audiences, versus. the same time frame this past year. Along with a large a part of that's because of Physical Violence Worsens 360: Within the competition with Fox News and MSNBC, CNN states that AC 360 was the only real 8 PM ET news show whose audience increased. It had been up 36% within the demo (212,000), while MSNBC’s The Final Word fell 35% (185,000) and Fox’s O’Reilly Factor was off 14% (611,000). For full-day rankings, CNN states it’s up 16% as a whole audiences (450,000) and 25% in the demo (148,000). By comparison, MSNBC was up 4% as a whole audiences (412,000) and a pair ofPercent within the demo (143,000), while Fox was up 2% in audiences (1.06M) and lower 3% within the demo (264,000). Meanwhile Cooper’s syndicated daytime talk show for Warner Bros TV, Anderson,is on an encouraging start. It averaged single.3 rating a 4 be part of its second week, up 30% and 33%, correspondingly, in comparison with Week 1. The amounts are better for his target of ladies 25-54: His share for the reason that demo was up 50% in main marketplaces including NY, La, Chicago, and Bay Area.

Jury To Obtain Summary Of Situation Against Jackson Doc

La, Calif. -- The trial from the physician billed in Michael Jacksons dying opens Tuesday with a little of star energy and also the one factor the King of Pop loved throughout his existence an international audience. The situation will enter an important final act inside a packed La court docket with opening claims and the beginning of testimony. Jacksons family, including his parents and several of his brothers and sisters, are required to become present as a large number of reviews cover the situation. Proceedings will also be public and broadcast online. While expensive is known about Jacksons June 2009 dying, the trial will disclose new information and supply an in depth record from the performers final hrs. Dr. Conrad Murrays trial is anticipated to become the very first time the public listens to within the accused own words his account of the items happened within the bed room of Jacksons leased mansion. By Monday evening, 15 satellite trucks and news vans were parked inside a block from the courthouse. Prosecutors intend to call the pop celebrities friend and choreographer, Kenny Ortega, his or her first witness within the situation. Throughout the following five days, prosecutors will depend on Ortega along with other witnesses to detail Jacksons final days and hrs and show a jury of seven males and five women how the King of Pop died. Defense lawyers for Dr. Conrad Murray, who faces 4 years imprisonment and losing his medical license if charged of involuntary wrongful death, aspire to poke holes within the prosecutions situation and offer jurors using their own theory the singer was culpable for their own dying. Ortega claimed in a hearing captured that Murray cautioned him not to try and behave as Jacksons physician or mental health specialist after Ortega sent the singer home from rehearsals for his final concerts while he made an appearance to become sick. He's also likely the very best witness just to walk jurors through footage of Jacksons final rehearsalsthat were utilised for that film Here It Is, which is performed simply for jurors. Ortega offered as choreographer for that aborted shows and director from the theatrical film. For the majority of the jury, it will likely be their first contact with the footage. Only two indicated on questionnaires completed prior to the trial that they seen any part of Here It Is. Prosecutors intend to play a recording from the doctors interview with police carried out 2 days after Jacksons dying, when he says he'd been giving the performer the anesthetic propofol like a sleep aid. The disclosure brought to Murray being billed in Feb 2010 with involuntary wrongful death and nearly 20 several weeks of legal wrangling over the way the trial is going to be carried out. Witnesses memories and conclusions concerning the occasions is going to be challenged to a better extent compared to what they were throughout an initial hearing captured that led to a judge ruling there is enough evidence for Murray to face trial. Defense lawyers didn't present a situation or make a dent statement throughout that hearing, but lead defense attorney Erectile dysfunction Chernoff is anticipated to put out Murrays side to jurors on Tuesday. Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor has limited what Murrays lawyers know about Jacksons history with drugs and the financial troubles. Prosecutors are similarly prohibited from mentioning a few of the untidy particulars from the doctors personal existence, including his significant financial obligations which he'd several mistresses. If prosecutors stick to the same script they employed throughout Murrays preliminary hearing, the first area of the situation will probably relocate chronological order starting with Jacksons final days after which getting into his final hrs. Following the performers guards, paramedics and er doctors go ahead and take stand, the situation will transfer to more forensic and scientific territory. A lot of that testimony will focuson propofol, that is normally given in hospital configurations. Government bodies contend Murray given a lethal dose from the drug together with other sedative drugs, and didn't have the correct lifesaving equipment to bring back Jackson. Defense lawyers will show another theory that Jackson consumed or in some way gave themself the fatal dose. After days of testimony, a large number of witnesses and final arguments, the jury may have its say. Copyright 2011 by Connected Press. All privileges reserved.These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

You're Next Graffiti Art: Is Banksy at Fantastic Fest?

A cool bit of graffiti art popped up overnight at Fantastic Fest for Adam Wingard’s buzz film You’re Next, which screens later tonight. Passes to the hotly anticipated horror pic, which was picked up by Lionsgate after a Toronto Film Festival bidding war, sold out quickly online and with fest faves A.J. Bowen and director Ti West (who both star in the film) in town it’s one of the hot tickets for tonight. Is Banksy in our midst as well, spraying movie promos all over Austin? Or Mr. Brainwash? (Or both, if they’re the same person??) Probably neither, but you never know. A similar graffiti campaign materialized in Toronto when You’re Next premiered there; this piece adorns the outside wall at the Alamo Drafthouse. This is the kind of thing that could make for a distinctive, out of the ordinary marketing move for Lionsgate come next fall, when they’ll reportedly release the film. [Photo via Chase Whale/Fantastic Fest] Follow Movieline on Twitter (@Movieline) for more updates from Fantastic Fest.

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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Ice Cube Still Still Planning NWA Biopic

John Singleton says he may directIt's well over a year since Ice Cube announced he was planning to produce a biopic of his erstwhile NWA crew. In the meantime he's turned out for romantic drama New Year's Eve and played the Frank McRae angry captain role in 21 Jump Street. But Cube has continued to develop Straight Outta Compton, and now John Singleton has revealed he's in talks to direct. It's an obvious match of material and a director who previously worked with Cube on the epochal Boyz N the Hood. Since then the likes of Shaft, Four Brothers and 2 Fast 2 Furious have kept him afloat, and he's recently completed the Taylor Lautner vehicle Abduction, from the hot Black List script by Shawn Christensen. His Compton involvement isn't set in stone - I can't talk too prematurely about it, he told The Playlist - but he does say that the script is really, really good, so we're figuring it out. He adds that New Line really wants to make it. Last we heard, that script was in the hands of World Trade Centre writer Andrea Berloff, but it seems since to have picked up S Leigh Savidge and Alan Wenkus, both of whom are also collaborating on a new Dolemite movie. Savidge made a documentary about the Death Row label, the post-NWA home of Dr Dre, in 2001. Matt Alvarez, Cube's producing cohort from the likes of Barbershop and Are We There Yet?, is also involved. Cube had an acrimonious split from NWA before pursuing his solo career (he went platinum, bitch, but he didn't have to sell out), and although he's been reconciled with his former bandmates since the death of Easy E, a Cube-controlled Straight Outta Compton still seems one-sided. That said, it's early days, so there's no reason to suspect that Dre, DJ Yella and MC Ren won't have some sort of involvement somewhere down the line. There's also the question of casting: any suggestions for Cube as a teenager, with a little bit of gold and a pager?

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Thursday, September 15, 2011

Cheers & Jeers: Wednesday Night What's Up With That?

Christina Applegate and Will Arnett Jeers to NBC for stranding Up All Night on the wrong night. Want more Cheers & Jeers? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now! The series starring the always-appealing Christina Applegate and a nicely toned-down Will Arnett as the harried parents of a newborn is easily this season's most promising new sitcom (sorry, New Girl, but I don't find you quite as "adorkable" as everybody else seems to). So why is the network exiling the show to a deadly Wednesday time slot when it should be part of the marquee Thursday-night lineup, where Arnett's real-life wife, Amy Poehler, happily resides with Parks & Recreation? The good news is, NBC also stupidly started 30 Rock on Wednesdays at 8/7c before coming to their senses and moving it to their traditional "Must See TV" night. And once the sophisticated viewers who enjoy Community & Co. get a peek at the crass, laugh-tracked Whitney, there may be a hole in the Peacock network's Thursday slate that Up All Night can perfectly fill. Does Up All Night belong on Thursday? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

MOG launches free service

On-demand music streaming site MOG has launched a free of charge, ad-supported version of the service, the business introduced today, delivering utilization of its 11 million-song catalog in compliance getting a specific user's capacity to make the most of social networking. While clearly a try within the bow to Spotify -- formerly really the only on-demand service use a free option on these shores -- the completely new MOG service, named FreePlay, is simply as notable for implementing a videogame-like model to discover real existence rewards. When clients register, they'll search for a "vehicle's vehicle's gas tank" concerning the upper-left corner in the page, denoting simply how much free music remains at hands. To refill the "tank," clients could make playlists, share music via Facebook or refer pals. In line with its game-like system (the business employed personnel within the videogame world and recently changed into an HTML 5 interface), you will notice "Happy easter time !" a part of the service, giving more music for surprise reasons. According to company Boss David Hyman, "Tastemakers and influencers can easily get yourself a amount of free on-demand music'' through consistent engagement. Spotify dabbled such virality rewards throughout its This summer time beta launch, giving invites using the Klout Perks platform, but MOG might be the very first music intend to systematize these to this degree. FreePlay will probably be ad-free for your first couple of several weeks. MOG's two unlimited paid out subscription tiers remain unchanged. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Monday, September 12, 2011

'No cops' assembles team

Inner Primary Entertainment provides its first fully created project in "No Cops with Engagement Rings,Inch with Korean star ' Jeong-woo (also known as Jung-woo ') toplining. Compiled by Clay Ayers, pic is slated for any The month of january shoot within the U.S., with Christopher Eberts ("The almighty of War," "Lucky Number Sleven"), IPE's Deborah Moore and Terapix creating. ' Jeong-woo, a regular box-office attract Korea because the significantly acclaimed "The Chaser" in 2008, is making his Hollywood debut. Korean director Bonn Kim ("Babies available") will helm "Engagement Rings,Inch referred to by Eberts as "an existential modern-day Butch & Sundance, dedicated to two bank thieves who share a hyper-understanding of their fleeting mortality." Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

VIDEO: Due To Jimmy Kimmel Pays a Teary Tribute to Uncle Frank

Uncle Frank Potenza, Due To Jimmy Kimmel Due To Jimmy Kimmel compensated a difficult tribute to his uncle Frank, showing a relevant video montage of Frank's funniest, quirkiest moments towards the accompaniment of Sinatra's "My Way." "Uncle Frank loved being part of this show," the tearful host of Due To Jimmy Kimmel Live! stated. "Because of everyone who found the show and who viewed for involving me and letting me put my crazy uncle on tv.Inch Jimmy Kimmel's Uncle Frank dies at 77 Potenza would be a upon the market New You are able to policeman and Vegas casino security officer whom Kimmel asked to La to become listed on the late-evening talk show. He was married to Kimmel's aunt for 28 years. Watch the tribute:

Monday, August 29, 2011

5 Performances That May Surprise You This Fall

As summer draws to a close, it’s nice to remember what’s in store for moviegoers as the autumnal equinox approaches: films with characters you care about. Deliver me from the superheroes, sweet season! As part of our extensive fall preview, we’ve picked the five most promising-yet-under-the-radar performances to anticipate in the coming months. Please straighten your tie when approaching the cross-dressing Glenn Close. Seth Rogen in 50/50 Of all the Apatow players, Seth Rogen is the one whose knack for dry punchlines and snark seems to conceal layers of interesting depth and sensitivity. (Take for instance, his character Ken Miller from Freaks and Geeks, who became a powerhouse in the last few episodes.) In 50/50, he plays the buddy of a cancer-stricken Joseph Gordon-Levitt, hopefully he’ll lend the same amount of self-aware cynicism to the character that he brought to Funny People. Alan Alda in Tower Heist Though Alda is lovely in lite romantic comedies like the old Bernard Slade adaptation Same Time, Next Year, he is even greater as a total bastard. Who can deny that his greatest screen moments are in Woody Allen’s Crimes and Misdemeanors, where he plays the pompous Lester, and The Aviator, where he plays the blowhard Senator Owen Brewster (and received his only Oscar nomination)? We’ll be seeing more of the dickish Alda in the upcoming comedy/actioner Tower Heist, where he’ll play a Bernie Madoff type who screws his Trumpian underlings (Ben Stiller, Matthew Broderick, among others) out of their life savings. Bring on the condescending sneers! John Goodman in The Artist The grandeur of Michel Hazanavicius’s silent, black-and-white ode to classic Hollywood is dazzling enough — as, apparently, are the lead performances by Gable-lookalike Jean Dujardin and Claudette Colbert-conjurer Brnice Bejo — but it’s John Goodman pounding his fist as Al Zimmer that really brings back a lost world of screen stars. His grit is very Charles Laughton — an Oscar winner with no true contemporary parallel. Unless, of course, the flawless Goodman is up to the task. Armie Hammer in J. Edgar I can’t say that the angle Clint Eastwood is taking on J. Edgar Hoover’s sexual orientation sounds fascinating (or even worth filming), but I’m still intrigued by the part of Hoover’s alleged paramour, Associate FBI director Clyde Tolson. While DiCaprio is sure to give us scrunched-up face acting as Hoover, the part of Tolson seems destined to be more subtly complicated; a little more knowing. Armie Hammer’s turn as the entitled Winkelvi in The Social Network may set him up for the poised nature of Tolson, but I’m thrilled to watch him add sensitivity and ’50s polish to that act. Mia Wasikowska in Albert Nobbs We’ve thought long and hard about the implications of a Best Actress faceoff between Meryl Streep, for her trailer-mesmerizing turn in The Iron Lady, and Glenn Close, who is seriously gunning for her first statue with the gender-bending star role in Albert Nobbs. We haven’t dwelled on Close’s co-star Mia Wasikowska yet, who plays the male-disguised Nobbs’ lady friend Helen. Wasikowska’s been verging on true critical acclaim with fine performances in The Kids are All Right and an astounding arc on In Treatment, and now it appears she may have the august, difficult part to pull that adulation together.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

USA Renews White Collar for Season 4

White Collar Break out your fedoras, White Collar fans: USA Network has just renewed the series for a 16-episode fourth season, TVGuide.com has confirmed. Tiffani Thiessen on White Collar's finale The series, currently filming the second half of its third season, averaged 4.3 million viewers for the first part of Season 3. "We're thrilled to offer our viewers another season that promises some of the best writing in television, unexpected twists and generous helpings of America's favorite bromance," said Jeff Wachtel and Chris McCumber, USA Network co-presidents. White Collar is expected to return in January 2012.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Two more ride 'Streetcar'

Daphne Rubin-Vega and Wood Harris have signed onto the approaching Broadway revival of "A Streetcar Named Desire," joining topliners Nicole Ari Parker and Blair Underwood. Rubin Vega ("Rent," "Jack Goes Boating") will have Stella opposite Underwood as her husband Stanley, with Harris ("The Wire") aboard as Mitch, the mark suitor of southern belle Blanche (Parker). Multiracial "Streetcar" may be the second diverse-cast manufacture of a Tennessee Williams play from producer Stephen Byrd, whose 2008 revival of "Cat on the Hot Container Roof" -- which starred Anika Noni Rose, Terrence Howard, James Earl Johnson and Phylicia Rashad in Gotham -- did strong biz about the Rialto and continued to experience a West Finish run. "Streetcar" reteams Rubin-Vega with helmer Emily Mann, whose last Broadway pointing credit was the 2003 manufacture of "Anna within the Tropics," where the actress also made an appearance. New Orleans-based trumpeter Terrence Blanchard provides music for "Streetcar." Revival targets a spring opening in a theater to become determined. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Friday, August 19, 2011

Survey: Old Is Gold For Endorsements

If you want to sell a product, don't kid around. That's the clear message if you buy theresults of a survey just released by global market research firm Ipsos. The hottest huckster: 89-year-old Betty White. She is Americas favorite and most trusted personality and would be most likely to drive business with an endorsement, according to the survey. She received the highest "favorability" rating among 100 well-known personalities with 86% of those surveyed expressing a favorable opinion of her. Next on the list: Denzel Washington (85%) and Sandra Bullock (84%). Also in the top 10 are: Clint Eastwood (83%), Tom Hanks (81%), Harrison Ford (80%), Morgan Freeman (also 79%), Will Smith (77%), and Johnny Depp (76%). Most of the 100 personalities rated in the survey, which polled more than roughly 2000 adults, come from the world of entertainment, news and sports. Elected officials were deliberately excluded. Here is the complete list:

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Bad Movies We Love: In Honor of Glee: The 3D Concert Movie, Check Out Can't Stop the Music

Ryan Murphy — the candid, theatrically hostile Svengali behind Glee — would have you believe Glee: The 3D Concert Movie is the first cinematic musical with high production value, recognizable pop hits, and abject homosexuality. Not so! In 1980, director Nancy Walker (YES, OF RHODA) blessed us with Can’t Stop the Music, the hip-poppin’ extravaganza starring the Village People, Steve Guttenberg, Bruce Jenner, and other American forefathers. It is marvelous, enchanting, stupid, a little too long, gay as an elf’s sneeze, the first Razzie winner for Worst Picture, and unforgettable. Respect. Let’s revisit. How cliche would it have been to choose Xanadu this week? I’m glad we’re all cool enough to understand the wit behind a selection like Can’t Stop the Music, which is both under-loved and under-hated. Its story concerns a budding young DJ named Jack (Steve Guttenberg, xoxo) who seeks the help of his roommate Samantha (the comely Valerie Perrine) in ascending the NYC club scene and becoming a pop sensation. When she decides the vocals on his demo tape won’t do, she recruits the assistance of some of her friends, who turn out to be the Village People. The rest of the story deserves no real explanation, since we’re mostly just here for the glittery, extraordinary gay majesty of this picture — but please know that a major athlete makes his startling debut here. We’ll get to that in a second. Here are the five greatest perks of Can’t Stop the Music, the movie that takes macho men, strips them to their thinnest t-shirts, and teaches them the lost art of thrusting. 5. Put down your damn Jamba Juice and “do the Shake”! I swear that great musical numbers with eye-popping production value are to come, but let’s begin our descent into disco doo-doo with a look at “The Shake,” a highly choreographed, high-in-dairy routine that would make Kelis say, “Isn’t this a little suggestive?” Note Oscar nominee Valerie Perrine’s mega-feathered getup. Like a 40-year-old JonBenet Ramsey at an intergalactic LGBT gala. I told you you’d love this. 4. The thespian prowess of the Village People During some unfortunate stretches of this 120+ minute excursion, acting tries to happen. Please don’t watch those! Worse, the familiar Village People — the Indian, the construction worker, the G.I., the police officer, the biker — give the sourest attempts of all. The Indian is a particular weak point, and at one juncture, he enacts a rain dance after water is spilled on him. But let us not dwell on the Village People’s scant few shortcomings; here’s the construction worker opining about stardom in “I Love You to Death,” a number that combines the tiered backdrop of “Jailhouse Rock” with the freakish libidos of an actual jailhouse. 3. Steve Guttenberg The Gutte! With years to go before Police Academy, Short Circuit, and Three Men and a Baby, he has all the time in the world here to roller-skate through Manhattan, push his demo tape through the gay ranks, and puff up his pseudo-afro like a swaggering Bert Convy. He is, frankly, super hot. His biceps glisten like his darling eyes, and though he’s constantly drumming his fingers and singing, he manages to be damn charming. I cannot say the same for Valerie Perrine, whose femininity in this film seems so unnecessary here. Because it is so redundant. 2. Bruce Jenner, as you’ve never wanted to see him Children today may not know that Bruce Jenner — now famous for stepfathering those amebic Kardashian things — was once the greatest athlete in the world. In ‘76, Jenner won a bunch of gold for his Decathlon antics, and his extreme fame warranted a quick foray into film. He didn’t land the titular role in 1978’s Superman even though he auditioned, but he did land the role of an edgy dude with fetching John Davidson tresses in Can’t Stop the Music. Same thing. He was nominated for a Razzie, which is probably what dissuaded him from future movies — well, that and the glory of wearing a half shirt and daisy dukes. He probably figured costuming got no better than this. Behold, an outfit that really showcases his javelin-tough physique. 1. There’s magic in the music! Aside from “Y.M.C.A.,” the perennial “favorite” of wedding receptions that shows up here in a decadent montage at a real Y.M.C.A., we get a couple of fabulous disco tracks amid this glitterball gluttony. The title song is a musical journey that kicks off the film, and it’s beyond glorious. It’s an aural map of the Big Apple. “Listen to the sound of the city!” it calls. “Listen to the sound of my town!” Yes, sir! Sounds like a two-star bathhouse! The other gem is “Magic Night,” an ebullient exploration of love, jazz hands, and excitement. It’s the Cucamonga rap of Can’t Stop the Music — that is, its most ethereal, energized moment. Forget that Xanadu also featured a song about magic; this one’s threatening to pull a rabbit our of your hat and give it a job as a burly bouncer at Studio 54. Abracadabra!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Vigilante, Vigilante: The Battle for Expression

A Palisades Entertainment release of an Open Ranch production. Produced by Max Good, Nathan Wollman. Executive producers, Fredric King, John Madigan. Directed by Max Good.With: Stefano Bloch, Joe Connolly, Shepard Fairey, Max Good, Fred Radtke, Steve Rotman, Jordan Seiler, Jim Sharp, James Q. Wilson, Nathan Wollman. Narrator: Michelle Brown."We have met the enemy and he is us" said Walt Kelly's comicstrip character Pogo 40 years ago, a phrase that might apply to the fanatical graffiti-abatement citizens in "Vigilante, Vigilante." Max Good's film touches on larger issues around free expression and blight while focusing on three individuals who've taken their opposition toward taggers to extremes that could be argued as unhealthy, unaesthetic, and/or unlawful. Engaging docu , in which the filmmakers themselves sometimes play a part, opens Aug. 12 at San Francisco's Roxie Cinema, with modest further prospects likely to skew toward VOD. A graffiti artist himself, Good argues the form democratizes blandly uniform or commercialized public surfaces by putting a personal, inherently agitating stamp on them. One foe, however, calls it an illegal "privatization of public spaces," delivering messages (however indecipherable) the public is forced to witness without its consent. The trio of middle-aged white men who are the film's principal subjects consider themselves as performing a community service by wiping out graffiti in their geographically disparate environs. But it's hard not to see their behavior as obsessive, at times creating more of a nuisance than the problem they're addressing. Garrulous Los Angeleno Joe "Graffiti Guerilla" Connelly considers himself engaged in a sort of friendly, sportive rivalry with the taggers whose work he habitually seeks and wipes out, even attending their occasional gallery openings -- though they hardly feel the same way about him. He's happy to have the filmmakers along as an audience for his nonstop gab -- unlike the docu's other two main figures, "Gray Ghost" Fred Radtke, a New Orleans ex-Marine who's gotten in trouble for painting out officially sanctioned artwork (and for physically menacing those who confront him), and Berkeley, Calif.'s "Silver Buff," an elusive wee-hours "preservationist" (his term). Good and producing partner Nathan Wollman stake out the Silver Buff, and discover him to be Jim Sharp, a man who not only sprays over graffiti but scrupulously removes flyers, stickers, private-lawn campaign signs and invasive weeds, among other things. Since his "corrective" moves can paint over a shop's display-window or consign even a missing-child poster to the trash bin, many locals in the diehard liberal burg consider him an out-of-control nutcase. Good and Wollman enjoy harassing the taciturn Sharp, first saddling him with motor-mouthed Connelly as a visiting helper, then by painting over his silver erasures with their own more colorful spray-blots. All three of the anti-graffiti subjects seem a tad crazy, their individual crusades working out some private pain we glimpse with variable clarity. Their solutions to graffiti as blight are indiscriminate and simple, but the docu doesn't really wade into the gradations of what constitutes blight to different mindsets. Graffiti writers interviewed -- many masked to protect their identity -- disdain "amateur" tags while admiring work with boldly individual calligraphy or muralistic value. The voices of private-property owners, who figure to have the strongest legit objections to graffiti, are notably absent here. Input from graffiti experts, academic theorists and others do add a sense of background and broader inquiry to what would otherwise be an entertaining but narrow portrait of a few contrarian personalities. The outstanding element in often verite-rough package is Julien de Benedictus' editing, which organizes the potentially unwieldy mix of materials cogently, and with nary a dull moment.Camera (color, HD), Good; editor, Julien de Benedictus; music supervisor, Katherine Stanford; animation, Owen Cook; sound, Dave Nelson. Reviewed at Roxie Cinema, San Francisco, July 28, 2011. Running time: 86 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Watch Anna Faris Describe 'the Ideal Girl' to Chris Evans in New What's Your Number? Clip

After Marvel’s widespread Captain America campaign this summer, you’ve grown accustomed to seeing Chris Evans as a musclebound, shield-toting superhero. But what happens when the actor is given a Bud Light, a flannel shirt and an impromptu lesson on women by the adorable Anna Faris? Watch this new clip from What’s Your Number? to find out. What’s Your Number? — which co-stars Zachary Quinto, Andy Samberg, Martin Freeman, Chris Pratt, Anthony Mackie, Joel McHale and Thomas Lennon as Faris’s cavalcade of past love interests — premieres September 30. Can we just fast forward through August already?