Scenes we'd like to see play out in '12

Looking back on my formative years, it's hard to overstate how much of my world view, my sense of humor and taste for twisted satire was shaped by Mad magazine.One of my favorite features in the mag I waited eagerly for every month was the "Scenes We'd Like to See" panels. With apologies to, and great affection for, Mad's usual gang of idiots, I'm borrowing the "Scenes" conceit to shape some thoughts on things that may be on the horizon for the biz in 2012.'Gate fate: For several years now, headline writers have been pulling for a merger between Lionsgate and MGM, if only because their shared lion motif is neat and clean, and lion is a short, headline-friendly word. Alas, at this writing the buzz is that Lionsgate's courtship of fellow minimajor Summit Entertainment could be consummated in the new year. Fine, but let's keep Carl Icahn out of it, OK?Put up or shut up: There was endless talk this year about the majors experimenting with a premium VOD release window for new feature releases. But for all the hubbub, it was still only baby steps. The offerings that are out there don't seem to have made a big impression with consumers, probably because the marketing has been so minimal and the titles have been so ho-hum. "Tower Heist" isn't going to move the needle. It's time to take that 30-day window gamble with a tentpole that auds are anticipating. How about "The Dark Knight Rises," "The Amazing Spider-Man" or "The Hobbit"?Showtime at the Apollo: Leon Black's well-heeled Apollo Global Management has recruited Marc Graboff, late of NBC, to help steer the private equity giant's stepped-up investments in media and showbiz through its CKX holdings banner. (You gotta appreciate a company that describes itself as "contrarian, value-oriented investors" in its "About us" boilerplate.) This should be a good thing for the industry as Graboff is savvy, well-connected and battle-tested over his nearly dozen years at the Peacock. But he'll be challenged to make any sense of CKX's disparate existing holdings. What's the throughline between 19 Entertainment, which owns a piece of "American Idol," Elvis Presley's Graceland estate and name and likeness rights to Presley and Muhammad Ali?Put up or shut up, part II: Microsoft has quietly been shopping in Hollywood for an entertainment exec, ostensibly to oversee new programming for its Xbox platform. Considering that the software behemoth could probably fund the combined annual development budgets of the Big Four networks out of petty cash, here's hoping Microsoft has finally developed an interest in Hollywood's core film and TV production business.Scaling the walls: Warner Bros., Disney and other majors have been investing more and more in ventures in China, but some are wondering whether the flow of funds will become a two-way street. Sources who are doing business in China say that some Sino players are starting to poke around on possible media and entertainment investments in the U.S.Hearst's castle: Speaking of NBC alums, it's been three years since Scott Sassa joined Hearst Corp. as prexy of entertainment. He's been minding the company's cable assets and helped orchestrate the 2009 merger of A&E Networks and Lifetime. But bizzers are expecting bigger moves from Hearst, especially after it bought a 50% stake in Mark Burnett's production company in April with the promise of developing multi-platform content and live event extravaganzas. As Burnett is hardly the shy and retiring type, look for Hearst to make more noise next year.Dolans' destiny: Is 2012 the year the Dolan clan puts its crown cable jewels on the auction block? Speculation has mounted since the surprise exit of Tom Rutledge, Cablevision's well-regarded chief operating officer, to join cable rival Charter Communications. Cablevision has streamlined its holdings to be attractive to another MSO through the 2010 spinoff of its Madison Square Garden unit and this year's spinoff of the AMC Networks wing. Time Warner Cable would surely try to pounce on Cablevision's 3.2 million subs on Long Island and environs.Cable label: Speaking of Time Warner Cable, it's been nearly three years since it was spun off from Time Warner proper. It's time the cable operator came up with a new name, one that doesn't conflict with the acronym of another showbiz entity, e.g. the Weinstein Co. Emmy entreaty: 2012 marks my 20th consecutive year of covering the Primetime Emmy Awards. I've never asked for much, but I think by now I've earned a coupon for one free nom. Please, voters, honor the thin blue line and bestow a lead drama actor mention on Michael Cudlitz for TNT's "Southland." It's the right thing to do. Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

Digital Domain Media Group eyes Chinese market

Digital Domain Media Group, parent company of visual effects studio Digital Domain, has struck a partnership with Beijing Galloping Equine Film Co. to create a completely new vfx studio in China, specific especially in the Chinese market.The Two companies will each own fifty percent in the new Digital Domain-Galloping Equine studio, which will provide visual effects, animation and production services.DDMG provides you with technology and understanding of vfx and digital production. Galloping Equine will handle land, construction making-out costs, additionally to leading funding in China's capital areas.DDMG topper John Textor mentioned government grants or loans or financial loans and partner contributions have mitigated his company's risk round the project.Textor told Variety that although eventually the completely new facility may finish up a part of DD's global pipeline, DD already has facilities in La, Vancouver and Florida, together with a deal with Reliance, which has facilities london and Mumbai."We're trying to upgrade the expansion values in the local (China) market that's huge and growing and may sooner or later be bigger than our personal,In . he mentioned.Textor mentioned it may need years to teach up local artists to Western standards. "Developing a Western film because studio," he mentioned, "might be minimal within our concerns. Contact David S. Cohen at david.cohen@variety.com

SAG Honours: The Nominees

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

Judge: Beyonc Video Game Lawsuit Can Move Forward

This article appeared in the Dec. 16 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.our editor recommends10 TV Shows Canceled Faster Than 'The Playboy Club'Viacom CEO Talks Nickelodeon Ratings Issues, Ads, 'Paranormal Activity,' Shareholder ReturnsWall Street Weighs Viacom's Outlook Amid Ad, Nickelodeon Ratings Challenges A schoolyard brawl has broken out between kids TV powerhouse Nickelodeon and Nielsen, the company whose ratings determine advertising rates. Nick, long the leader in the space, has disputed what Nielsen says are double-digit ratings declines since September. Nielsen adjusted its audience sample in August, but it says it has conducted an internal review of the Nick data and found no errors. Still, Nick insiders hardly are satisfied with these assurances. During a November call with analysts, Philippe Dauman, CEO of parent Viacom, called the drop an "anomaly." PHOTOS: Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Red Carpet At stake for Nickelodeon are millions of dollars from such popular shows as SpongeBob SquarePants and iCarly. Nick accounted for about 25 percent of Viacom's $1.39 billion in ad revenue in fourth-quarter 2010. Already the ratings shortfall has caused Nick to dole out so-called make-goods to advertisers. And the network is on track to surrender its ratings crown to rival Disney Channel for the year among the coveted demo of kids ages 6 to 11 for the first time since Disney Channel launched in 1983. "We're going to work with [Nielsen's] sample and program aggressively," says Nick spokesman Dan Martinsen. "We've had tough quarters before, and we always respond strongly." But network insiders hope an independent review by auditing agency the Media Rating Council, due in December, will correct the record. Nielsen didn't help its credibility when it admitted Dec. 5 that an earlier report claiming overall kids viewership was up -- which made the Nick decline seem even more ominous -- was wrong. STORY: Viacom CEO Talks Nickelodeon Ratings Issues, Ads, 'Paranormal Activity,' Shareholder Returns Still, no one is disputing Disney Channel's ascendant ratings. The Nick nemesis is up 8 percent in total day and 11 percent in primetime viewers among kids 6 to 11, though Nick still will win the year in kids 2 to 11. In addition, Disney Channel, home of Kim Possible and Wizards of Waverly Place, is now the leading network among girls, 40 percent of whom cite it as the "first channel I go to," according to Disney research. "The days of Nickelodeon being the only kids network are over," says Paul DeBenedittis, senior vp programming strategy at Disney Channels Worldwide, citing its diverse roster of series. "It's not one hit show, it's eight shows." WHAT THE KIDS ARE WATCHING: According to Nielsen's latest data, Disney has edged Nick for the first time in decades, with the other kids networks farther back. Disney Channel Target Demo: 6-14 Top-Rated Show/Viewers: A.N.T. Farm (2.4 million) Nickelodeon Target Demo: 2-11 Top-Rated Show/Viewers: SpongeBob, iCarly (2.3 million each) STORY: Viacom, Nielsen Investigating 'Inexplicable' Nickelodeon Ratings Drop Cartoon Network Target Demo: 6-11 Top-Rated Show/Viewers: Regular Show (631,000) Disney XD Target Demo: 6-14 Top-Rated Show/Viewers: Kickin'It (583,000) PHOTOS: 10 TV Shows Canceled Faster Than 'The Playboy Club' Sprout Target Demo: 2-11 Top-Rated Show/Viewers: Caillou (171,000) The Hub Target Demo: 2-11 Top-Rated Show/Viewers: Goosebumps (88,000) Top-rated show is in the channel's target demo. Source: Nielsen; season to date through Nov. 27 PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 10 TV Shows Canceled Faster Than 'The Playboy Club' Related Topics TV Ratings Viacom Nickelodeon

How 'Sitter' Star Jonah Hill Would Babysit Attacking Youthful Boys

We've been talking to Jonah Hill for some time about "The Sitter," but tend to you blame us? The completely new movie, which arrives Friday (December 9), seems like a significant fun romp using the attempted-and-true babysitter comedy genre. It's just a tad dirtier when in comparison to some "Mr. Nanny" or "The Pacifier" fare, suitable for Hill's decidedly NSFW comedy sensibilities. Throughout last month's MTV First while using "Sitter" star, we asked for Hill why he needed the role. "The whole idea of this movie is, you understand people crappy movies when they're like 'Oh, you wouldn't like this individual watching your kids,A and they're the lamest movie ever?" he mentioned. "This really is really the film where, you really don't want this individual watching your kids since they might, like, die or some crazy stuff." There's nothing quite like the threat of dying to make sure a kid eats his vegetables, right? Only then do we asked for how he'd handle babysitting celebrity children, that are probably just a little they exist when in comparison to some spawn. Fogged headlights he required to say... On Attacking Youthful Boys: "I'd just respect him. I'd just help him achieve bed mattress quickly. In my opinion he's a trusted guy." On Willow Cruz: "I'd whip my authority forward and backward.In . On Suri Cruise: "Well... I am unsure who that's, might be the issue. That's Cruise daughter? Uh, I am unsure. I'm just going to step away from that certain." Are you currently presently as pumped for "The Sitter" after we are? Inform us inside the comments section and also on Twitter!

'The Iron Lady' Live Q&A with Meryl Streep: Watch Here! (VIDEO)

It's hard to believe that Meryl Streep hasn't won an Academy Award since the 1984 ceremonies, when she was rewarded for her seminal work in 'Sophie's Choice.' Not that Streep hasn't been invited to the Oscars over the last 27 years. Since 'Sophie's Choice,' Streep has earned 12 nominations, (most recently for 'Julie & Julia') to give her a record 16 total -- a number she'll likely add to in 2012 thanks to 'The Iron Lady.' In the new film, Streep plays former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, and she's already on the shortlist of Best Actress contenders. (Over one-third of the experts at GoldDerby.com have her winning the award.) As the push for 'The Iron Lady' continues in the lead-up to its Dec. 30 limited release date, Streep and director Phyllida Lloyd ('Mamma Mia') will take part in a special Q&A following the NY screening of the film at the DGA Theater in Manhattan on Tuesday night, and you can watch it right here! Moviefone is happy to bring you a live-stream of the event, which will feature your own questions. Those interested in asking the great Meryl something can head over to IronLadyMovie.com or Facebook.com/IronLadyMovie. Check back here at 8:30 p.m. EDT to see the special Q&A! Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Creative England opens two film funds

Promo org Creative England opened up in the expansion Fund and Film Systems Fund, backed by 400,000 ($625,600) in National Lottery gold gold coin, for programs on Monday. Meant for people or categories of authors, helmers and producers, the development Fund will aid with costs including script development and presentations to bankers. The Film Network Fund will allocate money to systems and orgs dedicated to filmmaking in British regions. Individual honours will be different from $4,000 to $40,000. The talent team of designers may even provide brokerage and practical help filmmakers for projects. The deadline for Film Network Fund programs is Jan. 30. Launched on March. 1, Creative England can be a British Film Institute-designated body that distributes Lottery funds for films produced in British regions. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Gwyneth Paltrow, Mowry Brothers and sisters Among GQ's Least Influential People of year

Gwyneth Paltrow Gwyneth Paltrow and Tia and Tamera Mowry are among GQ Magazine's Least Influential People of year. Paltrow, who showed up at No. 16 available that "salutes the fantastic artists of utter uselessness," was selected for trading nearly all 2011 undertaking on honours shows, marketing her blog Goop, and delivering an "awful cookbook." See photos of Gwyneth Paltrow The Mowrys, who've their particular Style Network reality series, showed up at No. 4 pick to become a less popular version in the Kardashians. Others making the cut range from the month of the month of january Manley, Tila Tequila, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Pitbull, Harrison Ford and Leader Obama. You can examine the entire list here. Can you accept the picks?

Miramax Owner Colony Eyes Deal With Summit Entertainment

NY - In the latest hit to Blackberry maker Research In Motion, the company said Friday that it would take a $485 million charge in its fiscal third quarter after marking down the value of its inventory of its PlayBook tablets.our editor recommendsBlackberry Service Glitches Hit North AmericaApple iPhone 4S Sells Out in U.S. Pre-Orders The technology company, hit by competition from Apple and Google devices that have overtaken it in U.S. market share, also cut its revenue and earnings expectations amid disappointing sales of the tablets, which have led it to cut its price. The stock dropped sharply in early Friday trading. As of 10:05am ET, it was down 8.8 percent to $16.95. Late last month, the stock had hit a 52-week low of $15.98. "The company now believes that an increase in promotional activity is required to drive sell-through to end customers," RIM said about the PlayBook tablets, which have been met with weak reviews and buzz. "This is due to several factors, including recent shifts in the competitive dynamics of the tablet market and a delay in the release of the PlayBook OS 2.0 software." The Blackberry maker said it wants to "expand upon the aggressive level of promotional activity recently employed by the company in order to drive PlayBook adoption around the world." Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis said in a statement: "RIM is committed to the BlackBerry PlayBook and believes the tablet market is still in its infancy. Although a number of factors have led to the need for an inventory provision in the third quarter, we believe the PlayBook, which will be further enhanced with the upcoming PlayBook OS 2.0 software, is a compelling tablet for consumers that also offers unique security and manageability features for the enterprise." Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Topics Google Apple

Fox Full Speed Ahead With David Guggenheims Narco Sub For Tony Scott

20th Century Fox acquired the knowledge thriller spec Narco Sub from David Guggenheim with Tony Scott installed on direct. Simon Kinbergs Genre Films is creating with Tony and Ridley’s Scott Free shingle. Guggenheim developed the script with Kinberg and consists of be considered a priority at Fox which hosts Scott Free and Genre. Known to as much like Scotts Crimson Tide and Guy burning, plot for Narco Sub necessitates the semi-submersible crafts South American drug cartels employ to smuggle cocaine to the U.S. Tony Scott last directedUnstoppable for Fox with Denzel Washington starring.Kinberg is author/producer of FoxsThis Means War additionally to some producer round the just wrappedAbraham Lincoln subsequently subsequently: Vampire Hunter and Neal BlomkampsElysium.Guggenheim provides extensive works happening. His script Santiago with various pitch Fox bought a year ago would be to filmmakers with Kinberg creating. Guggenheim also provides Safe House opening February 10 with Washington and Ryan Reynolds. Also in publish is Guggenheim’s spec projectMedallion with Nic Cage directed by Simon West from Millennium Films. Micrograms also just signed to direct Guggenheim’s Puzzle Structure for Summit, and Guggenheim just offered another pitch 364 to Universal for Ron Howard to direct.Steve Asbell will oversee Narco Sub for Fox, Michael Costigan and Elishia Holmes for Scott Free and Aditya Sood for Genre Films. Guggenheim’s representative is David Boxerbaum and manager is Adam Kolbrenner at Madhouse.

Rhianna Discloses She Posed Nude for Tony Bennett

Getty The American Idol Show alums Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina experienced performance malfunctions at two broadly-viewed occasions on Thanksgiving.our editor recommendsChris Daughtry Versus Scotty McCreery: A National Anthem Throwdown (Video)'American Idol's Scotty McCreery Flubs National Anthem at World Series (Video)'American Idol': With Scotty McCreery's Effective Debut, Did Universal Study From Sony's Mistakes? 'American Idol's' Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina to Premiere New Videos on CMTLauren Alaina Talks 'Wildflower,' Barbara Underwood, 'American Idol' Tour Incidents McCreery, the newest champion of Fox's singing competition, was caught lip-syncing at Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade once the vocals to "The Problem With Women" started several seconds before he place the microphone near his mouth. NBC cut from a detailed-from the singer, who retrieved enough to complete the song over time using the recorded music. PHOTOS: Famous Flubs from the National Anthem Alaina's goof happened while singing the "Star Spangled Banner" in the Detroit Lions/Eco-friendly Bay Packers game, broadcast on Fox. The Growing Season 10 runner-up began off good enough however when she reached the road, "What so happily we praised in the twilight's last gleaming," she stopped half way through, permitting a couple of beats of silence to pass through before she started again. Fox commentator Joe Buck said following the performance, "It's about the way you finish." PHOTOS: 'American Idol' Season 10 Finale Alaina later tweeted, "I'm not really a robot. I've No excuses. I screwed up. Guess what happens can ya do. A Minimum Of didn't fall lower again" and "Thanks everybody for that kind words. However I screwed up. I'm gonna spend the relaxation during the day being grateful for those my benefits." Alaina joins a lengthy type of performers who've goofed throughout national anthem performances. McCreery restarted his version from the song throughout the planet Series in March., Christina Aguilera confused lyrics only at that year's Super Bowl, and Cyndi Lauper botched the song at tennis' U.S. Open in Sept., to title a couple of. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'American Idol Live' Tour In Pictures The American Idol Show Lauren Alaina Scotty McCreery

'G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation' Crew Member Dies on Set: Report

Based on TMZ, a crew member has died around the New Orleans group of the approaching follow up, 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation.' Sources from the production say crew member Mike Huber was focusing on a higher-powered lift if this expected over, killing him. Inside a statement from Vital Pictures, the studio stated that "Our ideas and greatest condolences are using the [crew member's] family at this time around. The security in our cast and crew is our main concern and also the studio is fully cooperating with all of looking into agencies because they examine the conditions surrounding this unusual accident." 'Retaliation' is really a follow up to 2009's 'G.I. Joe: Rise from the Cobra.' The brand new film stars Dwayne "The Rock" Manley, Bruce Willis and also the RZA. Channing Tatum will reprise his role as Duke. The film is scheduled hitting theaters on June 29, 2012. [via TMZ] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Pelosi clarifies piracy stance

PelosiHouse Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi launched a disagreement conditioning her stance opposing a substantial little bit of anti-piracy legislation, proclaiming that Congress must pass legislation specific at foreign websites that traffic in unlicensed goods.Her office launched a disagreement through which she mentioned they is "fully encouraging from the necessity to pass through legislation in this Congress to combat intellectual piracy, particularly dealing with rogue digital robbery sites. This legislation should be good at the perspective of rights holders. It's incumbent round the parties that are concerned with the current proposal to supply changes which will effectively deal with piracy. We ought to interact with an effective solution."The completely new statement came after Pelosi mentioned in the tweet Thursday that congress "have to get a far greater solution" in comparison to prevent Online Piracy Act, recently introduced in your home. In the statement later inside the day, a Pelosi representative noted that Internet, human rights as well as the cybersecurity community elevated concerns the balance "doesn't strike the very best balance" to guard copyright holders and Internet clients.The legislation has significant bipartisan support, but Internet firms and digital rights groups oppose the measure since they say it's too broadly written, and possess attracted all of the rivals including Repetition. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Repetition. Ron Paul (R-Texas). Given Pelosi's longtime ties for the entertainment community, studio reps believed that they may be encouraging in the legislation, and, perplexed at her opposition, contacted her office on Friday asking for additional clarification, sources say. That brought to the newest statement, launched later on Friday. Contact Ted Manley at ted.manley@variety.com

'Dancing Using the Stars': Take advantage of Wants More Kardashians on the program (Video)

Entering the ultimate evening of Dwts' thirteenth season, Take advantage of Kardashian is definitely the winningest person in his family to defend myself against the show.our editor recommends'Dancing Using the Stars' Runners up Enter Evening Two inside a Dead Heat'Dancing Using the Stars' Finals: J.R. Martinez Envies the Kardashian Sisters' Twitter Campaign'Dancing Using the Stars': Take advantage of Kardashian States 'Whole Family' Attending Finals'Dancing Using the Stars' Runners up Address Greatest Surprises of year (Exclusive Video) Sister Kim only survived three days throughout season 7, and her poor showing continues to be an running gag throughout Take advantage of's time on the program. PHOTOS: 'Dancing Using the Stars' Season 13: Rehearsals But has got the front runner, who nabbed his first perfect 30 on Monday, intimidated other people in the famous family from testing out the show? Take advantage of informs The Hollywood Reporter he doesn't think so. "I really hope not," he stated backstage, Monday, with partner Cheryl Burke. "I would like to see someone else during my family perform the show, however i've type of taken that task from your family as well as accomplished a great deal.Inch The crowning achievement on Take advantage of's season -- to date, a minimum of -- needs to be his finale freestyle. The nostalgic number blew judge Barbara Ann Inaba away and gave him his best score of year. PHOTOS: 'Dancing Using the Stars' Season 13: Rehearsals Take advantage of thinks the various undertake the freestyle labored in the favor. "We desired to bring a classic school type of swag," Take advantage of described. "I'm putting on a zoot suit. We'd an entire band situation and merely type of [introduced] it back a classic school theme... I seem like that suited me." You may even say it zoot suited him. Cheryl Burke Dwts

Anthony Mackie and Kate Beckinsale to Announce Spirit Award Nominees

Sony Pictures Kate Beckinsale plays a vampire warrior in the Underworld franchise, Anthony Mackie is apparently on the opposing team as Abe's valet in the forthcoming Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, but they will put their differences aside to announce the nominees at the Nov. 29 Film Independent Spirit Awards at the London West Hollywood Hotel.our editor recommendsOfficial: Kate Beckinsale set for 'Underworld 4'Spirit Awards Set for Feb. 25 PHOTOS: 2011 Spirit Awards Style Mackie got two Spirit noms himself (for 2009's The Hurt Locker and 2004's Brother to Brother). Beckinsale slips back into her warrior suit in Underworld Awakening, slated to open in January 2012, the week after her thriller with Mark Wahlberg, Contraband, and Man on a Ledge, the thriller with Anthony Mackie. STORY: Spirit Awards Set for Feb. 25 The 27th annual Spirit Awards celebration will be held Feb. 25 at the beach in Santa Monica. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 2011 Spirit Awards Style Anthony Mackie Kate Beckinsale Spirit Awards 2012

Pix pulsate with driving electronica

Martinez'Drive'In the riveting opening scene of "Drive," Ryan Gosling's character deftly pilots a getaway car through the dark streets of downtown Los Angeles, with a pulsating, ominous electronic beat behind him. The sounds are subtle yet highly effective in setting the tone of dread and longing for the neo-noir pic, along with a handful of unlikely '80s synth-pop tunes that round out the soundtrack.While a synthetic electronica score may seem an unusual choice for a cerebral action thriller, it plays a pivotal role in setting "Drive" apart from other heist-gone-awry films, and arguably helped it become one of this year's critical darlings. This synthetic approach has recently been employed effectively in the scores to a number of critically acclaimed films including "The Social Network," "Contagion" and "Hanna."Composer Cliff Martinez took up the charge of creating the minimalist electronic score for "Drive," which created a viral review storm that propelled it into the iTunes Top 5 and landed it atop the Billboard soundtrack chart."Nic said he wanted an ambient score that didn't put people to sleep," Martinez says of director Nicolas Winding Refn's vision for "Drive's" music. "He wanted a light dramatic touch, nothing that would lead the audience too strongly. So my job was to be the counterweight -- to emphasize the romantic aspect of the story rather than the sensationalist violence of it."Martinez, who this year also created the haunting, jittery electronic score for Steven Soderbergh's "Contagion" and the more subdued electronica that permeates "The Lincoln Lawyer," primarily used computers and keyboards to write the songs, as well as the rare instrument, the cristal baschet. Played with wet fingers, its vibrating glass cylinders produced the eerie, haunting sound that underlies much of the "Drive" score."His contribution to my film is enormous, equally as important as the main actors," Refn says. "I don't do drugs anymore, so music helps me find images in my brain of what I would like to see. I wanted an electronic score that would feel feminine and different from the masculinity of the stunt world and in the end it would all seem like a fairytale."Martinez, who was Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer in the early '80s, used a similar approach to scoring "Contagion." Before the film was completed, he received several cuts from Soderbergh, each with divergent temp scores that the director used as placeholders to indicate where Martinez's music would go."The combination of three (elements) created something that was distinctive," says Martinez, who first worked with the director on 1989's "Sex, Lies, and Videotape." "The retro synth idea of Tangerine Dream, the dissonant and ugly horror movie music of 'The French Connection,' and the idea that everything had to be rhythmic and energetic to propel the movie along. Those were the big influences on the 'Contagion' score."Earlier this year, the Chemical Brothers put their own technological spin on the score to the artful action thriller "Hanna." While Martinez's score subtly filled in "Drive's" quieter moments, the Chemical Brothers' energetic electronic music propelled "Hanna's" action sequences, punctuating chase and fight scenes, and served as the theme for the teenage protag (Saoirse Ronan), who has been trained by her father (Eric Bana) to be a vengeful killer. It was the duo's first film score, and they took cues from director and longtime-friend Joe Wright."In the film there's this idea of fairy tale and magical reality, and the sound was crucial to the whole film," says Tom Rowlands, one half of the Chemical Brothers. "The idea is that the lead character, Hanna, hasn't experienced these sounds before. I loved the way the first section of the film is quiet with the sounds of nature, and then you get the intrusion of this synthetic world. We heightened these ideas, treating natural sounds in an electronic way."Rowlands and Martinez are quick to point out that electronic scores have been around for decades, citing Tangerine Dream's '70s soundtracks and Vangelis' acclaimed "Blade Runner" and "Chariots of Fire" scores in the early '80s."The idea of electronic scores was very big then but they did go away a bit," says Rowlands. "There's an interesting meeting point in music now between electronic and acoustic worlds that once people viewed separately. These scores are electronic, but they're not cold there's a very human element in electronic music now that people are connecting to."This is also evident in Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' scores to David Fincher's "The Social Network," which won last year's Academy Award for original score, and their latest effort, "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," slated to be released in late December. While the "Network" score relied heavily on acoustic piano melodies with electronic undertones and Reznor's distinctive industrial flourishes reminiscent of his band Nine Inch Nails, the duo seems to be taking a different approach to "Dragon Tattoo," using live strings as well as technology to create ambient bleeps and synthetic growls that give it an ominous, foreboding tone with very human undertones.Reznor's grungy, synthetic reworking of Led Zeppelin's "The Immigrant Song," featuring vocals by Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, was used in an early teaser trailer for "Tattoo," and has been the talk of several Internet message beards."We started recording things in a different way that was all based on performance, nothing programmed," Reznor told the NY Times. "And that would be my limited skills at stringed instruments, and trying passages that we would get that and then we would process them in a way that would give us a real organic, layered feel that felt like something we'd never done before." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Rothemund sets sail for 'Galapagos'

BERLIN -- German helmer Marc Rothemund is positioned to produce the actual story of countless ill-fated European settlers, who looked for to forge a completely new existence on one of the Galapagos Islands through the 19 thirties, for the silver screen. Munich-based Telepool and KJ Entertainment have teamed with Perfume producer Tatfilm to with each other develop and convey "Galapagos." The film is founded on the 1959 autobiographical book "Postlagernd Floreana" by Margarete Wittmer, who turned up round the island along with her husband and stepson in 1932 wishing of beginning a completely new existence far within the economic and political reality in Germany. The Wittmers shared the region of Floreana together with other eccentric settlers, plus a Berlin dental office and also the mistress along with an Austrian-French baroness and her two fanatics. After a couple of countless days, however, existence in paradise converted to a full-time earnings hell as three in the settlers died under mysterious conditions while another three disappeared without any trace. Rothemund, who won the eu Film Award for his 2005 Nazi-era drama "Sophie Scholl: The Best Days," is pointing in the script by Petra Lueschow ("The Murder Farm"). The producers want to cast high-profile German and worldwide talent for your pic. Contact Erection dysfunction Meza at staff@variety.com

Kim Kardashian Has Not Received Death Threats on Set of 'The Marriage Counselor,' Reps Deny

On Friday, reports surfaced claiming that security for Kim Kardashian was beefed up on the set of Tyler Perry's new film The Marriage Counselor after the reality star received death and kidnapping threats.our editor recommendsKim Kardashian's Husband Kris Humphries Hires Divorce LawyerKim Kardashian Quickie Marriage Mocked on CMAs (Video)Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries' Divorce Dominates 'Kourtney and Kim Take NY' (Video)Kim Kardashian Lands Role in Tyler Perrys 'Marriage Counselor' But, a rep for Kardashian tells The Hollywood Reporter that "there is no truth to her getting death and kidnapping threats." PHOTOS: Inside Kardashian Inc. Kardashian, who started filming her part for the movie Nov. 9 in Atlanta, GA, has had a rough few weeks. The Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Kourtney & Kim Take NY star filed for divorce from husband of 72 days Kris Humphries Oct. 31. Almost immediately the legitimacy of the union and Kardashian's motives for marrying the NBA star were questioned.Humphries hired his own divorce lawyer Nov. 11. PHOTOS: 19 of Hollywood's All-Time Shortest Marriages And, the backlash hasn't stopped there. Perry's loyal fan base have been writing in to his website to express their displeasure with the casting, which sees Kardashian playing Ava, the best friend of the film's protagonist (played by Friday Night Lights actress Jurnee Smollett). STORY: 10 Signs Kim Kardashian's Marriage Was One Big Hoax All Along "Personally, I am sick to death of her being glorified for nothing more than having sex on camera," wrote one. Adding, "She doesn't need the money and she certainly doesn't need any more attention. And, although I still support you, I won't be contributing one dime to anything with K. Kardashian in it." Additionally 'blacktresses' were upset with the casting, Holly Robinson Peete kidded the day Kardashian started filming, saying, "We can always count on Tyler Perry to give a 'blacktress' a job," she joked. "So, all across the world 'blacktresses' are upset." AUDIO: Kim Kardashian's Ex-Publicist Believes She Staged Her Wedding But, apparently none of the negativity has affected the burgeoning actress' on-set demeanor. A studio source tellsTHR"Kim has been nothing but low-key and agreeable on the set," adding that they haven't heard anything about threats to the actress' safety. Related Topics Kim Kardashian Tyler Perry Keeping Up With the Kardashians Kourtney & Kim Take NY

Howard Stern in Foretells Join NBC's 'America's Got Talent'

Howard Stern is within foretells replace Piers Morgan in the America's Got Talent knowing table, based on sources.our editor recommendsPiers Morgan Set to depart NBC's 'America's Got Talent'Howard Stern Defends Brett Ratner, Jams Hollywood As 'Loony' (Video) This news, first reported through the Wall Street Journal, comes mere hrs after Morgan introduced his departure on his CNN show. "Switched out that juggling's harder of computer looks, and so i'm going to pay attention to CNN," the British hosttweetedto his 1.4 million fans Wednesday evening. Based on sources, Stern is really a large fan from the talent competition and it is wanting to engage in the show. He'd share knowing responsibilities with Sharon Osbourne and relative newcomer Howie Mandel,who replacedDavid Hasselhoffin 2010. PHOTOS: Howard Stern Over time To be certain, acquiring a bigger-than-existence personality like Stern could be seen like a coup for NBC, which counts Talent one of the couple of vibrant spots on its schedule.Excluding the internet's April entryThe Voice,Talentwas no. 1 reality show earlier this summer time, which describes the interior need to inject new bloodstream in to the lengthy-running and progressively valuable resource. WSJ is pegging Stern's potential fee at $15 million, a small fraction of the $76 million Forbes estimations the SiriusXM shock-jock gained this past year. Despite risks of retirement, Stern reupped with SiriusXM Radio through 2015, with experts recommending he required a 20 % pay cut. Email: Lacey.Rose@THR.com Twitter: @LaceyVRose Related Subjects Howard Stern

Syndications Wild Day: How Next Falls Selection Fell Into Position Inside A few Several hours

Who mentioned distribution was boring? In one day now, the usually sleepy industry offered more action the Michael Bay movie. Wednesday started offered by a number of shows: beginners Rob Probst, from CBS TV Distribution, Twentieths Ricki Lake, Warner Bros Bethenny Frankel additionally to Warner Bros.’ rookie Anderson, competing for just about any slot round the NBC stations. It ended with Rob Probst acquiring the NBC stations, Anderson being restored round the Fox stations and Ricki Lake landing an important Tribune station that acquires its launch. “I dont remember it being so wild,” one veteran distribution executive mentioned in regards to the Wednesday flurry of activity. “It was like the Wild Wild West — everyone had their guns out which i was shooting at each other.” Carrying out a marathon of presentations by all hopefuls, like the NBC-produced Jenny McCarthy talk show pilot, it came lower to Rob Probst and Ricki Lake for your perfect the NBC stations. Things were so close, the champion was selected having a election I hear. The moment careful analysis go for Rob Probst is created yesterday, “the scurrying started, as well as the other dominoes started to fall,” with different business insider. Ricki Lake needed to possess a station inside the top TV market, NY City, to keep really want a country wide launch alive. Meanwhile, the Tribune’s NY station WPIX had trouble seemliness integrating Assault Gets worse’s new talk show into its choice of conflict talkers: NBCU’s Maury, Jerry Springer and Steve Wilkos, and Tribune’s own Bill Cunningham. So WPIX went for Ricki Lake, Anderson gone after Fox’s NY station, as well as the Fox station group quickly restored the show for just about any second season. With the finish throughout your day, the 3 primary competitors for your open slot round the NBC stations, Rob Probst, Ricki Lake and Anderson, all saw their future guaranteed for next season. Anderson‘s renewal was introduced at the time that, Rob Probst’s deal with the NBC stations is created official every day later, while Twentieth is yet to introduced the clearances for Ricki Lake, that will probably add a hodge-podge combination of Tribune and Fox stations, possibly like the Tribune shops in NY, Dallas and Hartford and Fox’s stations in La and Chicago. The 3 join formerly removed 2012 newcomersKatie and Steve Harvey. Following a dust selected Wednesday evening, the participants which were very combating each other started delivering each other congratulatory emails. And distribution came back to being boring again…

Useful strategies for the Wizarding Arena of Harry Potter: Bid farewell to 'Harry Potter' popular

The 'Harry Potter' movies may be over (for the moment the best DVD hits stores now), do not worry, muggles! Everything Potter will keep on living on at Universal Studios' Island of risk. The Wizarding Arena of Harry Potter has everything a Potterite could ever want, at nighttime halls of Hogwarts to Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade, which is all done lower for the finest little detail. Moviefone visited the Wizarding World to commemorate the ending of most likely the very best movie franchises ever, and we've got an inventory in the ten considerations to do just in case your broom ever goes there. 1. Grab Some Grub at Three Broomsticks Restaurant and Hog's Mind Pub How authentic are these places? Stuart Craig, the expansion designer for your 'Harry Potter' movies, designed within Three Broomsticks, as well as the Hog's Mind Pub is comparable to any particular item inside the movies. Chow lower on Cornish pastries, shepherd's cake, or traditional sea food and chips while magical unpredicted unexpected things happen throughout you. The adjacent Hog's Mind Pub features flickering lamps and -- clearly -- a gigantic hog's mind mounted behind the bar, which sometimes puffs its face and growls within the site visitors. (Astute site site visitors will set a trio of brooms resting in the wall inside the restaurant, and Moviefone discovered exclusively that particular of people brooms is actually found in the film!) 2. Sample a Creamy Stein of Butterbeer Yep, it warrants its own paragraph. It is so good. I had been somewhat apprehensive that it may be some super-sweet concoction, nevertheless it really was really refreshing -- kind of as being a mix between caramel, chocolate buttons and frozen goodies. You'll be able to select from the iced and frozen versions at Hog's Mind. (Sorry, muggle grownups, there's no alcohol within it -- butterbeer does not have intoxicating effects on humans, climax mentioned to own quite the result on house elves.) We're able to not get our at work the specific recipe, but Mugglenet claims they have broken the code. 3. Undertake Harry's Shoes round the Harry Potter as well as the Forbidden Journey Sim Ride Sure, you've been on sim rides before at theme parks, but this really is the only person where a dragon spits fire and smoke for your face. Daniel Radcliffe themselves mentioned, "This ride is essentially a condensed kind of the chaos in Harry's existence." You'll be able to soar over Hogwarts, take part in a Quidditch match and possess a detailed encounter while using Whomping Willow. Keep the (wizard) hats, because you get relevant for this close to being switched upside lower. The Wizarding Arena of Harry Potter Muggles, rejoice! Experience everything Potter at Universal Studios' Wizarding Arena of Harry Potter. See All Moviefone Galleries » 4. Be Brave! Try the Dragon Challenge and Flight in the Hippogriff Curler Coasters If you are a especially courageous wizard, you may want to try both hands within the Dragon Challenge -- you'll be able to choose a couple of intertwining dragon coasters: Hungarian Horntail or Chinese Fireball. The dragons twist and narrowly miss each other relating to this epic adventure. If you're still students (of sorts), pick the family-friendly Hippogriff coaster. Before beginning, you're instructed concerning how to properly approach a Hippogriff, after which it you're off! 5. Question within the Magnificence of Hogwarts Castle It needed roughly five years to create this replica of Hogwarts, which is truly exact lower for the last detail, inside and outdoors. Whenever your eyes adjust to the darkness in the castle's halls, you can start to produce the enchanted photographs that are speaking along with you when you round every corner. In Dumbledore's office, the Headmaster welcomes site visitors and invites those to hear a lecture round the good status for that college. However, you will not do, can you? A lecture? Fortunately Ron, Hermione and Harry exist to lure you against that boring stuff, simply because they cause you to the Forbidden Journey Ride. 6. Let a Wand Choose You at Ollivanders We now have never observed lots of magical magical wands and wand boxes inside our entire existence. They are -- quite literally -- from floor to ceiling. If you're truly lucky, the Wandkeeper will pick you against everyone else and enable the magical magical wands in the store get to you. Site site visitors may also pick their unique magical magical wands, wand memorabilia or "practice" magical magical wands for additional youthful masters of magic. 7. The Joke's you at Zonko's Joke Shop Searching to get a prank around the relative? Possibly get some good revenge on some pals who got just a little nasty with this particular fake dog poop? Zonko's is what to do towards the shop has everything imaginable for your jester within your family. Site visitors can purchase Sneakoscopes, Screaming Years of age-Yos, Extension Ears, Pygmy Puffs, Shrunken Heads and Fanged Flyers. You heard it here first: site site visitors beware. You never know what will jump to you. 8. Suit Your Sweet Tooth at Honeyduke's Old Fashion Old Fashion Candy Store Our teeth continue being aching out of your visit to this shop. As Ron Weasley states inside the movie, "Honeyduke's Sweetshop is brilliant!" A stride into Honeydukes and you'll determine what he means. The scent of sugar wafts when you open the entrance, and you're simply due to careful analysis fill your bag with whatever chocolate you need -- from Bernie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans (pear, watermelon, or perhaps the unforeseen sausage, sea food or pepper tastes) to delectable chocolate frogs. 9. Get All That's Necessary at Dervish and Banges Every good wizard must facilitate his/her house, whether it is Gryffindor, Slytherin or perhaps the other houses. Dervish and Banges is how to acquire your individual Triwizard apparel, Hogwarts student robes, Cup of Fire and Triwizard Cup replicas, Quidditch equipment or perhaps a Golden Snitch! You'll be on the right track to wizarding glory wonderful these products. Mix getting a wand and you're simply practically easy. 10. You should get some 'Potter' Gear for the Park -- Even As a grownup Trust us, you'll look weirder if you're not wearing something Potter-esque. We spotted an infant applying the wand, and saw a couple of grandmas entirely robes, within the tip from the hat for the points from the shoes. We lost depend on the amount of kids stood a lightning bolt attracted by themselves foreheads. Your chosen 'Potter' stars handled to get involved with our 5 top runners up for your Top 25 Under 25! Is it possible to believe it's been yearly already since the Wizarding World was built? Enjoy the 'Harry Potter' Watching Movies Celebration from November 11 - November 13, when Universal Art galleries and Warner Bros. will celebrate 10 years of movie history by enabling fans to discuss their passion for the 'Harry Potter' films. Stars within the movies will probably be present around the block, including Rupert Grint -- Ron Weasley themselves! All images because of Universal Art galleries Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

PBS ink China deal

CHENGDU -- PBS Worldwide, the world distribution arm of pubcaster PBS, has signed a multi-year broadcast and distribution deal with China's greatest educational TV media and online learning platform, China Educational Television (CETV). CETV, that's tied straight into China's secretary of condition for education and works five Television stations and 11 IPTV channels, can provide a normal primetime slot on mondays to fridays for PBS-high quality programming to air on CETV-3. This funnel covers the Beijing metropolitan area. The series, while using working title "Apparent View," will probably be produced and presented by Chinese anchor and producer Jing Fang, and may bow within the month of the month of january 2012. The sale entails that CETV's distribution arm, Beijing Zhongxian Media, will become PBS International's telemarketer in where you live now China throughout anything, with utilization of PBS International's library more than 500 several hours of documentary, children's and lifestyle programming. "That is, unquestionably, the greatest deal we've carried out China," PBS International's veep Tom Koch mentioned in the statement, adding he was very impressed while using assets CETV was putting into advertising and marketing PBS International's programming. CETV leader Kang Ning mentioned the cooperation wasn't nearly programming distribution, "but about producing a extended-term proper partnership, and adding for the development and output of global educational programming." Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Disney Orders fourth Season of Emmy-Winning Phineas and Ferb

Phineas and Ferb Stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb could keep getting more adventures, while poor Candace could keep attempting to bust them. Disney Funnel has bought a fourth season of the hit animated comedy Phineas and Ferb, the funnel introduced Wednesday. The completely new episodes will unveil through 2014. True Blood's Stephen Moyer battles Michael J. Fox for Anna Paquin's affection on Phineas and Ferb The completely new episodes includes more musical interludes, like the one-hit question "Phineas as well as the Ferb-tones," a commemoration of Platypus Day (Perry will probably be thrilled), together with a winter vacation special. Phineas and Ferb might be no. 1 animated series among kids 6-11 and tweens 9-14. It won a Daytime Emmy this season for Outstanding Writing in Animation and Emmys for Jill Daniels and John Forest for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation. Are you currently presently happy the Phineas and Ferb fix continues?

DirecTV Reviews Third-Quarter Subs, Profit Increase

Satellite Television giant DirecTV on Thursday reported enhanced third-quarter financials because it added more customers than around-ago period. The organization, brought by chairmsn and Boss Mike Whitened, published a U.S. customer gain of 327,000 within the quarter ended Sept. 30. Within the same period last year, DirecTV had added 174,000 customers. It reported its National football league Sunday Ticket promotion like a key growth driver that brought to record gross additions of just one.28 million within the latest period. It had been the organization's greatest third quarter in seven years. DirecTV ended September with 19.76 million U.S. clients. In Latin America, DirecTV saw an archive 574,000 internet additions, as well as in Mexico, it added 238,000 internet customers. Overall, this meant an archive quarterly internet sub gain of just one.14 million. Third-quarter earnings of $516 million in comparison to $479 million around-ago period, up 8 percent, but slightly below analyst anticipation. Revenue rose 14 % to $6.84 billion, in front of Wall Street forecasts. "We intend to develop this momentum by debuting several compelling new items and services, together with a greatly enhanced DirecTV Anywhere offering which will enable customers to stream live TV programming as well as on-demand movies for their mobile products, in addition to a completely new HD interface and also the much anticipated launch in our home media center," stated Whitened. "We have exciting growth plans in Latin America once we be prepared to still greatly expand our customer base by providing the very best video experience to some quickly growing pay TV market through the region." Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects DirecTV Earnings

Dancing Using the Stars' David Arquette Will get Candid About Courteney Cox

David Arquette Has David Arquette danced his way into the heart of his estranged wife, Courteney Cox? "No," states Arquette, the most recent dancer to become proven the doorway on Dwts. Relaxing in the crowd and watching Arquette dance his heart out every week, there have been a couple of things you could not miss: First was the pleasure around the face of his 7-year-old daughter, Coco, and 2nd were the tears within the eyes of Cox, 47, who sitting front row. "I love that individuals expect us," states Arquette, 40. "However it 's time to move ahead.Inch The 2 married in 1999 they formally separated in October 2010. "It has been at least a year,Inch states Arquette. "And i believe to some extent whenever a lady reaches a location [where she does not desire to be married], it is tough to find yourself getting back." "We like one another deeply," he continues. "We are really connected as buddies, we are connected for existence. But it is nothing like that [romantic love] any more. She gets for me personally, she likes you me. And That I worry about her. When she was pointing her episode of Cougar Town, I had been really nervous on her, and that we met and spoken about this. We are very encouraging of one another. However when romance dies, it changes the dynamic of the relationship." Arquette rapidly got a status from the party area for his sweetness, goofiness and candor, especially about his recent have a problem with alcoholism and depression. He checked themself into rehab on The month of january 1 and states dancing is a boon to his 10 several weeks of sobriety, getting him fit and keeping him focused. "Things I needed to overcome was my general clumsiness, because I am not probably the most elegant of individuals,Inch he states. "But I am learning sophistication so as to. I am learning control and I am learning balance. Individuals are styles inside my existence." What's the best factor he required from the experience? On Monday evening, after doing his cha cha, "I had been known as a dancer," he states happily, mentioning towards the comments by mind judge Len Goodman. "So a minimum of I'm able to go back home with my mind held high."

UTA plucks pair from ICM

UTA has attracted some ICM television-literary agents which makes them partners. Mickey Berman and Josh Hornstock are needed to produce their clients. ''Mickey and Josh are a couple of the finest agents used in television today,'' mentioned Jay Sures, UTA board member and controlling director. ''We're excited they're joining we, which we all know they'll play large role inside the ongoing growth and development of UTA.'' Current UTA partners include Sures, Peter Benedek, Jim Berkus, David Kramer, Tracey Jacobs, Jeremy Zimmer, Jeremy Barber, Jason Burns, Andrew Cannava, Michael Camacho, Serta Erlij, Wayne Fitterman, Brett Hansen, Lisa Jacobson, Wealthy Klubeck, Blair Kohan, Billy Lazarus, Theresa Peters, Steve Rabineau, Matt Grain, Shani Rosenzweig, Howard Sanders, Ray Salz and Julien Thuan. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

"Saving Aimee"

Carolee Carmello is a 20th-century evangelist in Saving Aimee. A 5th Avenue Theater presentation, executive produced by Jeffrey Finn, of a musical in two acts, written by Kathie Lee Gifford. Music by Gifford, David Pomeranz and David Friedman. Directed by David Armstrong. Choreographed by Lorin Latarro. Music director/conductor, Joel Fram. Orchestrations, Bruce Coughlin. AimeeCarolee Carmello MinnieJudy Kaye James/Brother BobEd Dixon Asa KeyesCharles Legget McPherson/OrmistonBrandon O'Neill Emma JoRoz Ryan Robert Semple/David HuttonEd WattsKathie Lee Gifford has been knocking on the pearly gates of Broadway with "Saving Aimee" since 2007, when the show debuted at Virginia's Signature Theater to mixed reviews. A musical depiction of the life of early 20th-century evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, it's now been resurrected by director David Armstrong at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theater. But it appears that in the intervening years no miracles have been worked on either the script or the score, which Gifford co-wrote with David Pomeranz and David Friedman. Despite an inspired performance by Carolee Carmello at its center, the show will require additional laying-on of hands before it's ready to ascend. As a subject, "Sister Aimee" McPherson is plenty rich -- a fascinating jazz-age prototype of today's tabloid celebrities. She dabbled in faith healing, married multiple times, pioneered the use of radio and motion pictures to spread the gospel, promoted integration and likely staged her own kidnapping to cover up an affair. The eventfulness of her life presents a challenge to a writer, however: What best serves as the core of the story? Gifford's strategy seems to be to start at the beginning, when Semple was a girl growing up in Ontario, and race forward, occasionally flashing ahead to the 1926 grand jury that investigated her alleged kidnapping. Characters and relationships cartwheel by; even the sole ongoing conflict -- between McPherson and her controlling mother (Judy Kaye) -- is seemingly resolved in a flash midway through the show. The litany of events is especially monotonous in the first act, a situation not helped by either the setting or the score. Walt Spangler's set, a kind of "Dancing With the Stars"-meets-"Metropolis" flight of stairs rising to a pulpit backed by an onstage band, is dramatic but too static for the first half of the show. And the songs, gospel-style tunes that keep bumping up a key to heighten the drama, are all calibrated at the same over-the-top emotional level. The one song that provides a respite, a bluesy "Girl's Gotta Do What a Girl's Gotta Do" delivered by Roz Ryan, belongs to a brothel scene that unfortunately seems extraneous to the plot. The second act improves, as McPherson's adventures in Hollywood lend some razzle-dazzle to the proceedings. Set pieces move on and off to represent a nightclub, an office, and a proscenium at McPherson's Foursquare Church, where lively production numbers are staged. The evangelist's budding relationship with radio engineer Kenneth Ormiston (Brandon O'Neill) starts out especially promising, leading to a lovely, Tin Pan Alley-sounding ballad. But Ormiston, too, quickly outlives his usefulness to the story and disappears. The cast members, including O'Neill, Charles Leggett, Ed Watts and others, do a fine job playing multiple roles, including Charlie Chaplin and William Randolph Hearst making appearances along the way). But "Saving Aimee's" strongest asset by far is Carmello ("The Addams Family," "Mamma Mia!"), who animates "the P.T. Barnum of the pulpit" with energy and conviction. Appearing in almost every scene in the nearly three-hour show, her clarion voice never flags and as Aimee's life parades by, she morphs convincingly from headstrong girl to determined star. Whatever skeptics may say of "Saving Aimee" overall, there is no room for doubt when it comes to Carmello's performance. The ovation she drew at the end of the night made it clear she turned everyone in the theater into true believers. Musical numbers: "Prelude," "Stand Up!," "For Such a Time as This 1," "Why Can't I?," "He Will Be My Home," "He Will Be My Home (Reprise)," "Oh, the Power," "That Sweet Lassie from Cork," "Come Whatever May," "You'll Be Safe Here with Me," "Follow Me," "A Girl's Gotta Do What a Girl's Gotta Do," "Follow Me (Reprise)," "For Such a Time as This 2," "Hollywood Aimee 1," "Adam and Eve," "Foursquare Hymn/Hollywood Aimee 2," "Samson and Delilah," "Hollywood Aimee 3," "Moses and Pharaoh," "Hollywood Aimee 4," "It's Just You," "This Time I'll Blame It on Love," "Hollywood Aimee 5," "Lost or Found? / The Trial," "He Will Be My Home (Reprise)," "Oh, the Power (Reprise)," "I Have a Fire"Sets, Walt Spangler; costumes, Gregory A. Poplyk; lighting, Tom Sturge; sound, Ken Travis; hair and makeup, Mary Pyanowski; associate director, Brandon Ivie; associate choreographer, Sean McKnight; casting, Tara Rubin Casting. Opened and reviewed Oct. 20, 2011; runs through Oct. 29. Running time: 2 HOURS, 50 MIN.With: Charissa Bertel, Jared Michael Brown, Christian Duhamel, Richard Gray, Cayman Ilika, Corinna Lapid-Munter, Cheryl Massey-Peters, Heath Saunders, Aaron Shanks, Tim Shew, Mara Solar, Billie Wildrick, Matt Wolfe. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Grooveshark hooks demo data for labels

Because the fight for dominance within the streaming music area gets hotter, with leading services all growing choices, forging close ties and growing catalogs, the title Grooveshark appears to possess largely been missing in the conversation.However the Gainesville, Florida-based company is not around the wane. Mixed up in streaming space since 2007, and offering free use of streaming music before Spotify did, Grooveshark presently claims 34 million unique monthly customers worldwide. However for Paul Geller, Grooveshark's Vice president of economic development, that data on user amounts is not as exciting as the kinds of data individuals customers can offer.Accumulating reams of consumer data and listening history (four petabytes monthly), after which aggregating that data for music artists and brands, Grooveshark hopes to become leader using consumption data to music marketing, whilst becoming a middleman hooking up bands towards the brands thinking about sponsoring them."You won't want to be in times where artists need to endorse something simply to get compensated," Geller stated, but added that such sponsorships are rapidly becoming standard, and may be completed in progressively inconspicuous ways. And it is tough to argue with this logic when the most irascible of indie artists are signing onto a Mountain Dew-possessed record label or embracing brands like Converse to cover studio time.Grooveshark aims to become the main one to create the introduction between your band and also the brand, together with supplying hard amounts explaining why a particular band is sensible for an marketer.For example, Geller suggests a current campaign the organization arranged for MSN throughout last spring's SXSW festival in Austin. The organization contacted Grooveshark for any campaign, and instead of simply prospecting bands to endorse the organization, they recognized appropriate artists who have been then employed to recommend other functions to determine in the festival, with MSN only showing up like a sponsor."Indie artists not have the ear of Mercedes or American stock exchange," Geller noted, adding these kind of specific mix-marketing endeavors are "what great managers happen to be doing going back 5 to 10 years. Although not every band includes a Troy Carter or perhaps a Bruce Flohr employed by them. We are able to do this for everybody else."Copying his claims, Geller suggests the press-through rates that ad campaigns have observed with the site (one campaign including electro artist Deadmau5 stated a CTR of 24%), caused by very specific data gathering, including 10-12 different data characteristics, varying in the simple gender, age and placement of the advertising target, for their household earnings, social networking virality as well as what Geller calls "more ephemeral questions," for example whether a person would describe themselves like a Rim or perhaps an apple iphone."Individually, it might be offensive to suggest that you could peg someone with this kind of question," he stated. But taken along with many other data points, particularly individuals associated with a user's influence within social networking and readiness to make use of it, Geller states the organization could make very accurate presumptions over what types of brands a person may have an affinity for.Possibly probably the most intriguing use of this data involves what Geller calls "repertoire modeling," by which the organization can evaluate consumption data from a recognised artist's entire career, after which search for similar designs among more recent functions. The possibility programs are significant -- if your youthful band's support appears to set up much like previous effective bands, maybe it's a valuable A&R tool(supplying chartable metrics recommending whenever a band is going to break large), or concert marketers (determining the marketplaces where the band's listenership is especially committed).It's possibly ironic, then, that label participation continues to be the business's greatest obstacle to date. Using its music provided and submitted by customers, Grooveshark works underneath the Digital Millenium Copyright Act, and right now, has only a certification agreement and among the 4 major label groups -- EMI. Universal Group filed a copyright violation suit against Grooveshark this year, and many lately prog rockers King Crimson have were not impressed with the service's lag in taking lower unauthorized streams of their music."We've got lots of flack for beginning the way in which we did," Geller notes, mentioning towards the company's location, not even close to Plastic Valley, and insufficient the kind of investment capital support that other streaming services have loved. "We would like to settle with UMG, and we are prepared to have individuals discussions... We are attempting to develop a company that old-fashioned way." Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

The X Factor Unveils Top 17 Participants

First Launched: October 19, 2011 1:30 PM EDT Credit: FOX Caption Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell participate in the auditions for your X FactorLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The X Factor top 16 was revealed on Tuesday evening and quickly increased to become high 17 after one cut triggered Simon Cowell to proclaim, I personally don't like this sometimes. On Tuesdays show, after Simon cut Melanie Amaro, he continued to be by getting an uneasy feeling. In my opinion Ive developed a massive mistake, I really do. An hour or so approximately ago I felt fine, in hindsight, I am in a position to feel it throughout my stomach I developed a large mistake, he mentioned after delivering the 19-year-old Sunrise, Fla., singer home. The judge was quick to deal with his decision and leaped on the flight to supply the good thing to Melanie. I desired in the future here and allow you to have some understanding, I desired to personally come here and apologize for the family, for your mistake I made, this arises from me as well as the other three idol idol judges would request you to definitely certainly return into the competition. We wish you back round the concert occasions, Simon told the singer and her family. Yes, she mentioned overcome with emotion. With Melanie inside your competition, The X Factors Top 17 remains revealed. The Ladies - mentored by Simon Cowell Simone Fight Came Ryniewicz Rachel Crow Tiah Tolliver Melanie Amaro The Boys - mentored by Antonio L.A. Reid John Bradley (also called Astro) Phillip Lomax Marcus Canty Chris Rene Groups - mentored by Paula Abdul InTENsity Lakoda Rayne The Stereo system system Hogzz The Producer Boys Over 30 - mentored by Nicole Scherzinger Leroy Bell Josh Krajcik Dexter Haygood Stacy Francis The X Factor returns on Tuesday October 25 on FOX. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Robert Downey Jr.: Its Time Hollywood Forgives Mel Gibson

First Published: October 16, 2011 2:19 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Mel Gibson and honoree Robert Downey Jr. pose together at The 25th American Cinematheque Award Honoring Robert Downey Jr. held at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., on October 14, 2011 After hours of speeches dedicated to Robert Downey Jr. and his craft, the man of the hour finally got on stage to accept his award at The 25th annual American Cinematheque Award gala, and he did so with the help of a man with a checkered past like his - Mel Gibson. Prior to taking the stage, the Iron Man star placed a kiss on his pregnant wife Susan Downeys cheek before ascending to the stage amidst a standing ovation of a crowd that included celebs like Jennifer Aniston, Jon Favreau and Jodie Foster. Downey Jr. waited until the entire crowd was seated before beginning his speech, first stating hed wait for the audience to stop clapping since this is my f*****g time! After Gibson presented the American Cinemateque award to the actor, what he referred to as a doorstop, to Downey Jr., Gibson stepped aside and listened as his longtime friend launched into an anecdote of how Gibson took him under his wing. Downey Jr. recalled Gibson saying that if he accepted his inner demons, or hug the cactus, as Gibson referred to the process, Gibson would help him out during his battles with substance abuse several years ago. Indeed Gibson came to the aid of his fellow actor, giving Downey Jr. a starring role in The Singing Detective a role which had been developed for Gibson himself, placed food on the table for him and all that he asked in return was that Downey Jr. would someday help out the next guy. Little did he know, Downey Jr. joked, that that man would end up being Gibson himself and Downey Jr. took his opportunity on Friday night in front of some of Hollywoods elite to return the favor. Downey Jr. turned to the audience, full of actors, executives and industry personnel and said it was now time that Gibson had hugged the cactus for long enough and it was about time he was shown the forgiveness that Hollywood had bestowed on him. The crowd once again rose to a standing ovation, but this time for Gibson. Applause resounded throughout the auditorium of the Beverly Hilton, as Gibson humbly accepted the applause - perhaps a sign of Hollywoods forgiveness to come. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Box Office Report: 'Footloose' Grosses $5.57 Million, On The Right Course To Bop Away Using The Weekend

Paramount's Footloosedanced up in the Friday box office, grossing an believed $5.57 million and putting the remake on the right course to top the weekend chart with $17 million.our editor recommends'Footloose' Trailer: Dennis Quaid, Julianne Hough Star within the Vital Remake (Video) 'Footloose:' Julianne Hough, Kenny Wormald Defend Remake Against Experts PHOTOS: Julianne Hough and Her Co-Stars Fete 'Footloose' Starring Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough, Footlooselooks to steal no. 1 place from DreamWorks holdover Real Steel, which made an believed $4.7 million on its second Friday for any forecasted second weekend cume of $15.5 million. VIDEO: Blake Shelton's 'Footloose' Music Video Premieres Footlooseearned a b CinemaScore, portending good person to person. VIDEO: 'The Factor' Trailer Hits With Mary Elizabeth Winstead Elsewhere in the box office, Universal's early Halloween entry The One Thing, a prequel to John Carpenter's 1972 movie of the identical title, made an believed $3.8 million on its first day for any solid $ten million to $11 million weekend opening. Universal is disbursing The Thingverseas for Morgan Creek, which possessed the worldwide privileges. The pic opens a few days ago around australia, France, Hong Kong and Taiwan a few days ago. The One Thing received a b -- CinemaScorae, exactly the same grade granted to Fox 2000's adult comedy The Large Year.The Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson got on a pokey start, grossing an believed $1.25 on Friday for any disappointing weekend gross of under $4 million. Related Subjects Dennis Quaid Jack Black Steve Martin Box Office Vital Pictures Julianne Hough Universal Pictures Owen Wilson Footloose The Large Year The One Thing

WME-Backed The Raine Group Shuts $475 Million Funding Deal, Develops Holdings

NY, March. 11, 2011 The Raine Group, the world merchant bank focused exclusively on entertainment, digital media and sports, introduced today the closing of the flagship private equity finance finance fund. With roughly $475 million in assets under management, Raine has completed three principal possibilities, including multimedia giant Vice, browser-based games giant Jagex, and celebritycurated ecommerce platform OpenSky. We are thrilled to have effectively completed our fundraising event process, mentioned Rob Sine, among Raines two founders. This is often a significant milestone for Raine which we're searching toward the prospects for that possibilities so far and our capacity to still gather strong management teams with this particular limited partners to accomplish round the global options we view inside our focus areas. Raine also introduced that veteran media banker Glenn H. Schiffman grew to become an associate from the firm just like a Partner. Schiffman has greater than 2 decades of investment banking experience and several recently offered as mind of investment banking inside the Americas for Nomura Holdings, and before that mind of investment banking Asia-Off-shoreline. Right before joining Nomura, Schiffman spent 17 years at Lehman Brothers and sisters dedicated to media and entertainment for a lot of of his career, becoming global mind in the media group after which as mind of investment banking Asia-Off-shoreline. We, which now amounts 35 globally, is much more effective than in the past and Glenn is a superb addition, mentioned Raine co-founder Joe Ravitch. We've known Glenn for quite some time which he is amongst the thoughtful, respected and well-connected media bankers available. His leadership and client impact will probably be instrumental in aiding we after we both still build our advisory business and identify investment options for that fund. Rob, Joe which i've labored together on many media deals over time. In Raine, they introduced together an amazing network of contacts from within the industry and possess done a fantastic job carrying out their vision. I am thrilled to offer the opportunity to result in this kind of unique platform, mentioned Schiffman. Raine also introduced that Sherri A. Williams was named Controlling Director website hosting Positions and Capital Areas. Williams joins Raine from Montgomery & Co. where she was instrumental in building the firms private positioning business. Raine also introduced three new addendums to its advisory board Miky Lee, Chairman of CJ Group, Koreas greatest media and entertainment company, Steven Newhouse, Chairman of Advance.internet, the net strategy arm of Cond Nasts Advance Publication division, and Theo Kyriakou, Boss of Antenna Group, the important thing broadcasting firm inside a vacation in a holiday in greece. Formerly introduced advisory board people take advantage of the sports and technology industries and will include Tom Freston, former Leader and Boss of Viacom, Peter Chernin, former chief operating officer of News Corp, and Masayoshi Boy, founding father of Softbank.

Weezer's Mikey Welsh: His Final Days

When former Weezer bassist Mikey Welsh -- who died at 40 on March. 8 in a Chicago hotel -- switched up in the band's show at New York's Johnson Beach on This summer 29, the safety guard battled to find his title around the guest list, although just momentarily.our editor recommendsMikey Welsh, Former Weezer Bassist, Dies at 40Weezer's Mikey Welsh: 5 Items to KnowConcert Review: Weezer Revisits Its Classic 'Pinkerton,' 'Blue Album'Related Subjects•Obituaries Welsh, transporting a substantial canvas under his arm, wasn't afraid to talk up: "I had been within the band," he reiterated towards the guard several occasions, like a thunderstorm raged on overhead. Welsh made an appearance to become bridging the space between his former world and the current one, most probably showing Weezer -- this guitar rock band he left in 2001 carrying out a mental breakdown and drug problems -- having a painting. Welsh didn't just stick to the sidelines at Weezer's Johnson Beach show using the Flaming Lips: Throughout the performance finale of "Un-tied (The Sweater Song)," he situated among current Weezer people and ballroom dancers for that Flaming Lips around the right hands corner from the stage, surprise but at some point playing guitar. For individuals who recognized Welsh, outfitted delicately and sporting hair shorter than his Weezer-era mop, it had been a thrill -- a secret shared among diehards. This wasn't the very first time Welsh had put their hands up in a Weezer show, but it might be the final, despite attempts otherwise. On hisTwitterand Facebook, Welsh had expressed excitement over attending Weezer's RIOTfest show in Chicago on Sunday, March. 9. "And So I'm happening my first visit to a significant very long time... very stoked," Welsh authored 1 week before his dying on his public Facebook, a merchant account rife together with his art and uncensored tales from his amount of time in Weezer. "First I'm on Nashville, to become captured pics of focusing on a large painting by an excellent friend after which on Chicago, to determine the mighty =w= [Weezer] rock out. I'm excited to determine the boys, spend time and have a great time.Inch Over on Welsh's Twitter account, dispatches from theBurlington, VT experimental painter'slife were sometimes less sunny. "Dreamed I died in Chicago next weekend (cardiac arrest during my sleep). Have to write my will today," Welshtweetedon Sept. 26, later fixing the date to "the weekend after next." The storyline that Welsh strangely predicted their own dying makes the models within the last 24 hrs, by having an undertone of planned suicide tinting film many reviews -- unquestionably fueled by Welsh's past suicide attempt via "severe drug overdose," because he's known as it. Rigtht after his departure from Weezer in 2001 (he made an appearance only on 2001's "Eco-friendly Album," became a member of in 1998), Welsh tried to OD but wound up inside a coma, after his heart stopped beating -- a merchant account Welshonce chronicledsix years afterwards. Within the same account, from the 2007 problem of the disbanded literary journal known as Rock Salt Plum Review, Welsh stated of struggles with mental illness, including publish-distressing stress disorder and borderline personality disorder: "I'm not able to exchange my devils with anything. It's impossible. I'm only in a position to hide from their store for any couple of hrs each day, pretty much.Inch As theChicago Tribune reported, government bodies suspect perscription drugs and heroin performed a job in Welsh's dying, though theofficial toxicology report returned not yet proven. Welsh was apparently discovered unconscious with a cleaning crew at Chicago's Raffaello Hotel, who found his body obstructing the doorway when trying to go in his room. Weezer's undertake Welsh's dying emerged onits official websitelate Saturday evening, hrs before media reviews started trickling online. It had been a candid summarization from the fallen comrade, without any denial of his wilder antics: "Mikey never was someone to be put off by the absurd, harmful or strange, and that he accomplished it having a gusto couple of others had. Nobody had quite happens presence of Mikey, nor are there lots who drawn the kinds of shenanigans he did at shows. Whether it rocked, he needed to check it out -- and that he always found a method to accomplish it.Inch "When he emerged from his nervous breakdown that typed his exit in the rock'n'roll world, he required on the new role being an astonishing and pure visual artist. It had been a glorious flowering of the talent he always possessed, but he'd selected to rock out first, fresh paint later." Weezer's Chicago show continued, a jerk to Mikey incorporated. Because the band reiterated in asecond note via historian/website owner Karl Koch: "Today is really a hard day for Weezer and all sorts of Weezer buddies, fans, and family. While everybody continues to be in shock over yesterday's tragic lack of Mikey Welsh, we all know damn well he'd not have desired to stop the rock at today's RIOTfest, the show he was thinking about attending. On the other hand, the rock was what he loved, in music and art. To experience the show and listen to it well tonight would be to recognition him and the memory. You will find there's feeling he'll be watching." Related Subjects Weezer

Fetish Group Seeks to buy Clip of Nancy Sophistication Passing Gas on 'Dancing Using the Stars'

George Clooney might be an open liberal, but he is doing have one factor that is similar to Republicans Chris Christie and Sarah Palin -- he's no curiosity about running for Leader.our editor recommendsGeorge Clooney: What's Approaching Next for that 'Ides of March' Director-ActorGeorge Clooney Discusses Stalling 'The Ides of March' Clooney plays presidential candidate Gov. Mike Morris in the new movie The Ides of March. However in real existence, the actor states he's got no political future. "I'm bad in the compromises make to obtain chosen," he told reporters around the red-colored carpet in the film's premiere in NY. "My dad went for Congress. I viewed which happen. I viewed how frustrating which was for him and that i didn't appreciate it.Inch PHOTOS: Hollywood's 10 Greatest Grossing Stars Clooney's father, Nick, had an not successful run for Kentucky's fourth Congressional District in 2004. His father had formerly been a writer for that Cincinnati Publish. Clooney's insufficient ambition to operate for office hasn't stored the actor from politics completely. In 2008, he positively supported Obama's run for that presidency. And that he's been positively involved with humanitarian work, promoting for that resolution from the conflict in Darfur that he claimed prior to the Not Security Council in 2006. Related Subjects George Clooney

Malone books biopic

MaloneJena Malone ("Sucker Punch") has showed up charge role in "Lonely Hunter," the arrival indie biopic of scribe Carson McCullers.Deborah Kampmeier ("Hounddog") will direct the the Gersh-repped Malone since the Southern Medieval novelist and playwright whose books include "A person's Heart Can be a Lonely Hunter" and "The Individual within the marriage.Inch Plot covers 35 years inside the late writer's existence, and includes depictions of famous pals and co-employees -- including Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Gypsy Rose Lee and Ethel Waters."Lonely Hunter" is produced by Kampmeier, Troy Johanson of Full Moon Films and Blair Breard. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

'Human Centipede 2' Is No Longer Banned in Britain

Get ready England -- 'Human Centipede 2' is no longer banned in your country. All it took was 32 cuts (about two-and-a-half minutes) to make the movie appropriate ("appropriate") for UK viewers. The sequel was originally banned back in June because the UK film board said it featured "a strong focus throughout on the link between sexual arousal and sexual violence and a clear association between pain, perversity and sexual pleasure." Well, it looks like Laurence R. Harvey, the star of the movie, has something to worry about now. In an interview with Movieline yesterday, he was asked if he was concerned about his mother seeing the film. His response? "Well, I'm just glad that she can't see it. It's banned in the U.K.!" Whoops. [via SlashFilm] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Summit buys 'Flesh' spec script

Summit Entertainment has bought spec script "Inside the Flesh," which Kristin Hahn modified within the teen ghost tale "A Specific Slant of sunshine.InchHahn will produce along "The Twilight Saga" producers Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey.The novel, by Laura Whitcomb, concentrates on a young lady who died 130 in the past whose guilt prevents her motionless on. She falls deeply deeply in love with another wayward spirit, who shows her the best way to inhabit a mortal body whose spirit has died.Hahn is developing a return to writing carrying out a extended creating period, including credits just like a co-producer on "Time Traveler's Wife" to ensure that like a professional producer of "The Departed" and "The Switch," the 2nd which stars creating partner and longtime friend Jennfier Aniston. Hahn may also be an expert producer round the breast cancers-designed "Five," a very long time original movie anthology airing Monday that Aniston directed a segment. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Writer Author Solutions Sets $1M Script Development Fund For Brand New Film Arm

Indie book writer Author Solutions has hard a $a million development fund to invest in scripts modified from books compiled by its stable of self-released authors, who account in excess of 145,000 game titles. The writer, with a first-look cope with Principal Entertainment, will run the fund from its recently created production shingle FuseFrame that's being overseen by Author Solutions’ film and new-media unit boss Marcus Chait. The very first property within the fund is A Game Title Of Hide And Go Seek, by Irene Farrimond. John Swetnam is adapting it, a thriller about several teens travelling inside a remote mountain resort who must save their parents once they are taken hostage with a gang of crooks. Chait is creating with Principal’s Danny Sherman Principal’s Jen Weinbaum is co-creating.

Ravi Shankar

Presented by La Philharmonic Association. Artists: Ravi Shankar, Tanmoy Bose, Samir Chatterjee, Ravichandra Kulur, Parimal Sadaphal, Kenji Ota, Courtney Grueschow. Examined September 29, 2011.Ravi Shankar, the particular sitarist largely responsible for disbursing the word about Indian music outdoors of India - together with a patriarch of immense influence in several genres - walked progressively getting a stick, but under their very own energy, for the platform round the Wally Disney Concert Hall stage Thursday evening. The applause was thunderous. Finally, the faithful were paid out for persistence and perseverance, for your path to this concert was extended and torturous. The initially scheduled March. 20, 2010 date wound up being to occur to take part in a Shankar 90th bday, based on retrospective Compact disk boxes from Deutsche Grammophon and Rhino, plus an economical EMI two-fer, "The Very Best Of Ravi Shankar." The albums showed up in this area, nevertheless the concert did not, for Shankar was expected to cancel within the last second due to illness. It absolutely was re-scheduled for Apr. 19 of the season, but Shankar attracted out again, among his artists had visa problems. The Next attempt been effective, right now, the concert had be considered a 91st bday - minus Shankar's sitarist daughter and heir Anoushka, who just stood a baby, though a consort of skilled Indian artists surrounding him. Shankar is now offering an entire white-colored beard ("I think you will recognize me because I've acquired a couple of pounds - here!" he quipped, pointing to his face), which he sitting near to the woking platform instead of inside the traditional, physically-taxing mix-legged position round the rug. Inevitably, age has converted into a substantial aspect in his playing - far a lot more than even at his appearance in Disney Hall only five years ago. He seems to remain using the center register in the sitar, remaining from the bass as well as the treble extremes. There's now basically the absolute minimum volume of the functional string-bending and rehearse of microtones that offer Indian music its emotional tug - and merely briefly fleeting bursts of methods rapidly he once removed the notes. But,the man could have beautiful music within limited physical restrictions and shorter time spans. Just like 2006, Shankar carried out for virtually an hour or so approximately-and-a-half, getting audibly more effective while he went, pointing the means by which. In one number, he moderate a couple of from the strings on his instrument, hammering inside it percussively along with his right hands while plucking other strings in the different rhythm along with his left -an ambidextrous task. For a number of the concert, the appear mix was uneven you can not hear the flute of Ravichandra Kulur and Parimal Sadaphal's second sitar was strictly banished for the background. But in the last ten mins in the final, half-hour-extended spring season raga made up of folk tunes from around India, everything started to obtain together:the balances, the rhythmic momentum, the telephone call-and-response chemistry between Shankar, Sadaphal as well as the two tabla players Tanmoy Bose and Samir Chatterjee. The fantastic artists generally uncover a means. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Are Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher Splitting Up?

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore Is Demi Moore going to have to change her Twitter handle? According to a report from Star Magazine, Moore and Ashton Kutcher are splitting up after six years of marriage. The magazine says that Moore and Kutcher have been living apart "for months" and that the couple is headed for a $290 million divorce. The cause for the split? The magazine says the new Two and a Half Men star has cheated on his wife. A year ago, a woman told Star Magazine that she had carried on an affair with Kutcher. Check out our list of dramatic celebrity makeovers Multiple gossip sites began to question the stability of their marriage after Kutcher and Moore spent their wedding anniversary, Sept. 24, apart. According to People, Kutcher was seen clubbing with friends in San Diego while Moore was in NY. Moore, usually an avid tweeter, has also been posting slightly cryptic messages as of late. "When we are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself & study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger. -Epictetus," Moore tweeted on Sept. 23. Three days later, she tweeted "I see through you" and linked to a picture of herself not smiling with her eyes closed. Moore, who is 15 years Kutcher's senior, wed the TV star in 2005 after dating for two years. She was previously married to musician Freddy Moore and then actor Bruce Willis, with whom she has three daughters.

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Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci Sell Female-Driven Drama To CBS With Penalty

EXCLUSIVE: Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci have offered their first project this season, a girl-centered, character-driven drama, which has showed up at CBS getting a script commitment plus penalty. Put together by Anna Fricke, the untitled project is founded on Robyn O’Brien, an author, investigator and mother of four that is an unlikely advocate to clean the foods supply. It concentrates on a congresswoman, wife and mother who fights for your underdog. last century Fox TV and Kurtzman and Orci’s studio-based K/O Paper Products are coming up with, with Fricke, Kurtzman and Orci executive creating. K/O leader Louise Kadin can also be prone to professional produce, with O’Brien aboard as consultant. Along with her husband, fellow TV author Jeremy Carver, UTA-repped Fricke developed Syfy’s adaptation to become Human. The Two are executive creating and running the series, that's been restored for just about any second season. This really is really the 2nd development season for K/O. A year ago, they offered 2 projects that visited pilot at Fox, Locke & Key and Exit Strategy starring Ethan Hawke. Neither made the cut to series, though there's still a slim chance that Locke & Key might be elevated in the dead, with MTV recently showing some interest. Kurtzman and Orci certainly are a little late for the TV pitch season this year because of feature obligations. Kurtzman just completed his feature directorial debut, Thank you for going to People, they and Orci co-written, as well as the two may also be coping with J.J. Abrams round the Star Trek follow-up.

Blu-ray sales for 'Star Wars' top $84 million

Clients were ready to spend out reasonably limited cost for your complete "AlienInch franchise, which bowed on Blu-ray now, while using collection selling greater than millions of models to destroy records for your high-definition homevideo format. The nine-disc set created greater than $84 million from worldwide sales, with $38 million collected inside the U.S. alone, from 515,000 models within the U . s . States. Normally, the range shows up at $79.99. The sales figures made "Alien: The Whole Saga" no. 1 pre-order and catalog title since the launch of Blu-ray in 2006. Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox Home Theatre are actually marketing the release in the last 13 several days, while using marketing campaign including Darth Vader and Stormtroopers overpowering the Panasonic booth to announce the September release date at January's Electronic Products Show in Las vegas together with a start searching at Hillcrest Comic-Disadvantage. "Once again our fan's enthusiasm to celebrate 'Stars Wars' is constantly amaze us," mentioned Kayleen Walters, senior director, marketing at Lucasfilm. "Our goal wound up being to provide reduced merchandise that they may enjoy utilizing their family and pals which we're thrilled that they are experiencing it around we wanted they'd.Inch Episodes I-III and IV-Mire can be found separate Blu-ray trilogy collections for $39.99 each. "Alien can be a franchise with universal tales that resonates as much today since it did thirty years ago," mentioned Mary Daily, executive V . p . of promoting for 20th Century Fox Home Theatre and Vincent Marcais, senior V . p . of worldwide marketing for 20th Century Fox Home Theatre. "While using Blu-ray, audiences goes much much deeper into the mythology than previously and reunite with anything else they love in regards to the saga within the perfect quality."The range includes the six movies round the Blu-ray format the first time, with removed, extended and alternate moments, new documentaries and "AlienInch spoofs produced within the last 3 decades. The initial pic in the original trilogy didn't bow on DVD until 2004, because the prequels showed up in this area sooner, from 2000. Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

CAA Signs Adam Wingard And Simon Barrett, Creators Of Toronto Hit Youre Next

EXCLUSIVE: CAA, which earlier today closed a deal with Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions to distribute the 2011 Toronto Film Festival Midnight Madness Award winner You’re Next, has signed the film’s architects. The agency has signed Adam Wingard, who directed the film, and Simon Barrett, who wrote and produced one of the festival standouts. Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions are planning a release for fall 2012. Wingard and Barrett previously collaborated on A Horrible Way To Die, which premiered at 2010 Toronto. Wingard is managed by Generate’s Jeremy Platt. Both of them were without agents, with Wingard recently leaving Paradigm.

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EMMYS: Lead Drama Actor Handicap

Ray Richmond is adding to Due dates 2011 Emmy coverage. Heres his scorecard assessing the Outstanding Lead Drama Series Actor race. Jon Hamm, Mad Males AMC Why He Was Nominated: The question never was whether Hamm could be nominated. Thats confirmed. Its his 4th consecutively for his legendary Mad Males role of Don Draper but his first without three-time champion Bryan Cranston from Breaking Bad within the race because of that AMC shows insufficient qualified episodes. Many think that Hamm has won a few this stuff. The mystifying the fact is that no artist from Mad Males has yet taken home an Emmy. Why He Needs To Win: Mad Males creator/showrunner/control freak Matthew Weiner is stated to possess particularly composed the episode “The Suitcase” like a performance piece for Hamm and co-star Elisabeth Moss (also nominated). It featured the pair of them solely and strongly. With Cranston from the picture, tthere shouldn't be keeping Hamm from his rightful cruise lower victory lane. Like a fellow actor and TV academy voters noted in my experience, Everybody I speak with thinks the Emmy goes to Jon this time around. Its deserved and needed and frankly past due. Why He Cant Possibly Win: Hamm hasnt gained one of these simple things yet, and hes been nominated for Emmys six occasions in most (also two times like a guest on 30 Rock). Plus, hes facing two men (Hugh Laurie and Michael C. Hall) who also provide been nominated multiple occasions without winning. Either may pull an upset. Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire Cinemax Why He Was Nominated: Because when the mob-tied politician Nucky Thompson on Boardwalk Empire, Buscemi was basically remarkable. Hes already won Golden Globe and SAG honours for that portrayal. Hes also no stranger towards the Emmys, logging his 4th nomination (honored for that Sopranos in 2001 for pointing and supporting actor in 2004 in addition to a 2008 guest jerk for 30 Rock). Buscemi continues to be seeking his first win. Why He Needs To Win: Were Boardwalk to ignore professionals and upend Mad Males on the way to its 4th consecutive win to find the best drama series — a definite possibility — Buscemi could easily ride individuals coattails. Hes got the type of feature pedigree that plays well for this crowd, notes a set producer. Also improving his candidacy is always that James Gandolfini won for lead actor three occasions for that Sopranos inside a role not significant not the same as those of Buscemi — and on a single network. Why He Cant Possibly Win: After Boardwalk opened on Cinemax last fall to generally rave notices, Buscemi made an appearance to achieve the Emmy basically signed and sealed. Which was before Hamm upped his game a few notches on Mad Males being the leader for that gold. However that Buscemi might not be also the 2nd choice within rising against the kind of Laurie and Hall. Its a jam-packed category that may fall a few ways, and hes no more the favourite. Hugh Laurie, House Fox Why He Was Nominated: Laurie always will get nominated and try to warrants to win, too, despite the fact that he never has. Hes been tabbed six occasions (including five consecutively) for his role because the mocking, unorthodox and brilliant Dr. Gregory House around the lengthy-running Fox medical drama. Hes been beaten out by either James Spader (2005, 2007) or Cranston (2008-󈧍-10). Neither of individuals men is incorporated in the category this time around. Thats what's promising. Why He Needs To Win: Its really time. And from time to time, this is the way it really works in the Emmys. An actress pops up short numerous occasions after which, all of a sudden, wins one inch nowhere. Just to illustrate: Kyra Sedgwick taking one out of 2010 on her behalf fifth apply for TNTs The Closer (after which wasnt nominated whatsoever this season). Lauries performance is actually towering and indelible, and also the riveting episode hes posted — “After Hrs” — features him carrying out surgery by himself leg inside a bath tub. Ouch. Why He Cant Possibly Win: Had Hamm dirty what he did earlier this season on Mad Males, the award was most likely Lauries to get rid of. Hugh must have won in Houses first season, thinks another actor and voting academy member. With each passing year, it unfairly becomes progressively not as likely. Such is existence in Emmy Land. Hes also the only real contender from the broadcast series, which at this time most likely does not operate in Lauries favor. Michael C. Hall, Dexter Showtime Why He Was Nominated: Its Halls 4th consecutive lead actor jerk for his portrayal of warmhearted serial killer Dexter Morgan around the Showtime drama. Hes still searching to land his first win, but like Houses Laurie hes a rock-solid area of the Emmy landscape. Why He Needs To Win: Nominated for that episode titled “Teenage Landscape” that finds Dexter trying to find murders yet still time full of anxiety over his missing stepdaughter, Hall always merits thinking. One voting author stated in my experience, You will know youre doing something right whenever you slip people out just incidentally you appear. Thats the vibe he brings together within this character. Hall also snagged a SAG Award on his 4th nomination this year. Why He Cant Possibly Win: This past year appeared as if Halls time on the effectiveness of his focus on the growing season-capping episode including his wifes murder. This seasons submission does not carry nearly exactly the same explosive energy. It is not to even mention his being facing Hamm and Buscemi. And when the academy will reward someone for his or her sturdiness, its apt to be Laurie. Kyle Chandler, Friday Evening Lights DirecTV Why He Was Nominated: This is actually the second consecutive (and final) nomination for Chandler around the departed Friday Evening Lights, that also snapped up nods for Outstanding Drama and writing too for Chandlers co-star Connie Britton. Its a part of a late outpouring of appreciation for that beloved DirecTV senior high school football hour, one which is possibly an argument concerning the longtime Emmy indifference proven the Cinemax drama The Wire. Why He Needs To Win: As heavy a lengthy shot because he is, Chandler has both sentiment and also the Lights cult of devotion opting for him. The Large Bang Theory co-creator and showrunner Bill Prady, an unlikely hard-core fan from the series, marvels, Kyle Chandler could do more having a clench from the jaw than many people can perform having a two-page monologue. Many people both inside and outdoors the feel exactly the same way. Why He Cant Possibly Win: Your competition that Chandler faces here's huge, creating some mighty lengthy odds. The truth that his show broadcast on satcaster DirecTV does not much help, either. This really is one instance where being great simply is not enough. However the nomination alone is itself a victory, as even Chandlers alter ego Coach Eric Taylor could agree. Timothy Olyphant, Justified Forex Why He Was Nominated: While hes making his maiden voyage in the Emmys, Olyphant is really a proven commodity having a cadre of fans not only from his are U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens in Justified but additionally from his luminous focus on HBOs Deadwood. This nom demonstrated a little of the surprise is just since the The new sony Pictures TV series continues to be operating individually distinct. Which should change moving forward because of the sterling work of Olyphant and fellow Emmy nominees Walton Goggins and Margo Martindale. Why He Needs To Win: Travel around in time nine years towards the Miracle of 2002, whenever a first-time nominee named Michael Chiklis designed an enormous upset in winning charge actor Emmy for FXs The Shield. He bested a similarly stalwart area that year that incorporated Martin Sheen for that West Wing and Kiefer Sutherland for twenty-four, amongst others. So it is possible. Like a bonus, Olyphants operate in the posted Justified episode is singularly riveting. Why He Cant Possibly Win: This really is room to have an Emmy first-timer to become chilling out. However, Olyphant has little choice within the matter. That it is his initial invite towards the Emmy party means hell have the ability to chalk up his likely loss to see and return — like Marshal Givens — to complete fight a later date.