Who Wrote the Meanest Review of 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close'?

"Feel free to write what you want, as I don't especially care," 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close' producer Scott Rudin wrote in an email to NY Times reporter Brooks Barnes earlier this month, when asked about his newest film being Oscar bait. Barnes didn't necessarily take the super producer up on that offer, but it appears critics have. Despite a prestigious pedigree, reviews for 'Extremely Loud' have been of the savage variety. Just who wrote the meanest slam of Stephen Daldry's 9/11 drama? Let's investigate! With just a 50 percent Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close' -- about a young boy (Thomas Horn) whose father (Tom Hanks) died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 -- has brought out a viciousness in critics the likes of which hasn't been seen since 'Jack and Jill.' "Despite its overweening literary pretensions, 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close' is about as artistically profound as those framed 3-D photos of the Twin Towers emblazoned with 'Never Forget' that are still for sale in Times Square a decade after 9/11." -- Lou Lumenick, NY Post "Poor little Oskar! Such an adorable, pint-sized heap of neuroses. What better mouthpiece for an author, or a filmmaker, to use as a way of exploring the personal cost of a great communal tragedy. Do you get the idea that Oskar must emerge from his own teeny-tiny personal prison and, yes, embrace the world? Never has the tragedy of 9/11 been made so shrinky-dinked." -- Stephanie Zacharek, Movieline "[I]t will always be 'too soon' for 'Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close,' which processes the immense grief of a city and a family through a conceit so nauseatingly precious that it's somehow both too literary and too sentimental, cloying yet aestheticized within an inch of its life. It's 9/11 through the eyes of a caffeinated 9-year-old Harper's contributor." -- Scott Tobias, A.V. Club "[Thomas Horn has] an impossible role in an impossible movie that has no reason for being other than as another pop-culture palliative for a trauma it can't bear to face. In truth, 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' isn't about Sept. 11. It's about the impulse to drain that day of its specificity and turn it into yet another wellspring of generic emotions: sadness, loneliness, happiness. This is how kitsch works. It exploits familiar images, be they puppies or babies -- or, as in the case of this movie, the twin towers -- and tries to make us feel good, even virtuous, simply about feeling. And, yes, you may cry, but when tears are milked as they are here, the truer response should be rage." -- Manhola Dargis, NY Times Yikes. Which critic was the meanest? Probably Manhola, who pans 'Incredibly Close' in such an expert way that her slam sneaks up on you. Kudos, however, to all the participants. 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close' is out in limited release on Christmas; it hits theaters nationwide in January. [Photo: Warner Bros.] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Lauren Bittner: A Back Stage Exclusive

"I recall loving movies like a kid and when they would have done a follow up I would have been so disappointed whether it did not meet my anticipation. And i believe we did that!" Lauren Bittner confesses happily, about her record breaking box office hit "Paranormal Activity 3." Most widely known for playing Julie within the Paranormal prequel, you could also recognize Lauren from her roles in "Bride Wars" or "The Mighty Apple computers."Becoming an adult in New York Lauren began doing Community Theater, but had no clue that this may be her career. She attended St. John's College and analyzed British. Sometimes she regrets not getting an average college campus experience. "If only I'd done that, however again I wouldn't have something that I've now, and It was good, it type of toughened me up and offered me a metropolitan experience."Lauren's exuberance is contagious and regardless of subject, bad eighties fashion, the NY Mets, her TV obsession or internet dating, she gets a viewpoint along with a unique perspective. She's the very best girlfriend all of us wish we'd.Selected because this week's Actor2Watch, Lauren is going to be featured inside a number of articles, fun details and social networking tweets through this week for customers of Girl2Watch.com.During school Lauren was carrying out in "Little Shop of Disasters" whenever a friend assisted jump start her professional career as an actress. "Tara grew to become a very amazing friend and really was encouraging of my career in ways which i wasn't even. She would be a TV and film major and was working and interning within the City in a talent agency. She was like, 'I think you should have an agent.' I had been pretty unaware, it required individuals to watch me inside a play and say you can perform this. I believe many people do plays and it is great and they enjoy yourself, but individuals don't always say you need to do that as a living, but everyone was stating that in my experience therefore i required it seriously. Tara stated to satisfy her within the City eventually and that i visited meet her at the office. I met the folks in the talent agency where she labored, who have been wonderful plus they requested her, 'Is your friend an actress?A She understood what she was doing. At that time I had been blond and that i looked various and I fit the kind of youthful cleaning soap opera girl factor so that they began become a freelancer beside me.Inch How did your experience interning in a Talent Agency assist you to find out about the business? "I drawn mind shots, filed making copies of scripts. It was like old-fashioned in those days, you realize, people acquired scripts, there is no e-mailing. I had been really star struck because I'd all these mind shots. I'd see people on guest spots on "Law and Order." I'd end up like I understand him I pull his mind shot all of the time! Additionally, it helped me appreciate the job that adopts getting an audition. You need to submit and you've got to find the appointment after which when you are getting it you are lucky." What's your philosophy on who audition? "You cannot target the enormity from the situation when you are going set for this stuff, now this is a large problem of mine just in existence, you realize, to kind of undergo every experience and go for what it's and be thankful. Going daily and never getting overcome because of it because that may spoil it, you realize. How can you get ready for an audition? Usually I'll look at the sides to determine what I am searching for when I am reading through the script, simply to know I have to know when and why my character is within there whatsoever. I Quickly read a script and that i read it very rapidly once, simply to have an overall feeling for this then I'll return. Usually I just read them two times. Whether it's a comedy script I am searching to determine exactly what the tone from it is, the pacing and exactly what the character type is the fact that I am likely to be who audition for. Would you always venture out for the similar type? I am pretty lucky I recieve seen for a number of stuff. I believe I am less specific as I had been. I did previously get seen for that girl nearby and today I recieve seen for mother stuff. I simply performed a youthful mother within the movie. I believe will be able to perform the dark folksy girl and that i may also perform the girl nearby, you realize, so I have been lucky. Do you read a script and merely not react to it? Not frequently because usually I believe that there are most likely something great that come from it and that i most likely aren't seeing it yet. Sometimes I've my hubby see clearly and provide me another opinion because sometimes wherever you're on that day psychologically is your feelings about anything you just read. And So I try to step away and obtain a bit more objective about scripts. I attempt to provide everything a go typically. You simply don't know, I have done some jobs which have switched to be the greatest stuff that I did not always think would be. Lauren Bittner: A Back Stage Exclusive Actor2Watch presented by Girl2Watch.com December 22, 2011 "I recall loving movies like a kid and when they would have done a follow up I would have been so disappointed whether it did not meet my anticipation. And i believe we did that!" Lauren Bittner confesses happily, about her record breaking box office hit "Paranormal Activity 3." Most widely known for playing Julie within the Paranormal prequel, you could also recognize Lauren from her roles in "Bride Wars" or "The Mighty Apple computers."Becoming an adult in New York Lauren began doing Community Theater, but had no clue that this may be her career. She attended St. John's College and analyzed British. Sometimes she regrets not getting an average college campus experience. "If only I'd done that, however again I wouldn't have something that I've now, and i believe it had been good, it type of toughened me up and offered me a metropolitan experience."Lauren's exuberance is contagious and regardless of subject, bad eighties fashion, the NY Mets, her TV obsession or internet dating, she gets a viewpoint along with a unique perspective. She's the very best girlfriend all of us wish we'd.Selected because this week's Actor2Watch, Lauren is going to be featured in a number of articles, fun details and social networking tweets through now for customers of Girl2Watch.com.During school Lauren was carrying out in "Little Shop of Disasters" whenever a friend assisted jump start her professional career being an actor. "Tara grew to become a very amazing friend and really was encouraging of my career in ways which i wasn't even. She would be a TV and film major and was working and interning within the City in a talent agency. She was like, 'I think you should have an agent.' I had been pretty unaware, it required individuals to watch me inside a play and say this can be done. I believe many people do plays and it is great plus they enjoy yourself, but individuals don't always say you want to do this as a living, but everyone was stating that in my experience therefore i required it seriously. Tara stated to satisfy her within the City eventually and that i visited meet her at the office. I met the folks in the talent agency where she labored, who have been wonderful plus they requested her, 'Is your friend an actress?A She understood what she was doing. At that time I had been blond and that i looked various and I fit the kind of youthful cleaning soap opera girl factor so that they began become a freelancer beside me.Inch How did your experience interning in a Talent Agency assist you to find out about the business? "I drawn mind shots, filed making copies of scripts. It had been like old-fashioned in those days, you realize, people acquired scripts, there is no e-mailing. I had been really star struck because I'd each one of these mind shots. I'd see people on guest spots on "Law and Order." I'd end up like I understand him I pull his mind shot constantly! Additionally, it helped me appreciate the job that adopts getting an audition. You need to submit and you've got to find the appointment after which when you are getting it you are lucky." What's your philosophy on who audition? "You cannot target the enormity from the situation when you are moving in of these things, now this is a large problem of mine just in existence, you realize, to kind of undergo every experience and go for what it's and be thankful. Going daily and never getting overcome because of it because that may spoil it, you realize. How can you get ready for an audition? Usually I'll look at the sides to determine what I am searching for when I am reading through the script, simply to know I have to know when and why my character is within there whatsoever. I Quickly read a script and that i see clearly very rapidly once, simply to have an overall feeling for this then I'll return. Usually I just read them two times. Whether it's a comedy script I am searching to determine exactly what the tone from it is, the pacing and exactly what the character type is the fact that I am likely to be who audition for. Would you always venture out for the similar type? I am pretty lucky I recieve seen for a number of stuff. I believe I am less specific as I had been. I did previously get seen for that girl nearby and today I recieve seen for mother stuff. I simply performed a youthful mother within the movie. I believe will be able to perform the dark folksy girl and I'm also able to perform the girl nearby, you realize, so I have been lucky. Do you read a script and merely not react to it? Not frequently because usually I believe that there are most likely something great that come from it and that i most likely aren't seeing it yet. Sometimes I've my hubby see clearly and provide me another opinion because sometimes wherever you're on that day psychologically is your feelings about anything you just read. And So I try to step away and obtain a bit more objective about scripts. I attempt to provide everything a go typically. You simply don't know, I have done some jobs which have switched to be the greatest stuff that I did not always think would be.

'Prometheus' Poster: Teaser for Ridley Scott's Sci-Fi Epic

Within the last couple of several weeks, this news surrounding Ridley Scott's 'Prometheus' has gradually trickled out. Despite several photos, or even a couple of quotes in the director themself, there are not many particulars concerning the actual plot from the film (Scott states the central metaphor of 'Prometheus' is all about a "greater being" who challenges the gods). Regrettably, this primary poster will not be clearing that story problem. Still, a minimum of it's awesome searching! Launched by Last Century Fox on Wednesday, the look includes a lady -- or maybe a guy, it's difficult to inform -- walking toward a huge statue of ... well, that's tough to tell, too. Would be that the "greater being" Ridley Scott has spoken of? Really, should you look carefully, it kind of resembles Darth Vader's helmet. Additionally, it has commonalities towards the original 'Alien' poster ('Prometheus' should really appear in exactly the same world as 'Alien'). In either case, 'Prometheus,' which stars Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender Guy Pearce and Idris Elba, will hit theaters on June 21, 2012, so possibly audiences will need to wait to discover for now. 'Prometheus' Gallery See All Moviefone Art galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Exclusive: Finola Hughes Returns to General Hospital

Finola Hughes Very good news...or an indication of bad items to come? TV Guide Magazine has learned solely that suds celebrity Finola Hughes is coming back to General Hospital as Anna Devane, the world-trotting mother of Dr. Robin Scorpio (Kimberly McCullough). The Emmy-winning actress begins shooting the ABC cleaning soap in mid-to-late The month of january and can hit the environment throughout Feb sweeps. A GH representative informs us the gig is "recurring, but in the forefront. Finola is going to be on our canvas for some time and become very associated with Robin and Patrick [Jason Thompson]." McCullough lately introduced she'll be departing GH to pursue work in pointing also it triggered a study on Showbiz411.com that her landmark character, an Aids survivor, might be wiped out served by Helps instead of recast. Is why Anna is returning? "Mum's the term on that," states the representative. "The authors continue to be working that out. Everybody is extremely conscious of Robin's good reputation for coping with Aids and wishes to perform the right factor. I'll let it rest at this.Inch Hughes, who found fame in 1983 as John Travolta's leading lady in Remaining Alive, the follow up to Saturday Evening Fever, became a member of the cast of GH in 1985. She's also made an appearance as Anna on My Children and also the GH late evening spinoff General Hospital: Evening Change. She was last observed in Port Charles in 2008. Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

LA Times Editor Russ Stanton Steps Down After 4 Years

Lady Gaga told the world that she had posed nude for iconic crooner, Tony Bennett, last month. And now we know what that looked like. Bidding is already underway for the sketch on eBay.our editor recommendsLady Gaga Reveals She Posed Nude for Tony BennettLady Gaga's Career Comes Full Circle at Z100's Jingle Ball in NY CityAdele Named Top Pop Artist of 2011 PHOTOS: Lady Gaga's MTV Evolution At press time, bids for Bennett's portrayal of Gaga lying on her stomach naked and smoking a cigarette were approaching $7,000. Proceeds from the sale will go to Exploring the Arts (ETA). Bennett co-founded the nonprofit organization in 1999 to help fund art programs in public schools. Consider this an early sneak peek at the series of works, which are scheduled to run in an issue of Vanity Fair next year. The magazine's famed photographer Annie Leibovitz came up with the idea for the artwork. PHOTOS: American Music Awards 2011 Nominees Judging from Gaga's usual wardrobe, the singer is very confident about her body. But, she did express some discomfort about posing for Bennett. "I walked in and said, 'Well Tony, here we are' and I dropped my robe and I got into position," the singer said on her Thanksgiving special, A Very Gaga Thanksgiving. "I felt shy and thought, 'It's Tony Bennett, why am I naked?' " The auction ends on Dec. 19. So get your bids in, art lovers. Email: Jethro.Nededog@thr.com; Twitter:@TheRealJethro PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Lady Gaga's Fashion Forward Style Related Topics Lady Gaga Tony Bennett

Clooneys Descendants Leads LA Critics Awards

First Published: December 12, 2011 9:10 AM EST Credit: WireImage Caption Shailene Woodley and George Clooney step out the Los Angeles Premiere of The Descendants in Beverly Hills, Calif. on November 15, 2011 LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- George Clooneys family drama The Descendants was chosen Sunday as the years best film by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, whose prizes are an early influence on the way to the Academy Awards. From Sideways director Alexander Payne, The Descendants stars Clooney as a neglectful father in Hawaii trying to tend his daughters after his wife falls into an accident-induced coma. Michael Fassbender won best actor for a breakout year that included leading roles as a sex addict in Shame, as a genetic mutant in X-Men: First Class, as psychiatrist Carl Jung in A Dangerous Method and as sullen Victorian gentleman Rochester in Jane Eyre. The best-actor runner-up was Michael Shannon as a man beset by apocalyptic visions in Take Shelter. The critics group passed over big Hollywood names to bestow its best-actress prize on Yun Jung-hee for the South Korean drama Poetry, in which she plays a grandmother in the early stages of Alzheimers who struggles with a new desire to write a poem. Kirsten Dunst was best-actress runner-up as a depressive woman who finds inner strength as another planet bears down on a collision course with Earth in Melancholia. Notoriously press-shy filmmaker Terrence Malick was named best director for his epic family drama The Tree of Life, starring Brad Pitt as a domineering father who mixes tenderness and cruelty in raising his sons. Tree of Life was the best-picture runner-up to The Descendants. The film also helped pick up the supporting-actress honor for Jessica Chastain, who was cited for The Tree of Life and five other films in which she co-starred this year. Tree of Life also earned the cinematography award for Emmanuel Lubezki (the runner-up was Cao Yu for City of Life and Death). The directing runner-up was Martin Scorsese for his 3-D family adventure Hugo, about an orphan boy unraveling a mystery pegged to a toy-seller at a Paris train station in the 1930s. Christopher Plummer won as supporting actor for Beginners, in which he plays an elderly dad who announces to his son that hes gay. The runner-up was Patton Oswalt as an aging nerd who becomes unlikely pals with an old high school bombshell in Young Adult. Chastain, largely unknown until this year when she appeared in half a dozen films, was picked as supporting actress for her rush of movies, among them Tree of Life, in which she plays a nurturing mother as counterpoint to Pitts harsh dad. Besides Tree of Life, Chastains films included The Help, 'Take Shelter and Coriolanus. Janet McTeer was runner-up for supporting actress for her cross-dressing role as a woman disguising herself as a male laborer in Albert Nobbs. The LA critics passed over the acclaimed silent film The Artist, considered a potential best-picture favorite at the Feb. 26 Oscars. Their East Coast counterparts, the NY Film Critics Circle, chose The Artist as the years best picture last week. The Artist also is tied for the lead with five nominations at the Spirit Awards honoring independent film. Prizes from the two critics groups help sort out the awards picture amid the crush of Oscar contenders that studios fling into theaters at the end of the year. The Oscar outlook will be further refined by nominations Wednesday for the Screen Actors Guild Awards and Thursday for the Golden Globes. The LA critics honored Johnny Depps Western comedy Rango as best animated film. Steven Spielbergs globe-trotting action tale The Adventures of Tintin was runner-up. The electronic duo the Chemical Brothers earned the prize for best music score for the action thriller Hanna. The runner-up was Cliff Martinez for another action tale, Drive. Also Sunday, the American Film Institute released its list of the years top-10 films, listed alphabetically: Bridesmaids, 'The Descendants, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, 'The Help, 'Hugo, 'J. Edgar, 'Midnight in Paris, 'Moneyball, 'The Tree of Life and War Horse. The group does not rank films on its top-10 list. The AFI, whose awards honor U.S. films, gave a special prize to French director Michel Hazanavicius The Artist. Other LA critics winners: Screenplay: Asghar Farhadi, A Separation; runner-up, Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, The Descendants. Foreign-language film: City of Life and Death; runner-up, A Separation. Documentary-nonfiction film: Cave of Forgotten Dreams; runner-up, The Arbor. Production design: Dante Ferretti, Hugo; runner-up, Maria Djurkovic, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. New Generation award: Martha Marcy May Marlene. Independent-experimental film: Spark of Being. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Exclusive: The Iron Lady Featurette

Behind the scenes on 'Maggie The Movie'Making a biopic (of sorts)about a person as divisive as Margaret Thatcher is no mean feat.A tip of the cap then to Mammia Mia director Phyllida Lloyd for bringing us The Iron Lady, with Meryl "I'll have an Oscar with that"Streep playing Maggie herself.To show a little bit more about how it was done, here's a featurette that shows a few things from behind the scenes, from thre Parliament scenes to, well, you'll have to find out for yourself really.In other words, if you're a die-hard Thatcher-loather, you may want to click away now. But if you're interested in an upcoming film about Britain's first female Prime Minister, then this'll be right up your alley.The Iron Lady is out in cinemas on January 6.

Jersey Shore's JWoww Lands Sexy Maxim Cover

J-Woww Wow - this is actually the reaction by Jersey Shore's Jenni "JWoww" Farley about sitting on the The month of the month of january cover of Maxim.The 25-year-old reality star calls landing the policy her "finest accomplishment. I cried once i discovered. I used to be jumping up minimizing and totally annoying out."Jersey Shoreline Season 5 Trailer: A naughty bunny and hurricane situationShe states it's the most fun she's ever suffered around the shoot, because it was "Jersey Shoreline meets sexy Maxim."Farley states she's changed a good deal since the show first broadcast this past year. "I used to be in the bad relationship throughout the initial two seasons, therefore i needed that on people I ought to not have access to. I used to be certainly really a bitch." However? The NY-native feels as if mother hen for the infamously rowdy bunch.See the relaxation of current day newsFor Season 5, which premieres Thursday, Jan. 5, the cast returns for his or her Jersey roots. "We're in the T-shirt store and dwelling in the identical house. We be grateful more because Italia am different," she states. "We hopped in headfirst."

TNT Greenlights Medical Drama Pilot From David E. Kelley And Sanjay Gupta

EXCLUSIVE: In David E. Kelley’s first foray into cable, TNT has given an airplane pilot order to a different medical drama in the Practice creator and CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Kelley authored the script for that project, tentatively entitled Chelsea General, according to Gupta’s approaching novel Monday Morning. Kelley and Gupta, who's a practicing neurosurgeon, are executive creating. Chelsea General promises to become a wise, witty and very effective medical drama, the type of series David E. Kelley is famous to make, stated Michael Wright, EVP and mind of programming for TNT, The best spinner's and Turner Classic Movies. We anticipate dealing with David and Sanjay in getting the doctors fascinating tales and figures to television. Set to become released in March 2012, Guptas Monday Morning is placed at Chelsea General and follows the lives of 5 surgeons because they push the limits of the capabilities and confront their personal and professional foibles. It uses since it's backdrop the hospitals Monday Morbidity and Mortality conference, considered the majority of secretive meeting in most of drugs, where doctors gather for any private overview of complications and errors in patient care. It analyzes how surgeons be prepared for mistakes and then try to grow from them. Chelsea General is Kelley’s first project like a free agent. The Emmy-winning author-producer elected to not renew his overall deal at Warner Bros. TV in May so he is able to pursue passion projects in various areas, including cable. This marks Kelley’s go back to the medical genre 17 years after he produced CBS’ Chicago Hope. Kelley, repped by WME and attorney Michael Gendler, is constantly on the executive produce his NBC/WBTV sophomore legal dramedy Harry’s Law, which lately received a complete-season order. Chelsea General joins two other recent pilot orders from TNT, Western Gateway from Warner Horizon and check-and-save procedural Scent from the Missing from CBS TV Galleries.

Bruce Beresford to Direct Frank Lloyd Wright Biopic 'Taliesin' (Exclusive)

Veteran filmmaker Bruce Beresford has signed on to develop and direct Taliesin, a film about fabled American architect Frank Lloyd Wright from writer Nicholas Meyer. our editor recommendsRon Burkle Buys Frank Lloyd Wright's Ennis House for Just Under $4.5 Mil The title refers to the architect's former home and studio in rural Spring Green, Wis., where the key events in the film take place. The rambling hillside compound, considered a masterpiece of Prairie-style architecture, was the focus of scandal as Wright built it for himself and his married mistress Martha "Mamah" Cheney. In 1914, while Wright was away, a domestic worker murdered Cheney, her two children and four others by locking them inside and setting fire to the building. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Biggest Real Estate Deals of the Week: Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, Jennifer Hudson, Robert De Niro "It's a very good script," Beresford toldThe Hollywood Reporter. "It doesn't cover his whole life, just a small section of it, and it doesn't whitewash him into some sort of saint." Beresford, who directed the best picture Oscar winner Driving Miss Daisy (1990) and was nominated for best director for Tender Mercies (1983), says he sparked to telling the tale of the private life of one of the greatest architects ever. "There's a documentary by Ken Burns [the 1998 film, Frank Lloyd Wright] that's quite good, but it's odd that there's never been a [feature] film about him," Beresford said. Producers J. Todd Harris, of Branded Pictures Entertainment, and Chicago-based Ed Bachrach, of Kartemquin Films, sent Beresford the script. They are currently raising money for the project, and Beresford has recently been scouting locations in and around Chicago. STORY: Ron Burkle Buys Frank Lloyd Wright's Ennis House for Just Under $4.5 Mil Who would Beresford like to play the lead? "We have someone in mind, but I can't tell you yet," he says. Beresford's Peace, Love and Misunderstanding, a generational comedy starring Jane Fonda, Catherine Keener and Elizabeth Olsen, premiered at the Toronto Film Festival earlier this year and was picked up today by IFC Films. Beresford is repped by Gersh and Anonymous. Meyer, repped by CAA and Bloom Hergott, recently penned Elegy and The Informant!. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Hollywood's Real Estate Deals of the Week: Oprah Winfrey, Bruce Willis, 'Twilight' Honeymoon House, Justin Bieber's Manager Related Topics

Publicists award to David Stapf

Hollywood publicists have selected David Stapf, leader of CBS Television Art galleries, to find the tv Showman of year award. Kudo is going to be provided within the 49th annual Publicists Honours Lunch within the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Feb. 24. The publicists are part of the Intl. Cinematographers Guild. The Wednesday announcement from ICG leader Steven Poster and honours committee chairman Henri Bollinger noted that Stapf, a classic publicist, was named to his present position in 2004. He runs all of the studio's program development and production for series and television movies for your broadcast, fundamental cable and premium funnel areas. Stapf grew to become part of CBS in 1999 following stints at Warner Bros. Television and Embassy Television. "The fact David Stapf began his career just like a publicist clearly validates his appreciation of the value of publicity inside the ultimate success of entertainment products," Bollinger mentioned. "His background in publicity as well as the inordinate success he's loved as leader of CBS Television Art galleries makes him exclusively able to receive this recognition." 20th Century Fox Television chairs Gary Newman and Dana Walden were the latest visitors in the award. Other recent individuals who win have incorporated Chuck Lorrie, Peter Roth, Nina Tassler, Jerry Bruckheimer and Aaron Sorkin. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Kelly Preston: I've Lost 39 Pounds

Kelly Preston and John Travolta Kelly Preston feels "amazing" after losing 39 pounds, she tells People."I lost 39 pounds, have more energy than I had 20 years ago - and I feel amazing," Preston says. "I'm going to be turning 50 next year - holy sh--! Hey, 50 is the new 30."Check out more dramatic celebrity weight lossThe actress had set out to lose her baby weight from her pregnancy with 1-year-old son Benjamin Travolta, but she has now dropped below her pre-pregnancy weight, thanks to pal Kirstie Alley's Organic Liaison weight-loss program. (Alley lost 100 pounds herself during and after her Dancing with the Stars run this spring.)"When I got pregnant at 48, I didn't know if my body would bounce back," Preston says. "I was so excited when my best friend created [the program's organic supplement system] Rescue Me." According to the program's website, Rescue Me targets cravings and "boosts natural energy." Preston recently signed on as an Organic Liaison spokeswoman. "It's pretty much the most genius thing ever," she says.

American Airlines Files for Bankruptcy Protection

Getty ImagesFelicity Jones The 21st annual Gotham Independent Film Awards took place Monday night at NY's historic Cipriani Wall Street restaurant. As I cautioned when the Independent Filmmaker Project announced this year's nominees, there is little reason to believe that the results at the Gothams have any direct impact on the Oscar race -- sometimes both organizations happen to arrive at the same choice (see: The Hurt Locker), but the reality is that Gotham nods and wins are really a reflection of nothing more than the tastes of the five-person "committees" that are arbitrarily selected and assigned to the various categories by the IFP (some members of which have never worked on a film), whereas Oscar nods and wins are determined by thousands of people (virtually all of whom are filmmakers). Still, studios and talent whose work was recognized Monday night were unanimously exuberant, if only because it can't hurt to get a moment in the spotlight in front of a crowd packed with colleagues and journalists, to say nothing of the free print and online publicity that is afforded to the winners in the form of news coverage.our editor recommendsThe Scene: Inside the 21st Annual Gotham AwardsGotham Awards 2011: The Red Carpet ArrivalsGotham Awards 2011: 'Tree of Life,' 'Beginners' Tie for Best FeatureDo Gotham Awards Nominations Actually Impact Oscar Race? (Analysis)Gotham Awards 2011: Honorees Charlize Theron, Gary Oldman Reveal the Inspiration Behind Their Work PHOTOS: Gotham Awards 2011 Red Carpet Arrivals That being stipulated, what/who was perceived to have gotten a bounce last night? And what/who was perceived to have taken a hit? Here's my take... Focus Features is justifiably feeling over the moon about their night. They went 3-for-3 in competitive categories, none of which they were expected to win: Beginners, which has been regarded as a long-shot contender for best picture and best original screenplay Oscar nods, beat The Descendants, among other high-profile films, to win both of the top two categories, best feature (it tied with The Tree of Life) and best ensemble, and Pariah filmmaker Dee Rees topped several bigger names to win best breakthrough director. Moreover, they got a cherry on their cake, as Gary Oldman, who is on the bubble in the best actor race for his understated performance in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, was the subject of a glowing tribute from Alec Baldwin, a great montage of his life's work and the night's only standing ovation afforded to an individual. STORY: 'Tree of Life,' 'Beginners' Tie for Best Feature at Gotham Awards Paramount is pretty happy right now, as well. They have been campaigning aggressively on behalf of Charlize Theron (Young Adult) and Felicity Jones (Like Crazy), both of whom they'd like to sneak into the competitive best actress race, and their efforts got a big boost last night thanks to Theron's tribute (during which she and her co-star/best supporting actor hopeful Patton Oswalt stole the show) and Jones' somewhat surprising win over two other young women who have been seen as likelier bets for Oscar nods, including one of whom is competing in the same category: Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene). Fox Searchlight likely has mixed emotions. The Descendants and Martha Marcy May Marlene, which led the entire field with three nods each -- including the big two, best feature and best ensemble -- both went home empty-handed. However, their night was somewhat salvaged when The Tree of Life, their tough-sell best picture Oscar hopeful, won best feature (it tied with Beginners). Complete List of Gotham Awards Winners Roadside Attractions has to feel a little disappointed with the way things turned out for their films. IFP first denied Albert Nobbs any nominations, and then denied Margin Call -- a red-hot film at the moment -- a win in the one category in which it was nominated and really fit the bill: best ensemble. As great a film as the category's winner Beginners is, it's primarily a four-person flick (Ewan McGregor, Melanie Laurent, Christopher Plummerand Goran Visnjic), whereas its hard to even keep count of all of the impressive moving pieces in Margin Call (Zachary Quinto, Jeremy Irons, Kevin Spacey, Stanley Tucci, Paul Bettany, Demi Moore, Simon Baker, Penn Badgley, Mary McDonnelland the list goes on). Sony Pictures Classics can't be thrilled about its showing. While David Cronenberg, who directed its film A Dangerous Method, was the subject of a nice tribute, Take Shelter, its stronger Oscar contender -- which is thought to be on-the-bubble for best actor (Michael Shannon) and best original screenplay (Jeff Nichols) -- was shut out after scoring nods in the top two categories, best feature and best ensemble. STORY: The Scene Inside the 2011 Gotham Awards Oscilloscope is a small and young enough studio that it was probably happy just to have a ticket to the party. The fact that Meek's Cutoff came up short for best feature and Evan Glodell (Bellflower) didn't win best breakthrough director can't have knocked anyone's socks off. The Weinstein Co. had its Gotham hopes dashed long before Monday night -- oddly enough, its films weren't rewarded with so much as a single nomination! PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Gotham Awards 2011: The Red Carpet Arrivals Gotham Awards Alec Baldwin Charlize Theron David Cronenberg Patton Oswalt The Tree of Life Like Crazy Martha Marcy May Marlene Elizabeth Olsen Beginners The Descendants Felicity Jones

The Dance of Two Left Foot ((Ang sayaw ng dalawang kaliwang paa))

A Vim Yapan/Alem Chua Prods. relieve a Cinemalaya presentation from the Vim Yapan/Alem Chua Prods. production in cooperation with Bigtop Media Prods., SQ Film Labs, Optima Digital, Asian U. (Worldwide sales: Ignatius Films, Toronto.) Produced by Tonee Acejo. Executive producers, Alvin Yapan, Alemberg Ang. Co-producers, Eriq Agaser, Aza Ang-Co, Tessa Aquino, Andre Banaga, Arnel Castro, Jun Celzo, Noel Contreras, Perry Co, Dennis Corteza, Oj Cruz, Francis Cua, Boom Enriquez, Genevieve Khonghun, Teri Florio, Erok Kaw, Donna Lampa, Patrick Lim, Genie Lorenzo, Tacing Marasigan, Mika Millar, Lloyd Norelia, Joney Pustia, Gerswin Qua, Erich Shih, Ainsley Tai, Paolo Tolentino, Jenny Trinidad, Temmy Tan, Weevens Ty, Garvin Yao, May Valdez, Alec Villmarin. Directed, put together by Alvin Yapan, good poems of Rebecca Anonuevo, Joi Barrios, Merlinda Bobis, Ophelia Dimalanta, Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Benilda Santos.With: Paulo Avelino, Rocco Nacino, Jean Garcia, Jacqui Jacinto, Sheila Joyce Villanueva, Asian U. Dance Company, Company of Dance Artists. (Tagalog, British dialogue)Dance, poetry and desire commingle in "The Dance of Two Left Foot," an stylishly come up with drama a great unconventional love triangular that springs in the college student's infatuation along with his older teacher. Filipino helmer Alvin Yapan certifies the commitment of his 2009 debut, "The Rapture of Further erectile dysfunction," using this technically sophisticated look for romantic yearning that's both intellectually stimulating and psychologically engaging. Released in your town March. 26, pic can be a natural for fests with dance sidebars and contains offshore potential on specialized tube shops. An atmosphere of restrained eroticism remains within the opening segs through which Marlon (Paulo Avelino), an underperforming student in the wealthy family, gazes longingly at Karen (Jean Garcia), his classy, 40-ant literature professor. Following her after school, Marlon discovers Karen works nights just like a dance teacher and choreographer. Attempting to be viewed by her, Marlon utilizes Dennis (Rocco Nacino), another university student who attends Karen's dance classes, as his private tutor. Marlon expects to sign up just like a newcomer and impress Karen along with his natural ability, after learning moves in advance. Below can be a delicately built dance of desire. A sign of homosexual attraction emerges as Marlon's training with Dennis intensify, creating the wanted-for results of getting in Karen's attention round the oasis. Wise to Marlon's every move also to the potentially explosive dynamics between him and Dennis, Karen casts in her own approaching output of the "Humadapnon," popular poem with parallels for the real-existence drama playing out before her. A university professor and acclaimed author, Yapan has already established the potentially harmful step of infusing his script with large areas of poetry by Filipino feminist authors, also in-depth class discussions on subjects such as the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice as well as the character in the film gaze. His strategy takes proper care of wonderfully well due to outstanding picture and appear editing, safeguarding lovely dance sequences with well-selected poetry bloodstream pressure dimensions and literary discussions that say aspects of the hidden feelings swirling around the primary players. Only very late inside the proceedings is spell slightly broken with a couple of cumbersome moments of exposition. Because you will find with no other speaking roles inside the film, the three central thesps carry your entire day with underplayed perfs of distinction. Avelino and Nacino capture all the curiosity and naivete of teens learning the recommendations and effects of attraction respected TV star Garcia is quietly commanding since the attractive and unmarried older lady whose true feelings remain tantalizingly ambiguous. Well produced around the modest budget, pic sports attractive pictures by lenser Arvin Viola plus an eclectic score by Christine Muyco and Jema Pamintuan that really works harmoniously with poetry and dance elements to lend a metaphysical atmosphere for the proceedings. Other tech credits are professional.Camera (color/B&W, HD), Arvin Viola editor, Mai Dionisio music, Christine Muyco, Jema Pamintuan production designer, Aped Santos art director, Sayton Duque appear (stereo system system), Arnold Reodica choreographer, Eli Jacinto visual effects supervisor, Ramil Plofino connect producers, Martin Lopez, Gay Ace Domingo, Michael Boy, Jesse Lozada, Manny Valera assistant director, Mariel Dionisio second unit camera, Gym Lumbrera, J.P. Papa, Marco Lopez. Examined at Hawaii Film Festival (competing), March. 17, 2011. (Also in Cinemalaya Film Festival.) Running time: 85 MIN. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Natalie Wood Detective States He Never Suspected Robert Wagner Triggered Her Dying (Video)

The situation of actress Natalie Wood's mysterious dying continues to be re-opened up after 3 decades, the La County Sheriff's Department introduced Thursday, November. 17.our editor recommendsNatalie Wood Biopic: Should Michelle Williams, Emma Watson, Carey Mulligan or Emma Stone Take part in the Icon? (Poll)Natalie Wood Dying: Who owns Boat Understood for Days Police Would Reopen CaseRobert Wagner Blamed Self For Natalie Wood's Dying in MemoirNatalie Wood Mystery: File Delivered to Sheriff Revealed Telling Clues (PDF Document)Natalie Wood's Sister Makes First TV Appearance on 'Piers Morgan Tonight' (Video)Police Force Experts Outline Course For Natalie Wood InquiryRelated Subjects•Natalie Wood PHOTOS: 12 of Hollywood's Most Mysterious Deaths Researchers revealed Thursday, that new information was behind the choice to revisit the occasions of November. 19, 1981, once the actress inexplicably disappeared from her yacht, Spendour, that was floating just from the coast of Los Angeles's Catalina Island. She was onboard with husband Robert Wagner, and Brainstorm co-star Christopher Walken. Since that announcement, both Wagner and also the boat's captain Dennis Davern have both spoken out. PHOTOS: Best Pictures of Natalie Wood And today, the situation's detective, Duane Rasure, is joining them. Talking to CBS' 48 Hrs, the upon the market sergeant from the La County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau, stated the throughout the analysis, he "never really got concered about a murder." He stated when he'd had evidence that her husband Wagner have been invloved in foul play, he'd have arrested him personally. VIDEO: 5 of Natalie Wood's Most Memorable Roles "It had been an accidental drowning, she just been a famous superstar. She would be a small lady. She drowned in a nutshell time, I'd say," Rasure relayed. STORY: Christopher Walken Employs Lawyer to deal with Natalie Wood Analysis (Exclusive) Rasure also stated he thought Davern, that has indicated he thinks Wagner performed a component in Wood's drowning, isn't being truthful. "He's just made themself to look great in the book," he stated (Davern released Goodbye Nataile, Goodbye Beauty last year). "And clearly, he's selling a magazine making money from it. And i believe that's the entire purpose behind his penning this book." Younger crowd revealed the whole analysis survived about five days. On Friday, The Hollywood Reporter solely reported Walken had hired a lawer to represent him within the recently-raised from the dead analysis. The L.A. County Sheriff's Department stated they intend to examine the boat Wood, Wagner, and Walken were on, that is now docked in Hawaii. And, while Lt. John Corina stated Wagner isn't a suspect, he did reveal the department received new, credible information that motivated further analysis, saying, "We felt you should be responsible enough to follow-up." Watch Rasure's interview below. Related Subjects Christopher Walken Natalie Wood Robert Wagner

Gay symbols celebrate Center

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka share the centers recognition.Jordan Jesse Tyler Ferguson didn't attend, but otherwise, nearly all Hollywood's gay symbols were round the Westin Bonaventure Hotel stage Saturday to celebrate the 40th anniversary in the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. Leslie Jordan situated, Jane Lynch presented, and honorees incorporated Chaz Bono, Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka.Jordan triggered a little-stir when he mentioned the two "best" folks showbiz were Lynch and George Clooney. (Take that, you "Will & Sophistication" co-stars!) He later showed up in this area in the cone bra and blond hairpiece to exhibit, "The sad part is isn't the least expensive I've gone."Harris, alongside partner Burtka, quipped, "Thanks, Leslie, to be launched because Madonna outfit. It gave us both boners."David Arquette introduced a hetero dollop for the evening. There to supply an award to Bono, he mentioned his presence had less associated with their "DwtsInch stint when compared to a "personal" transgender connection inside the Arquette family."I shared a place with Alexis (born Robert). Patricia got a place to herself because she will be a girl," he appreciated. "And Alexis moved to the closet." Contact Robert Hofler at bob.hofler@variety.com

Justin Bieber Accuser's New Attorney Still Pursuing Paternity Test

Not long after a report surfaced that Mariah Yeater was dropping her paternity lawsuit against Justin Bieber, her new attorney says he's still pursuing a DNA test.our editor recommendsJustin Bieber Paternity Suit Dropped (Report)Justin Bieber Accuser Makes Appearance on 'The Insider''Saturday Night Live': Charlie Day Helps Skewer the Kardashians, Gaddafi and Justin Bieber (Video)Justin Bieber Launches Media Blitz for New Album Amid Paternity Controversy Justin Bieber Accuser Might Be Investigated for Statutory RapeJustin Bieber Denies Ever Meeting Woman Suing Him For Paternity (Video)Related Topics•Justin Bieber Jeffrey Leving told TMZ he's in the midst of working out terms of a DNA test with the singer's legal team. He added that Yeater dismissed the lawsuit to allow for a private settlement. Levin also told TMZ that Bieber's threats of suing Yeater is him trying to intimidate "a 20-year-old woman with no money and no job." PHOTOS: Justin Bieber's Moustaches Leving's interview comes on the heels of a TMZ report earlier Wednesday that Yeater had parted ways with her attorneys Lance Rogers and Matt Pare and that the charge had been withdrawn. Yeater had claimed her 4-month-old son Trystyn was the result of a backstage concert tryst with Bieber last October. She had told The Insider that she had met Bieber after his show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. "He immediately took a liking to me. We just got to talking," Yeater recounted on The Insider. "Eventually he asked me, he said, 'Would you mind if we could go somewhere and be alone?" Yeater claimed that she has "provided evidence" to her lawyers which will prove her allegations true in court. VIDEO: Justin Bieber Denies Ever Meeting Woman Suing Him For Paternity Bieber, who is currently dating Selena Gomez, had denied the claims and reportedly agreed to take paternity test disproving the claims. "I would just like to say basically that none of those allegations are true,"he said on NBC's Today. "I know that I'm going to be a target but I'm never going to be a victim." "I think it's crazy because every night after the show I'm gone, right from the stage to my car so it's crazy that some people want to make up such false allegations but to set the record straight, none of it is true. I've never met the woman," Bieber added. PHOTOS: MTV EMAs 2011 Performers The LAPD has said it may investigate the incident, since the ages of the parties involved (Bieber was 16 and Yeater was 19) means the alleged incident would violate California statutory rape law. Cmdr. Andrew Smith has said that no report was taken about the alleged incident in 2010. Related Topics Justin Bieber

5 Moving Moments From Gabby Giffords' Memoir

Gabby Giffords, the Arizona congresswoman who was shot in the head in January, released her memoir Gabby: A Story ofCourage and Hope (Scribner, 307 pages, $26.99) this week.our editor recommendsTV Ratings: CBS' Lineup Up, Gabrielle Giffords' '20/20' Interview Boosts ABCGabrielle Giffords Tells Diane Sawyer She Feels 'Pretty Good' in ABC News Interview (Video)Gabrielle Giffords, Mark Kelly Recall Shooting in Diane Sawyer Interview, New Book (Video)Diane Sawyer Lands First Interview With Gabrielle GiffordsGabrielle Giffords' Return to Congress Sparks Support From Hollywood (Video) VIDEO: Gabrielle Giffords, Mark Kelly Recall Shooting in Diane Sawyer Interview, New Book While the shooting is the central event of the book, its really a love story about the relationship between Giffords and her astronaut husband,Mark Kelly [pictured below with his wife and ABC'sDiane Sawyer]. Indeed, Kelly is listed as the co-author. Here are five moving revelations about their relationship from the book: 1. They were trying to get pregnant when Giffords was shot. She had an appointment with a fertility specialist for Jan. 10, two days after the shooting. Giffords and Kelly had been debating having kids for several years. Although Giffords had just turned 40, the problem was with Kelly, whose surgery to reverse a vasectomy he had during his previous marriage had failed. The couple was going to use a fertility specialist to artificially inseminate one of Gabby's eggs with Mark's sperm. VIDEO: Gabrielle Giffords' Return to Congress Sparks Support from Hollywood 2. The last e-mail she sent Mark read, "My poor state! The nut jobs have stolen it away from the good people of Arizona!"She was forwarding him a news article about how Jon Stewart on The Daily Show had made fun of Arizona's reactionary politics 13 times in the last year. 3. Giffords found out the whole story about her shooting from a newspaper story. Mark had avoided to telling her the whole story, especially about who died. But on March 12, three months after the shooting, Gabby saw a headline in The NY Times that said "Doctors Detail Giffords's Progress," she insisted Mark read it to her. When she caught him trying to skip the paragraph listing the other victims, she insisted he read it to her. VIDEO:Gabrielle Giffords Tells Diane Sawyer She Feels 'Pretty Good' in ABC News Interview 4. After the shooting, Mark's two daughters from his previous marriage rallied to their stepmother's side. His two daughters were 9 and 12 when Giffords and Kelly married in 2007. Despite her best efforts, they had never really warmed up to their new stepmother, who they saw infrequently because they lived in Houston and Giffords in Tucson. But after the accident the girls spent a lot of time in the rehab hospital with their stepmother. Older daughter Claudia vowed in a letter she kept folded in her purse (but was to embarrassed to show Giffords), "I know we have not been extremely close in the past couple of years and I am really sorry. This is going to change immediately." 5. Mark, an astronaut, wrote a Giffords a "contingency letter" before he flew on the second-to-last space shuttle mission in April 2011. A contingency letter is a NASA euphemism for a farewell letter if something tragic happens on the mission. Mark wrote, "Please try to meet someone else and fall in love again. You deserve that. Please know that I will always love you madly." Related Topics

Julie Taymor Blasts Bono, The Advantage Over 'Spider-Guy: Switch Off the Dark' Suit

Per week after Julie Taymor filed a suit in NY declaring Spider-Guy: Switch off the Dark infringed on her behalf creative input, a job interview using the Broadway director finds her calling out collaborators Bono and also the Edge.our editor recommends'Spider-Guy: Switch Off the Dark' Producers Fire Back at Julie Taymor'Spider-Guy: Switch Off the Dark': Another Cast Member Hurt Esquire reviews Taymor places blame the U2 duo, who known to her "exhausted" and "overwrought," for false characterizations that brought to her removal in the pricey musical, which she directed and co-authored before an changed version formally first showed on Broadway. "There's without doubt through the finish of Feb, after i felt all this stuff happening, which i was exhausted with that, although not through the show and never through the inspiration which i was getting in the stars," she stated of her March departure. "That which was tiring was the truth that the producers were absent... Individuals people weren't there, just how does Bono know? I'm sorry." ANALYSIS: Can Julie Taymor Shut Lower 'Spider-Guy: Switch Off the Dark'? Taymor also tries to clarify the conditions of her dismissal, which she keeps came like a complete shock to her coupled with nothing related to an ultimatum about changing the show. "This factor which i declined to complete the large changes and they also allow me to go? No. There wasn't [an ultimatum]," Taymor stated. "Which was not something which was raised in my experience. " Rather, Taymor poses that creating her go ahead and take be seduced by the unhappy production -- which incorporated six postponed openings and five hurt cast people throughout her tenure -- was the only method for that producers to distance Spider-Guy in the bad press. STORY: Julie Taymor Sues 'Spider-Guy: Switch Off the Dark' for Infringing Her Creative Input "I believe that individuals were vital that you fresh paint an image of the director whom you required to release to be able to get this to large change," she stated. "I needed to be indicated that means by order for something to occur.Inch Taymor initially filed an arbitration claim from the show after her departure, declaring she was owed a lot more than $500,000 in royalties. Of the new suit, her attorney states, "Ms. Taymor regrets the producers' actions have remaining her no choice but to turn to legal option to safeguard her privileges." Related Subjects Julie Taymor Spider-Guy: Switch Off the Dark Bono The Advantage

Who's the reason behind the 'Tower Heist'-Oscar Debacle? (Analysis)

This informative article first came out inside the November. 18 problem in the Hollywood Reporter magazine.our editor recommends'Tower Heist' Director Brett Ratner Issues Apology for Gay SlurBox Office Report: Holdover 'Puss in Boots' Wins in Shocking Upset over Brett Ratner's 'Tower Heist'Tower Heist: Film ReviewEddie Murphy Exits as Oscar HostHow Much Will Eddie Murphy's Oscar Exit Hurt His Career? (Analysis)Brett Ratner Out as Oscar Show Producer (Exclusive)Billy Very to Host the OscarsBrian Grazer Altering Brett Ratner as Oscar Producer (Exclusive)Eddie Murphy's 6 Finest Issues Before Bailing round the OscarsRelated Subjects•Brett Ratner Tower Heist almost seems to own been born within bad sign. Its much much softer-than-expected $24 million opening was tough news for individuals involved: Universal, stars Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy striking-hungry producers Ron Howard and John Grazer of Imagine Entertainment. Then there's the Academy, which lost director Brett Ratner as producer in the Oscar show due to unseemly remarks he gained since the film opened up up November. 4. Murphy departed as host soon after that. COVER STORY: Ben Stiller Unveils 'Zoolander' Follow-up Secrets, What He Considers 'Tower Heist' Co-Star Eddie Murphy Ideas abound why Heist, which Universal had wanted would open north of $Thirty Dollars million, rather gave directly into Puss in Boots within the second weekend: Youthful PEOPLE Loved IT -- BUT Handful of CAME Universal and Imagine hardly needed another dud after Cowboys & Aliens as well as the Dilemma. In line with the studio, the lesson is really a that ought to send chills with the business: Youthful audiences aren't arriving in pressure for movies. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Finest Blunders Despite Stiller's family following at night within the Museum and Fulfill the Parents franchises, 73 percent in the audience for your PG-13 Heist was over age 25. The greatest segment -- 27 percent -- was 50. People under 18 composed only fifteen percent of moviegoers, nonetheless they loved the film most, creating a b -- CinemaScore (overall, the look received a b - -). Heist wasn't really the only victim that weekend: A Very Harold & Kumar 3d Christmas, getting a separate youthful number of fans, indexed up only $13 million within the opening weekend, underneath the prior Harold & Kumar despite heavy 3d premium charges. It Absolutely Was MURPHY This film was created in order to save Murphy within the ghost of Norbit and bad comedies and convey him to the kind of action-caper role that labored so memorably in Beverly Slopes Cop. But a respected agent, stating such flops as Meet Dork and Suppose, postulates roughly, "Eddie forget about matters." PHOTOS: Hollywood's Memorable Mea Culpas "Universal probably should have cast an ingenue inside the part, like Vital did with Eddie in 48 Several hrs.," states a skilled producer. "I realize Eddie is satisfied using the film, as evidenced because when hard he labored to market it," states his publicist, Arnold Robinson. (Murphy did his first print interview inside a very long time for Moving Stone and came out on numerous talk shows.) "Within the verifying that we've read, people visited start to see the movie to find out Eddie, as well as the exit polls, from a few things i understand, counseled me very positive." Murphy might have been an excellent partner in marketing the film, but he shown difficult when the studio wanted a completely new scene to accomplish the ending. The idea wound up being to reunite him with Stiller, inside the vein in the Ocean's Eleven final sequence with Kaira Pitt and George Clooney. But sources say Murphy declined to shoot it unless of course obviously Universal paid out him yet another $500,000 (on top of his $7.5 million payday), the studio selected to prevent. VIDEO: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy in 'Tower Heist' Trailer A producer not connected with Heist states he finds Murphy's demand especially appalling considering Murphy will be a producer round the film. It Absolutely Was STILLER -- No Less Than In This Particular ROLE For Stiller, the heist/caper film represented a avoid his best shtick: playing the brand new victim who rules, just like Museum and Fulfill the Parents. "Some celebs are celebs only inside their genre," states an origin with ties for the production. "Jennifer Aniston without any gun -- not just a celebrity. Adam Sandler in the drama -- not just a celebrity. ... Ben Stiller can be a celebrity in comedies, but is Tower Heist a comedy? The story is substantially more dramatic than Stiller's hits, as well as the title itself signifies a genre that isn't in Stiller's wheelhouse." Heist put Stiller inside a different kind of role, but "it's not just a U-turn," states an origin near the film. "So when you're talking about critiques for Ben in PG-13 or R-rated comedies, this opening is not from left area whatsoever." (Tropic Thunder opened up as much as $26 million, for example, while Along Came Polly bowed to $28 million.) VIDEO: Eddie Murphy States John Grazer Saved 'Tower Heist' What About RATNER? Skillfully developed aren't pointing the finger at Ratner for your film's opening, but he didn't perform the film -- or perhaps the Academy -- any favors throughout marketing looks. On Heist's opening day, Ratner ongoing Howard Stern's radio show, boasting of his skill at dental sex in addition to sleeping getting a then-very-youthful Lindsay Lohan. He supported inside a screening in the film your evening along with his pricey remark, "Rehearsals are for fags." Although Ratner apologized (for your "fag" remark), the comfort is history. He resigned -- unquestionably pressurized -- as Oscar producer November. 8. "Boy, was Brett stupid," states an origin mounted on Heist. "If you're already a questionable choice, try keeping orally shut." Related Subjects Adam Sandler Brett Ratner Eddie Murphy Oscars Ben Stiller Oscars 2012 Tower Heist

VIDEO: Miss Piggy Gets a Pretty Little Liars-Themed Makeover

Miss Piggy Looks like Miss Piggy is the latest target from Pretty Little Liars' A. To promote The Muppets Movie (out Nov. 23), two Pretty Little Liars-themed video clips have been released starring the one and only Miss P. The first is a take on the opening credits of the ABC Family hit drama and even features Piggy doing Aria's signature "Shhh." In the second clip, Miss Piggy tells Kermit that she's been receiving mysterious texts from someone named A. But in this video, A most likely stands for Animal. Do you plan to see The Muppets Movie? Pretty Little Liars returns Monday, Jan. 2 at 8/7c on ABC Family.

VIDEO: How's Modern Family's Sarah Hyland Like Her "Bratty" Geek Charming Character?

Matt Prokop and Sarah Hyland Sarah Hyland's character Dylan within the approaching Disney Funnel original movie Geek Charming may appear a bratty wealthy girl, however the Modern Family star states it is simply an action. "I begin off very diva-esque, bratty, spoiled," Hyland states. "She puts about this persona she thinks individuals will like, however the real Dylan is really nearly the same as me, really wacky and straight-Students.Inch See photos from Geek Charming Within the film (Friday, 8/7c), Hyland stars opposite real-existence boyfriend Matt Prokop, who plays film geek Josh. Dylan concurs being the topic of his documentary about her mission to become crowned Blossom Full - and even though two appear like polar opposites, they eventually realized they have a lot more in keeping compared to what they thought. Watch clips of Sarah Hyland within our Movie Guide Hyland states that what sets Geek Charming aside from the "wealthy girl and nerdy guy fall madly in loveInch mold would be that the two primary figures have to face real issues: Dylan struggles together with her mother's dying and Josh comes with an absentee father. "It's not so 'everything is ideal nowadays,AInch she states. "Bad unexpected things happen to get affordable people - it is simply that which you model of it that actually counts and i believe this is exactly why this really is so different." Watch our interview using the Geek Charming couple: Geek Charming premieres Friday at 8/7c on Disney Funnel.

Liberty sees profit boost, but slips in revenue

John Malone's Liberty Starz Group said its move to exit the theatrical motion pictures biz boosted profit last quarter but meant revenue slipped slightly last quarter -- offset by improved results at Starz Channels. Starz group revenue eased 2% to $389 million for the third quarter as the company cited fewer theatrical films released on home video, a dip in revenue from Animation, and no theatrical films released in 2011 versus 2010 after basically shuttering Overture Films. But the Starz Channels, led by Chris Albrect, took in an additional $7 million from higher rates, and $5 million from increased subscriptions. Liberty Starz operating income jumped 31% to $101 million. Starz subs grew 9%; Encore's were up 3%. The group saved on theatrical marketing and advertising year-on-year. It decided to focus on television.''Starz Entertainment performed well in the third quarter with continued solid financial and operational performance, and momentum in implementing our original programming strategy,'' said CEO Albrecht, noting the slate of 2012 ''Starz Originals'' which include ''Spartacus: Vengeance'' and ''Magic City'' as well a second season of ''Boss.'' A production deal with BBC Worldwide yielded its first original programming commitment, with ''Da Vinci's Demon's'' now in development for 2013. Albrecht said he is ''heartened to see strong demand for our owned originals in the home video, international, and digital businesses.''Englewood, Colo.-based Liberty Media Group has been trying to split up its businesses into separate companies to make it easier for investors, but its structure remains complex. Liberty Starz and Liberty Capital are split off as tracking stocks. Liberty Capital's assets include TruePosition, the Atlanta National League Baseball Club (the owner of the Atlanta Braves), interests in SiriusXM, Live Nation and Barnes and Noble, and minority interests in Time Warner and Viacom.Another separate company, Liberty Interactive has controlling interests in video and e-commerce companies led QVC.And Liberty Global owns cable, broadcast and telephone service outside the U.S. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Studios fret over online crack in cable window

The majors have been worrying for a long time about flat domestic box office and plummeting DVD sales, but there's a newer area of big concern: the coin from the lucrative basic cable window. Increased online exposure for film product -- via Netflix, iTunes, Vudu and the proprietary site of premium cablers, such as HBO Go -- could cause basic nets like FX, TNT, Comedy Central and others to cut back on acquisitions. And billions of dollars are at stake.Time Warner corporate chief Jeffrey Bewkes says his conglom's TNT and TBS would reduce purchases of some theatricals, though features would still remain a force. "The big movie packages, particularly really expensive, giant movies, are a little weaker because they are getting seen so many places," Bewkes told a Sept. 22 investor conference. He added that the company will fine-tune how it acquires films, focusing more on "certain evergreen titles and genres that are essentially in the sweet spot."Even such mildly discouraging words have seldom been heard in the two decades that theatricals became ever-increasing mainstays in the schedules of many basic networks. Bewkes' comments are particularly significant because his company is both a buyer and seller of movies. For the congloms' studio arms, revenue from cable has long been critical to their economics -- with premium subscription services and ad-supported basic channels both playing a major role. Every film that's part of a pay cable output deal generates a wad of cash in the first premium window. And while payouts may be reduced for a film's later, basic cable window, basic cable networks actually spend more overall dollars for film product than do the premium nets, because there are so many more basic channels with so many more slots to program. Plus, basic cable airs the full gamut of movies, ranging from recent high-budget blockbusters all the way to films that have finished their first-cycle telecasts -- so-called library or catalog titles -- which appear far less often on premium services. According to SNL Kagan, basic cable channels in the U.S. will fork over more than $2.8 billion licensing theatricals in 2011, compared with the just-under $2 billion spent by premium pay channels for theatricals.A lot of the movie spending is concentrated in a dozen basic channels such as FX, Syfy, TBS, Turner Classic Movies and Comedy Central. These heavy users of movies are critical to the economics of the basic window. (Theatrical slots have even appeared on basic networks such as Animal Planet and the Weather Channel in recent years, but those dedicated movie nights didn't stick.) Addressing Bewkes' statement, Deana Myers, senior analyst at SNL Kagan Research, says, "If one major buying basic cable network says it's not going to acquire as many films, that's going to have an impact. Pricing will come down if you have fewer buyers in the marketplace. Then it depends if other networks step in to buy films."According to one school of thought, however theatricals won't suffer much loss in basic cable, because their star power makes them easy to promote and repeat. In the multichannel cable dial, big stars and glossy production values prompt America's nomadic channel surfers to pause. Even better -- and perhaps flying in the face of the idea of online viewing devaluing a film -- familiarity has its own cache."Basic cable networks deliver reliable ratings by way of quality brand-centric content that people love to watch over and over," says Ken Werner, president of Warner Bros. domestic television distribution. "It's like spending time with an old friend."And while it can be argued that theatricals increasingly are taking a back seat due to original cable series gobbling up time periods and program budgets, first-run cable series remain an expensive proposition, especially if they flop. On the other hand, movies are usually licensed after their theatrical premiere, when they are known quantities, with predictable pricing tied to box office, and are generally much cheaper than original fare and provide high-quality fodder to fill cablers' vast 24-hour schedules.Jim Packer, Lionsgate president of worldwide TV and digital distribution, adds yet another positive: "Films not only rate well, but will provide each network with a promotional vehicle for their originals." Still, if online viewing adversely impacts ratings for a film on cable, the result could hit basic cablers harder than the premium outlets, simply due to their different business models. The top-grossing theatricals command about the same price from premium pay outlets like HBO and Starz as they do from basic, which these days is around $25 million per title. But basic cablers are partly ad-supported, -- as opposed to the ad-free, subscription premium networks -- which means that any reduction in ratings would cause a similar reduction in revenue.And basic cablers buy films differently that the premium channels do. Premium nets lock in all the films of a major studio for multiple years in output deals, committing to most films sight unseen. But basic networks generally buy only a handful at a time, making their deals only after films reach the theatrical window and their box office is known. Perhaps some basic cablers will want to look into online viewing trends for specific movies as well. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Game 7 around the world Series Bumps Fringe, Interferes with NBC Premieres

David Giuntoli, Josh Jackson Peter Bishop's return to Fringe will have to wait another week. Have a look at what's on tv inside our records guide Game 6 around the world Series was pressed back every day because of rain on Wednesday. On Thursday, the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Texas Rangers to pressure a tie-breaking game being carried out Friday evening. Consequently, Fox will push new cases of Fringe and Kitchen Bad dreams or nightmares to November. 4.Fall TV: Have the lowdown on all the new shows Game 7 may even disruptthe final season premiere of NBC's Chuck (8/7c) together with the series premiere in the network's new mythic cop drama Grimm (9/8c). Over on CBS, A Gifted Guy, CSI: NY and Blue Bloods are actually transformed by repeats. Will you watch baseball or have a look at regularly scheduled television?

Sky Deutschland picks up TMG package

BERLIN -- Steven Soderbergh's revenge thriller "Haywire," starring Gina Carano, and "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1" are heading to Sky Deutschland as part of a film rights deal inked with Herbert Kloiber's Tele Muenchen Group. The agreement, announced Wednesday, also includes such high-profile pics as Phyllida Lloyd's "The Iron Lady," with Meryl Streep; Robert Schwentke's action comedy "Red," starring Bruce Willis and Helen Mirren; and Yasemin Samdereli's local hit "Almanya." The deal also provides Sky with new rights for the feevee's expanding product line, which includes services such as Sky Go and Sky Anytime that allow customers to access content in a variety of ways. Contact Ed Meza at staff@variety.com

'Fear Factor' returns 12 ,. 12

NBC has set coming back date for "Fear Factor." Peacock is returning the venerable reality skein for any two-hour premiere at 8 p.m. 12 ,. 12. Show, that will run for eight days, will fill the Monday timeslot vacated by "The Sing Off," that will have ended the prior week. Premise of "Fear Factor" is to determine what participants can endure probably the most stomach-churning endeavors. They that wins makes a $50,000 prize. The show broadcast on NBC from 2001-06 and was located by Joe Rogan, who'll go back to his emcee responsibilities for that second go-around. "We now have taken the 'Fear Factor' franchise that lots of fans remember fondly and also have ramped up to really make it much more challenging and competitive than in the past,Inch stated NBC alternative topper Paul Telegdy. Skein is created by Endemol USA and professional created are Matt Kunitz and David Hurwitz. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Bop Decameron or Nero Fiddled: Which Woody Allen Title is More Problematic?

Some of Woody Allen’s best films have had simple, straightforward film titles (Annie Hall! Crimes and Misdemeanors! Hannah and Her Sisters! Even Midnight in Paris…). But you know, I thought there was really something catchy to Bop Decameron, the former title of his current Rome-set next flick. Apparently, I may have been the only one who liked it; as Anne Thompson reports, Allen’s changed the title to Nero Fiddled. Riiiight. There was something so romantic, so Fellini-esque about Bop Decameron! Who cares if no one “got” it, as Woody lamented. Reports Thompson on Hollywood: “‘I couldn’t believe how few people had heard of The Decameron even in Rome,’ [Allen] says. ‘And the few that did assumed the movie was based on Boccaccio’s tales which it’s not.’” Well, fine. But Nero Fiddled? Here’s what comes to mind in free association: - Nero…. neurotic. No thanks. - Nero fiddled. Fiddled with what? - Nero plays a fiddle? What kind of movie is this, again? But you tell me; which is the better title for the pic, set in Rome and starring Roberto Benigni, Alec Baldwin, Ellen Page, Jesse Eisenberg and more? Woody Allen Ditches Decameron Title for Nero Fiddled [Thompson on Hollywood]

Analyst: Fox Could Get Around $750 Million in New Syndication Revenue After 'Simpsons' Cancellation

NEW YORK - Ironically, a potential cancellation of animated hit show The Simpsons could open up additional revenue to the tune of around $750 million for News Corp. and its Fox unit, RBC Capital Markets analyst David Bank said late Tuesday. Plus, it could add to the company's stock price by boosting financials, he said.our editor recommendsFox Threatens End of 'Simpsons' if Voice Actors Don't Accept 45% Pay Cut (Report)'Simpsons' Money Battle: Biz Model not Sustainable, Says Fox "The original syndication deal (struck about 17 years ago) prevented Fox from selling the show into any other distribution mechanism but local broadcast," he wrote in a research note entitled "D'oh! Possible Cancellation Of The Simpsons Could Result In Windfall For News Corp." PHOTOS: Best and Worst TV Dads: 'The Simpsons,' 'Modern Family' "Ironically, the cancellation of the show would allow News Corp. to finally sell off-network syndication rights into cable channels (and potentially to online distributors)," he explained, calling the potential windfall for Fox "massive." After all, cable was "relatively insignificant" in terms of off-network syndication at the time of the original deal, Bank said. "But over the ensuing years, cable grew to be as big an opportunity as (if not bigger than) local broadcast." Fox's TV studio had said earlier on Tuesday that the financial model of the Simpsons wasn't sustainable anymore. A report said the studio was looking to cut voice actors' salaries by 45 percent. Canceling The Simpsons could allow Fox to "essentially abrogate" the original syndication agreement, "potentially allowing for about $750 million of incremental content monetization," Bank said. He estimated that cable syndication and maybe online distributors could fetch $1 million-$2 million per episode in what is a library of 506 episodes. "We believe Fox would probably only have the rights for about 15-17 seasons initially (with the rest tied-up in the original broadcast syndication cycle) and we'd imagine Fox would spread the delivery of episodes across a number of years," Bank suggested. Overall, this could create 10 cents per share-plus in stock value for News Corp. shareholders when assuming $1.5 million per episode and 60 percent profit margins, according to the analyst. A lack of a positive resolution of a labor dispute between Simpsons cast members and the Fox TV studio and a potential resulting cancellation of the show "could be more positive for News Corp. stock than one might think," Bank concluded. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Topics The Simpsons News Corp.

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Screening Notes from the Ridonkulous Taylor Lautner LOLfest Abduction

If you were one of the curious few who caught Twilight star Taylor Lautner’s abysmally-reviewed action star debut, Abduction, then you know how insanely, wonderfully ridiculous it is. Like, Razzie shoo-in, I-can’t-believe-I’m-seeing-this-shit awfulsome good times. It’s a film with dialogue so inane, Lautner actually asks, “Are you my mother??” And he’s serious. I had such a good time “WTF”-ing at Abduction, I compiled all of my screening notes within for your perusal. Needless to say, major spoiler alert! It’s amazing how little reason and logic comes into play in John Singleton’s PG-13 actioner, filmed from a script that Lionsgate paid a reported $1 million to buy. Which is incredible because no other film in recent memory has been this amazingly stupid across the board, from the story to the dialogue to the wooden action. It may not have been the box office triumph the filmmakers boldly believed it to be, but at least Abduction is a cult classic in the making! Beware (and enjoy) major spoilers and the worst lines of the year. It’s a must-see — for all the wrong reasons, but still! You won’t be disappointed. Taylor Lautner is playing Ship’s Mast. He’s SO EDGY! Cringe moment #1: He can’t even yell “Yeaaaah!” convincingly. Uh-oh. Not a good sign. Teen-speak ADR’ed into a high school party scene: “That’s swag!” Kudos John Singleton, with your finger on the pulse of today’s youth. Taylor Lautner is underage drinking! (Would Stephenie Meyer approve?) Taylor Lautner is shirtless! (Stephenie Meyer would definitely approve.) Only five minutes have gone by! Child abuse as parent-child bonding. I dig it. Taylor Lautner is swearing guys! He’s so grown up! “I still have THE DREAMS…” Therapist Sigourney Weaver’s advice? Bury those repressed memories of watching your mom getting murdered. BURY THEM DEEP. Jaw clench #1 Obligatory bicep shot #1, followed by jaw clench #2 Apropo of nothing, from Tay-Tay’s BFF: “So what if I go to the gun range three to four times a week to blow off steam?” SHIRTLESS SCENE #2! (He’s legal, ok?) Yes, let’s randomly assign you to partner with your dream girl on a sociology assignment involving looking up missing children websites. SURE. Wait a second, did second unit just misspell “disappeared” in an online chat close-up?? “Are you my mother??” Seriously: “Come in the back door.” Seriously. Number of bombs in the oven: 1 / Number of helmets worn during high speed motorcycle ride: 0 Taylor’s phone call to 911 is interrupted by The Government. “Wait - how’d you know my name??” Because they’re everywhere, dipshit. Escape via balloons. “Get your shit together!” Sigourney Weaver with the only sane line of the movie. Oh, a floating branch wanders by just as you’re trying to escape via the river? HOW CONVENIENT. On the run, Taylor wakes up from a bad dream with a single tear already trickled down his cheek. Hey, it’s the guy from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo! No, not Daniel Craig. Lily Collins flags down a trucker. “Hey, can you take us to Virginia?” “Get in!” “THIS is an odd address!” Lily to Taylor as they drive to his mother’s address through what is CLEARLY a cemetery. My goodness. Jaw clench #15! HERE COMES THE KISSING! Wha—this is terrible. Horrible, bad kisses. A case for joining Team Edward if there ever was one. I think she just made out with his nose. He says he knows what he’s doing now. I think he means he’s totally DONE IT, you guys. Heavy make-out sesh is getting humpy when Lily Collins, who is clearly loose because she dated a college guy a lifetime ago (yesterday), breaks off the straddle-fest - because she’s hungry. Because of course. Bad guy alert! If you’re trying to abduct a kid for convoluted plot reasons, shouldn’t you maybe, you know, not try to murder him right off the bat? Just sayin’. And Taylor defeats him with… his thighs! CROTCH POWER! Whoa. Dude is D-E-A-D. Fun fact: “Did you know cell phones can be turned into listening devices (which then account for enormous plot holes revealing key information to the main villain)?” Stadium parkour! Are you my… father?? THE END (Wait, there was no abduction???) Until next time, when Abduction 2: Abduct Harder promises even greater comic riches.

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Weekend Receipts: Lion King Plays Hardball Against Moneyball

The “Circle of Existence” remains unchecked since the Lion King (in 3d) assigned Moneyball to win the weekend receipt war for just about any second week back to back. Kaira Pitt isn't being embarrassed about, though, because the love project notched the finest opening weekend for nearly any baseball movie ever. Really, a couple of large records were set a couple of days ago. Following a jump, we’ll count lower the finest earners and lament the plight of Rachelle Lefervre. 1. The Lion King (in 3d) Gross: $22,130,000 ($61,676,000) Screens: 2,330 Even though it showed up second on Friday’s tally, The Lion King (in 3d) roared again on Saturday — a bigger movie day for families — and attracted through getting a slim victory. However, might be the Lion King actually the Disney jam you need to see in fulgent 3-D? I’d give everything to see Cruella p Vil’s husky fur coat and jutting clavicle defy a while and space. 2. Moneyball Gross: $20,600,000 (new) Screens: 2,993 Though he lost his legendary hair fight with Robert Redford yesterday, Kaira Pitt could call themselves a victor: Moneyball’s earnings place it before Benchwarmers, The Rookie, and my beloved A League that goes for them’s opening weekends (not counting for inflation). It’s an perfectly-examined movie too, meaning we have to expect it to remain a sizable player inside the days later on. The question for you personally is which kind of Oscar contender it's. 3. Dolphin Tale Gross: $20,260,000 (new) Screens: 3,507 Oh, had you been thinking about counting out Harry Connick Junior. as well as the miracle of whales using this roundup? You fool. Dolphin Tale’s very proud showing makes this the initial September weekend ever to feature three films with $20 million intakes. I'd like a follow-up referred to as Memphis Beluga. Now, towards the sadness. 4. Abduction Gross: $11,200,000 (new) Screens: 3,118 Even though the immortal Sigourney Weaver charmed us in this mixed-up, ultimately silly movie, unhealthy buzz and unconvincing starpower of Rachelle Lefervre set Abduction up for just about any weak turnout. Let’s think about the advantages: Sigourney loves Hitchcock movies which is ready to discuss them thorough. Redemption. 5. Killer Elite Gross: $9,500,000 Screens: 2,986 And also the other factor about bad buzz: Following a first trailer for Killer Elite came out, authors agreed the film will be a nondescript Jason Statham vehicle that happened to costar Clive Owen and Robert P Niro. Following a red-colored-colored band trailer came out, its fate was sealed. A great deal a lot more like Killer Remove. Guh-her. 6. Contagion Gross: $8,565,000 ($57,122,000) Screens: 3,136 I, for starters, miss when Contagion was the big champion. There has been “contagious” mind lines being made, Purell puns being hewn, and Peggy Lee-aided “Fever” montages to edit. Now all I'd like can be a Peggy Lee-aided Lady as well as the Tramp (in 3d)” film experience. Please spew this forth, Disney vault. Weekend Chart [Box Office Mojo]

David Kohan And Max Mutchnick Sell 2 Comedies With Put Pilot Obligations

EXCLUSIVE: Carrying out a year-extended stint as showrunners on CBS’ comedy $#*! My Dad States, Will & Sophistication designers/executive producers David Kohan and Max Mutchnick have came back creating their unique shows. They have saved busy this season, selling two multicamera comedy projects — one at CBS then one at ABC — with put pilot obligations. Both projects hail from Warner Bros TV and Kohan and Mutchnick’s studio-based KoMut Entertainment, while using duo writing and executive creating. The untitled CBS project is about 2 male close buddies — one gay, one straight — who are both in serious associations. Known to love a show about 𔄜 people in 3 associations”, the comedy reflects the particular-existence longtime friendship between Kohan, who's straight, and Mutchnick, who's gay. Because of that connection, the idea remains near and dear for his or her hearts. The Two handled it before at ABC, where the project visited pilot starring Alan Tudyk, Josh Cooke and Ty Burrell, but Kohan and Mutchnick had recognized they thought there has been script, casting together with other conditions. The Two had handled to maneuver on if the year CBS approached them about coming back towards the concept of a show based on their relationship but configuring it right this time around around. ABC’s There's help an Upstairs, Downstairs-style comedy of a wealthy family and individuals who use them. It concentrates on a young guy — been trained in the country’s leading culinary school — who lands employment since the personal chef for your dysfunctional entrepreneurs from the family-run fashion empire. Kohan and Mutchnick, who won a best comedy series Emmy for Will & Sophistication, are repped by Scott Schwartz.

IFTA taps Hertzberg as chairman

The Independent Film & Television Alliance has attracted on Paul Hertzberg, Leader and Boss of CineTel Films, as chairman for just about any two-year term, altering Troma topper Lloyd Kaufman. The election happened Thursday incorporated in IFTA's Annual People Meeting within the Beverly Slopes Hotel and simultaneously within the British Screen Advisory Council london. Kaufman walked lower after two terms. Hertzberg went unopposed. IFTA membership also re-selected Pierre David, chairman and Boss of Imagination Worldwide, to vice chairperson and Summit professional V . p . Kaira Kembel to vice chairperson/secretary. Hertzberg, David and Kembel will also be named for the executive committee. People ongoing their two-year terms are Elisabeth Costa p Beauregard Rose of Lakeshore as Chairperson in the Export Alliance Richard Protector of Protector Entertainment as Vice Chairperson Nu Image topper Avi Lerner as Vice Chairperson/Finance and Mark Lindsay as Vice Chairperson. Selected to two-year terms round the board of company company directors are Kaufman, Shaked Berenson of Epic Pictures Group, Carl Clifton of K5 Media Group, Roger Corman of latest Horizons Picture Corp., Myriad Pictures topper Kirk D'Amico, Albert Lee of Emperor Movies, Bobby Meyers of Meyers Film Entertainment, Kathy Morgan of Kathy Morgan Worldwide, Erection dysfunction Noeltner of Cinema Management Group and Lise Romanoff of Vision Films. Ongoing round the board are Steve Bickel of Orpheum Communications, Nicolas Chartier of Current Pictures, Mark Damon of expertise Unlimited, Clay Epstein in the Little Film Company, Tatyana Joffe of IM Global, Tony Kandah of Hollywood Wizard, John O'Shea in the Exchange, Wendy Reeds of Tiger Gate, Mimi Steinbauer of Hyde Park Worldwide and Lisa Wilson of GK Films. Jack Campbell of Maya Entertainment and Peter Kujawski of Focus assists as alternates. IFTA reps greater than 150 member companies from 23 nations. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Trailer: Joe Carnahans The Gray

Open Road has launched a teaser trailer for that Gray, the Joe Carnahan-directed drama by which Liam Neeson leads an organization of oil drillers whose plane crashes within the Alaskan wilds — right in the center of a territorial pack of rogue baby wolves. Open Road acquired the film recently for approximately $8 million along with a $25 million P&Dedication to produce early the coming year, having a possible platform release to place Neeson within the Oscar race. This is actually the teaser:

Paramount Unwraps Its Hollywood Project: $700M, 25-Year Makeover For Studio, Offices

(September 20, 2011) Paramount Pictures Corporation today announced that it is filing applications with the City of Los Angeles for the Hollywood Project, the studios long-term plan to preserve its rich 100-year history in Hollywood and invest in its storied 62-acre property. The 25-year plan, which outlines proposed enhancements to the studios properties, will provide Paramount with the flexibility to modernize and further upgrade the studios state-of-the-art soundstages and high-tech film and television production facilities. These facilities are located on the studios 56-acre lot and six studio adjacent properties located in Hollywood. In total, over its duration, the Project represents a potential $700 million investment in Los Angeles and is anticipated to generate $3.1 billion in economic output annually. Projected capital improvements are expected to create nearly 7,300 jobs during construction and 12,600 jobs during operations. Over the next several months, Paramount will reach out to the local community, its neighbors and stakeholders to provide information and answer questions about the Hollywood Project. In addition, the studio will work with the City of Los Angeles and its agencies as part of the projects comprehensive environmental review process. The Project will be subject to a thorough review and hearing process with the City of Los Angeles, during which the public will have various opportunities to participate. For nearly 100 years, Paramount Pictures has made movies that are loved around the world. To continue to do that successfully, it is critical that we give our talent and staff the tools and technology they need to remain innovative in our approach to filmmaking, said Brad Grey, chairman and chief executive officer of Paramount Pictures Corporation. As the last major studio physically located in Hollywood, this project is fundamentally about maintaining a robust and healthy entertainment industry in Los Angeles, laying the long-term foundation to preserve and grow jobs and employment in the heart of the entertainment industry, as well as ensuring that the legacy and heritage of this iconic studio are protected for future generations. This long-term plan allows Paramount its first opportunity to take a cohesive look at its entire studio lot to improve production synergy and efficiencies that are critical to the future. The Paramount Pictures studio lot is located at 5555 Melrose Avenue, bordered by Gower Street to the west, Van Ness Avenue to the east and Hollywood Forever Cemetery to the north. Given the importance of the Paramount Pictures lot to Hollywoods history, the plan was designed to balance the needs of businesses in the future while protecting the historic and production core of the studio. As a result, the majority of the current studio lot will remain the same with specific portions along Melrose Avenue and limited area within the production core identified as areas for future development. The project is designed to bring together production and support facilities within close proximity to improve collaboration and streamline operations including new technologically advanced soundstages with adjacent production offices; high-tech post production facilities; producer, talent and writer offices; a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified headquarters building; and production support facilities for storage and on-lot distribution of lighting, props and other services. The project also provides upgraded employee amenities including increased gathering spaces, parking facilities, production basecamps, and improved circulation for studio trucks and trailers. Paramount Pictures has a long history of community involvement and is committed to making sure the community is an integral part of the process, said Sharon Keyser, senior vice president of real estate, government and community relations and the executive in charge of the project. We look forward to working with our neighbors and other stakeholders as we begin to shape our future.

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Castle Season 4: What Continues After "I Like You"?

Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic As the saying goes, you can't unring a bell. So, is it possible to unspeak what "I like you"?Fall Preview: Get scoop inside your favorite returning showsThat's the question pending over Castle, since the Season 4 premiere (Monday, 10/c, ABC) focuses heavily how Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) will react to a profession of love from her mystery-author/partner, Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion), in last season's finale. Clearly, Castle's "I like you" didn't visit a candlelight dinner, but a direct consequence of Beckett being gunned lower having a sniper. So, you will discover plenty of easy outs, right?"My goals would recognition precisely what we'd carried out the summer season finale and not sweep anything beneath the carpet," creator and executive producer Andrew W. Marlowe notifies TVGuide.com. "My intent wound up being to confront all the issues that we elevated and deal with them with techniques that ... could be both satisfying to fans additionally to some small bit frustrating for individuals who would like Castle and Beckett to acquire back immediately. We now have taken their relationship to another level of complexity. ... [There's] a lot more meaning inside the Beckett and Castle relationship."Which Castle figures made our report on TV's most sexy crime mma fighters?Provides executive producer Laurie Zaks: "Once the genie is let in the bottle, it can't go in. Even if it is not acknowledged vocally, psychologically there's apt to be an optimistic change.InchIt is within people emotional and mental corners in the story that things obtain a little tricky. For example: Will Castle even be capable of see past their very own complicity in Beckett's shooting - by extension, the sacrificial dying of former Capt. Roy Montgomery (Ruben Santiago-Hudson) - to move forward in the relationship along with her?InchIt have been an very sobering event for Castle. Certainly he's a means of calculating guilt," Fillion states. "This is a guy who's not too keen to build up up soon. But he's really been spear-heading this analysis. He's been kicking this hornet's nest around, believing that fixing it'll get him closer to Beckett. However he's losing pals, literally. It will pressure him to build up up slightly.InchFortress exclusive: Meet Castle and Beckett's new captain! Also standing if this involves Castle and Beckett's possible love connection can be a decrease in face time, since new Victoria "Iron" Gates (Cent Manley Jerald) has assumed command in the twelfth Precinct and rapidly began Castle out."He is not familiar with women being around him that aren't disarmed by him immediately," Fillion states. "Women love him, then when they don't, he takes it tough. ... She'll not supply him with one-half chance. Even when he warrants credit, she'll not make it for him. That really bothers him, and it'll be a ongoing fight."Nevertheless the true obstacle preventing a Castle-Beckett hookup is secrecy, as both Beckett and Castle will need to hide significant information from each other in the start of the summer season.Castle exclusive: Star Trek's Michael Dorn is Beckett's shrink"Everybody's got secrets this year,In . Katic states. "The initial episode kind of describes how this next season will probably be directed. It describes in the really subtle way how a two figures experience each other and what obstacles they might need to tackle to have the ability to finally achieve each other. I believe that it is sweet."Sweet, otherwise immediately satisfying for the show's ravenous fans. Katic is only able to promise that Beckett, who'll also share some her feelings getting a police-mandated shrink (Star Trek: The Next Generation's Michael Dorn) this season, is acting inside the interest of her extended-term happiness."She's creating a grownup decision not to dive into something because she doesn't desire to spoil it,Inch Katic states. " She's real, adult reasons for making the choices she makes. ... She cares for him a great deal. She's deeply deeply in love with him. She's dated other males, but he's really the only guy she's been deeply deeply in love with."Castle premieres Monday at 10/9c on ABC. Watch a clip within the premiere: