'Catch Me' tunesmiths on whiplash pace

Marc Shaiman, left, and Scott Wittman are writing 15 songs for the 'Marilyn' musical at the end of 'Smash.'Like so many others on the "Smash" team, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman began working on the NBC series about the making of a Broadway musical at the same time they were knee-deep in production of Broadway tuner "Catch Me if You Can."The coincidental connective tissue between the two projects was Steven Spielberg, who had the initial inspiration for the concept that became "Smash," and who also directed the 2002 feature film "Catch Me if You Can." The intense demands of working on original music for both projects kept the composer and lyricist duo on their feet, literally."When we were rehearsing 'Catch Me,' we'd say 'We're gonna just go get a soda around the corner,' " recalls Shaiman. "And of course we ran over to the table read for 'Smash.' ""It was gay 'Inception,' " laughs Wittman.The pair's tunesmithing process has been sped up by the demands of TV, as they are tasked with delivering at least 15 original songs for the "Marilyn" musical that is the show-within-a-show in "Smash."The songs "need to be recorded and staged, because often they're production numbers; we've done one or two of them more quickly than we were used to," Wittman says. "But it's really like doing a musical. You're in a table read and you're like, 'We could write a better song for this moment.' "A key part of the "Smash" plot turns on the oft-told story of a young singer, played by Katharine McPhee, who moves to NY to seek fame and fortune onstage. It may be a trope as old as "42nd Street," but it nonetheless rings true.The show's storylines are by design "very authentic to the process," Wittman says. "Often on the set I'll say, 'I've been in this room.' " Contact Sam Thielman at sam.thielman@variety.com

New Frankenweenie image released

A new image has been released by Disney in order to promote Frankenweenie, the forthcoming stop-motion adventure from Tim Burton.In it, we see Burton's young protagonist Victor looking lovingly down at his pet pooch Sparky. Nothing macabre about that, you might think, but this being Burton, there's more to things than meets the eye. Namely, that Sparky has been brought back from the dead!The film will be a full-length adaptation of the short film of the same name with which the director first made waves back in 1984. That version was filmed in live-action however, whereas the new film sees Burton return to the painstaking stop-motion process used in Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas.Already, the level of detail involved is clear for all to see, with Victor's bedroom lovingly adorned with all sorts of science-fiction trappings, including an eye-catching poster for 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea.Frankenweenie will draw upon the vocal talents of Christopher Lee, Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara and Martin Landau, and will be released in the UK on 5 October 2012.

James Franco in Foretells Play Hugh Hefner in Linda Lovelace Biopic

James Franco as Hugh Hefner?The actor, who last starred in "Rise from the Planet from the Apes," is within talks with Millenium/Nu Image to look inside a cameo because the legendary founding father of "Playboy," in "Lovelace," the biopic of Linda Lovelace.Lovelace sees Amanda Seyfried because the lady who starred within the most well-known pornos ever, "Deep Throat." Also within the cast are Peter Sarsgaard as her husband, Chuck Traynor, and Hank Azaria as Jerry Damiano, the director of "Deep Throat."Bobby Cannavale and Chris Noth are positioned for that particular roles from the film's bankers, Butchie Peraino and Anthony Romano, while Robert Patrick will have Lovelace's father, John.Also within the cast are Sharon Stone, Juno Temple, Wes Bentley and Romeo Brown.Franco, who had been at some point in foretells play Traynor before walking aside, seems within the Hef cameo only when dates exercise. The actor and the reps happen to be dancing with producers round the timing of the one-day shoot, but to date a consummation remains elusive.The development, underneath the direction of Take advantage of Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, started shooting in La now. The Hollywood Reporter

'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' Clip: Josh Holloway Does Not Call Anyone Freckles

Some moderately bad news for 'Lost' fans: Josh Holloway does not call anyone 'Freckles' or 'Jumbrotron' or 'Doc' in 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.' The good news? Holloway does make an appearance in the new blockbuster as -- wait for it -- Agent Hanaway. HANAWAY! How does Holloway's Hanaway factor into the mysteries of 'Ghost Protocol'? No spoilers here, but just make sure you arrive early unless you want to be in the dark for the whole film. Check out Holloway in action in a new clip from 'Ghost Protocol' below. Out in IMAX now, 'Mission: Impossible 4' hits theaters on Wednesday. For more on the film, check out Moviefone's interview with Brad Bird. [Photo: Paramount] The Best Movies of 2011 The Best Movies of 201150. 'Breaking Dawn'49. 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon'48. 'The Trip'47. 'Warrior'46. 'Cave of Forgotten Dreams'45. 'The Iron Lady'44. 'We Bought a Zoo'43. 'Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol'42. 'Horrible Bosses'41. 'Contagion'40. 'Winnie the Pooh'39. 'Win Win'37. 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'38. 'Hanna'36. 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close'35. 'The Interrupters'34. 'Crazy, Stupid, Love'33. 'The Guard'32. 'Captain America: The First Avenger'31. 'The Ides of March'30. 'Beginners'29. 'Martha Marcy May Marlene''A Dangerous Method'27. 'The Adventures of Tintin'26. 'Bill Cunningham NY'25. 'We Need to Talk About Kevin'24. 'Young Adult'23. 'My Week With Marilyn'22. 'Margin Call'21. 'X-Men: First Class'20. 'Attack the Block'19. 'Shame'18. 'Super 8'17. 'Melancholia'16. 'The Muppets'15. 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes'14. 'Tree of Life'13. 'Rango'12. 'The Help'11. 'Moneyball'10. '50/50'9. 'Drive'8. 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo'7. 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II'6. 'Midnight in Paris'5. 'Bridesmaids'4. 'The Descendants'3. 'War Horse'2. 'The Artist'1. 'Hugo' See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

9 Milestones in the Evolution of Kate Winslet

In this weekend’s Carnage, Kate Winslet plays an uptight investment banker who tries to broker a parental agreement concerning the damage done during a playground dispute between her son and another boy. So how did the British actress transform herself from a teenage murderer in her breakthrough role to a middle-aged NYer determined to settle her son’s stick fight? You can always trace a direct line through a few important roles to illustrate what led to an actor’s current success. As such, let’s look at nine pivotal performances that track the evolution of Kate Winslet. Dark Season (1991) Born into a family of working class actors, it wasn’t long before Winslet herself developed an interest in the arts and began studying drama at the age of 11. Five years later, Winslet won her first major professional acting role in BBC’s sci-fi series The Dark Season. Made up of just six episodes, the show followed a trio of teenagers (including Winslet’s Reet) as they attempted to save their school from a sinister gentleman posing as a computer dealer. Heavenly Creatures (1994) Three years later, Winslet made her film debut in Peter Jackson’s semi-biographical drama Heavenly Creatures. Winslet portrayed Juliet Hulme, a real-life teenager who in 1954, with the help of her best friend (played by Melanie Lynskey), killed her best friend’s mother. The critically-acclaimed drama (which was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay) chronicled the girls’ intense friendship which bordered on obsession, hysteria and psychosis. The film also marked Winslet’s singing debut via an a cappella version of “Sono Andati” from La Bohme. For her performance, at the age of 19, she was named British Actress of the Year by the London Critics Circle. Sense and Sensibility (1995) Because Ang Lee reportedly did not enjoy Winslet’s work in Heavenly Creatures, the Sense and Sensibility director would only allow the British actress to audition for the minor role of Lucy Steele. However, as Wikipedia legend has it, Winslet pretended that she had been told the audition was for the meatier role of Marianne and proceeded to read for the middle Dashwood sister. Needless to say, Winslet won the part as the willful Dashwood as well as her first BAFTA and her first of six Academy Award nominations. Titanic (1997) Thanks to the exposure brought on by her work in Sense and Sensibility, James Cameron cast Winslet as Rose, the fictional socialite who falls for a drifter (Leonardo DiCaprio), in this epic romance about the ill-fated RMS Titanic. The film launched Winslet into sudden, unexpected Hollywood stardom when the film broke a series of records including highest grossing film at the time and earned a record-equaling eleven Academy Award wins. Titanic remains the highest-grossing film of Winslet’s career. Her work as young Rose also earned her a second Academy Award nomination. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) Following the explosive success of Titanic, Winslet recoiled from the spotlight — reportedly passing on lead roles in Shakespeare in Love and Anna and the King to star in the smaller ’60s drama Hideous Kinky, the Jane Campion film Holy Smoke!, the Oscar-nominated period piece Quills and British biographical drama Iris. When Winslet finally returned to the Hollywood forefront, it was for a role unlike any others on her resume in the Michel Gondry-Charlie Kaufman collaboration Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. For playing a brightly-tressed neurotic woman who elects to erase memories of her relationship with her ex (Jim Carrey) in this psychological sci-fi romance, Winslet won more glowing reviews. After an Oscar nomination for Iris, Winslet earned her fourth nod for Sunshine.

Focus sets dates for 'Flynn,' 'Friend,' 'Kingdom'

Focus Features has dated ''Being Flynn,'' ''Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" and ''Moonrise Kingdom'' for the first half of next year. Focus made the announcement Friday. ''Being Flynn'' will open March 2 in limited release. Paul Weitz directed ''Flynn'' from his own script, adatped from Nick Flynn's 2004 memoir ''Another Bullshit Night in Suck City'' about the bonds between parent and child. Paul Dano, Julianne Moore and Robert De Niro star.Universal's animated ''The Lorax,'' Warner's comedy ''Project X'' and Paramount's ''Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters'' are going wide on March 2. Focus will open ''Seeking a Friend for the End of the World,'' in a wide release on April 20, Pic stars Steve Carell and Keira Knightley and explores what people will do when humanity's last days are at hand. ''Seeking'' will open against FilmDistrict's ''Lockout,'' Disney's ''Chimpanzee,'' Warner's ''The Lucky One'' and a pair from The Weinstein Co. --''Scary Movie 5'' and ''Wettest County.'' It will launch romancer ''Moonrise Kingdom,'' directed by Wes Anderson, in limited release on May 25. Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton and Jason Schwartzman star. Sony's opening ''Men In Black 3'' on May 25. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

'American Horror Story' Scares Up Golden Globe Nominations

It's always great to see genre titles make it to the awards shows, which is why we're excited that Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk's "American Horror Story" has been nominated for a Golden Globe in the Drama Series category. The Harmon family and their supernatural roommates are up against several other newcomers including the much-loved "Game of Thrones." Congrats also go out to the sharp-tongued Jessica Lange's Constance Langdon, who is nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category. Does the horror series stand a chance this season? Ponder that, and read up on the rest of this week's horror news past the break. New "[REC] 3: Genesis" Trailer Hits The nightmares continue with a new trailer for "[REC] 3: Genesis" the third installment in the terrifying found footage series. [REC] and [REC] 2 co-director Paco Plaza tells the story that takes place just a few hours before the first film's carnage begins at a wedding, even. Stars Leticia Dolera and Diego Martin see their special day turn into an utter bloodbath (love it!). Wedding bells ring in Spanish theaters on March 30, which hopefully means we'll be seeing a release date in the U.S. sometime soon. 'Saw' Writers 'Rise' At Warner Bros. Deadline hasn't shared much about a new action/sci-fi pitch circulating at Warner Brothers, but we noticed two familiar names from the genre world. "Saw" writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan have teamed up with "The Ring" producer and a fledgling screenwriter for a project they're calling "Rise." The horror duo recently worked on the "Piranha 3DD" screenplay and there's some ambiguous info floating around on IMDb about a "Collector" sequel, so we're curious to see how this one pans out for the team. 'Paradise' Hopefully Found Soon For Legendary Pictures Alex Proyas' good vs. evil action epic, "Paradise Lost" based on the classic John Milton poem has hit a budgetary roadblock. Legendary Pictures exceeded their $120 million mark, which means it's back to the drawing board to make some cuts. Hopefully that doesn't mean any changes for the cast that includes Bradley Cooper, Casey Affleck, and Dominic Purcell. We'll stand by patiently for now to see where things go, because we really want to know what Bradley Cooper looks like as Lucifer. Stop Motion Animated Hellfire Coming Soon There's a new stop motion animation feature that sends someone to hell to burn for all eternity. Two best friends try to rescue their buddy, but all those pesky demons try to stop them because the dark ones can be pretty greedy when it comes to meeting their monthly quota. Nick Swardson ("Reno 911") and TJ Miller ("Cloverfield," "Get Him to the Greek") will be appearing in the R-rated animation that starts shooting in January. Will you brave the hellfire and brimstone to check it out? Universal Conjures 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone' Universal just scooped up the rights to Laini Taylor's young adult novel, "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" a newly published story that Paramount tried to snag several weeks ago. A 17-year-old art student is sent across the world to collect teeth by her father. She's not sure why (guess this family doesn't talk much ), but an encounter with an angel reveals all that her family has been hiding. Otherworldly adventures ensue. Have you read the book yet, and do you see this one making an interesting translation to the big screen? " target="_blank">Watch the Unnerving New Trailer for IFC's 'Kill List' If you haven't been paying attention, IFC's "Kill List" arrives on VOD on January 4 and a creepy new trailer has arrived for Ben Wheatley's movie. The film finds an ex-soldier as a contract killer who is grappling with the devastating aftermath following a botched job in Kiev. He presses on with a strange, new assignment, but soon realizes that his whole world is beginning to unravel. Tell us what you think of this week's Horror Bites in the comments section and on Twitter!

New Lock-Out Trailer Online

Guy Pearce explodes into space (prison)Back in August 2010, when word broke of Maggie Grace jumping aboard Luc Besson's new high concept thriller Lock-Out (or MS One: Maximum Security as it is in France), we thought the set up sounded like a blend of Escape From NY and Fortress. From the looks of this trailer, we were bang on, with just a dash of Die Hard added in for good measure. Check it out below, but beware of some NSFW language.Grace plays the president's daughter, who gets stranded when the supposedly invulnerable maximum-security prison floating in space is suddenly taken over by its psycho inmates. So who could rescue her? Well, since Liam Neeson clearly wasn't available, Guy Pearce is called in to do the job. He's a snark-fuelled type who has been falsely accused of espionage against the US. Promised a pardon in return for his actions, he's dispatched off to the prison on a rescue mission. And that's when the shooting starts.Pearce looks to be having a blast here, ditching serious roles for some good old-fashioned wise-crackery that makes us think this one will walk the line between vats marked clag and classic, possibly falling into a little of both.With Lennie James, Peter Stomare and Vincent Regan also among the cast and James Mather and Stephen St Leger on directing duties, Lock-Out (or whatever it ends up being called) is scheduled to hit our screens on April 13.

Farm Boy

'Farm Boy'A New Perspectives Theater Company presentation from the play in one act by Michael Morpurgo, modified and directed by Daniel Buckroyd. Composer, Matt Marks.Grand boy - Richard Pryal Grandfather - John Walters"Farm Boy" can be a sweet show, nevertheless it requires the British people Off Broadway festival with marketing issues. Heart-warming two-hander in regards to the deep bond from a classic player and also the grand boy was modified in the story by children's author Michael Morpurgo, who claims that it's a follow-up to "War Equine," that more youthful crowd provided the foundation material. Within your dreams, people. This superbly socialized story-theater piece possesses its own modest charms, but auds searching to determine really Joey, the farm equine who distinguished themselves because magnificent Tony Award-winning show, will probably be sorely disappointed. John Walters (Grandfather) and Richard Pryal (Grand boy) are usually enchanting storytellers, entrusted by adapter-director Daniel Buckroyd to convince us the featureless stage can be a sprawling family farm inside the British countryside. With only a classic tractor (a stylized work of folk art crafted by Tim Brierley and Susan Winters) and Mark Dymock's dreamy lighting to look for the bucolic setting, thesps' hypnotic voices are sufficient to create the illusion from the working farm teeming with existence. Joey the war equine does estimate the story, meaning that old Grandfather recalls the equine that his father, the boy Albert in "War Equine," introduced where you can the farm within the battlefields of France within the finish from the First World War. But Joey is not a genuine presence inside the narrative, not necessarily inside the scene when the old man's some guy nearly works him to dying in the plowing competition getting a tractor. As appreciated by Grandfather (and carried out by Walters by getting an iron will, but heartbreaking physical fragility), the over 60's Albert has more full-bodied dimension. It's a subtle factor, however, if Pryal shows the Grandfather just like a youthful guy, it's basically a small variation on his warm portrayal in the Grand boy. However, when Walters plays his character's father Albert becoming an some guy, a totally different character comes alive. It's inside their original roles, though, rather than inside the fancy transformation moments, that Pryal and Walters are truly simpatico. Then when Grandfather and Grand boy finally forge their bond around the project that goes past the decades, it's enough to move an audience to tears.Lighting, Mark Dymock tractor construction, Tim Brierley tractor painting, Susan Winters production stage manager, Amy Kaskeski. Opened up up 12 ,. 13, 2011. Examined 12 ,. 8. Running time: 1 hour, 10 MIN. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Katie Couric, Boyfriend Split After Five Years

Brooks Perlin and Katie Couric Katie Couric and her boyfriend of five years, entrepreneur Brooks Perlin, have split, People reports.The breakup was "inevitable," a source tells the magazine, because the two were at different stages in their careers. Poll: Which 2011 celebrity breakup shocked you the most?Couric, 54, and Perlin, 37, met at a 2006 fundraiser for cancer research, and she was initially worried about their 17-year age difference. Her husband, Jay Monahan, with whom she has two daughters, died of colon cancer in 1998.Couric, who left the CBS Evening News in June, is working on her new syndicated ABC daytime show, Katie, which will begin in September.

Sinead O'Connor Marries Boyfriend in Las vegas

Sinead O'Connor Sinead O'Connor married boyfriend Craig Herridge on Thursday in Las vegas, People reviews. Sinead O'Connor to marry boyfriend on her behalf account birthday "On sunday I'll setup blog on whole day. Too glorious for words," the singer written in regards to the wedding on her behalf account blog. In line with the magazine, O'Connor used a small-cut pink dress and Herridge, a children's addiction counselor, donned a dark jacket getting a pink shirt. Following a 10-minute ceremony, the employees in the Little White-colored Wedding Chapel sang "Happy Birthday" for the bride, who switched 45. See other stars who've tied the knot this year This really is really the singer's fourth marriage. She's four children.

'Saw' Sequels Along The Way, 'Evil Dead' Plot Revealed

In the event you thought "Saw 3dInch was the final installment in the gory franchise, then you may want to sit lower with this particular news. The comfort people can stand, because we'd next miles away every diehard horror fan sees that a movie proclaiming being the "final" installment isn't finished permanently! Lionsgate just states a completely new "Saw" flick is along the way. Throughout the interview with CNBC, Vice Chairman Michael Burns got somewhat chatty in regards to the company's large moneymaker. "I am certain, sooner or later, you will notice 'Saw' within the image,Inch Burns mentioned. It appears sensible, no less than financially Lionsgate features a potential franchise in "Hunger Games," but sometimes certainly use backup within the reliable "Saw" series. In the fan perspective, anyone who seen James Wan's "Insidious" may have suspected it had been coming. Numerous you may have spotted the chalk-attracted Billy the Puppet by getting an "8" underneath him round the blackboard in one scene. Argue for or against a completely new "Saw" movie inside the comments below, and then click past the break for further from the week's Horror Bites. Extended-Anticipated Film about Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho' along the way "Alfred Hitchcock and also the building of Psycho" is finally ongoing to maneuver forward at Fox Searchlight. The project occured in development hell for four years at Vital, nevertheless the film that follows the macabre maestro on his journey inside the horror world may be seeing an April production start date. Anthony Hopkins is positioned to see Hitchcock, with Helen Mirren playing his wife. Their relationship is an additional primary narrative inside the movie. Sacha Gervasi ("Anvil! The Story of Anvil") will direct the look, which is founded on a non-fiction book by Stephen Rebello. Are you currently presently very happy to start to see the studio finally stick to the granddaddy of horror dudes? 'Evil Dead' Plot Particulars Revealed (Spoilers!) If you were wondering just what the approaching remake of Mike Raimi's 1981 horror classic, "Evil Dead," would finish up like, Moviehole recently shared lots of plot particulars to appease your curiosity. Shooting starts in March in Nz, where the Fede Alvarez-directed movie (with writing revisions by "Jennifer's Body" scribe Diablo Cody) will need shape. Stop reading through through here if you want to prevent spoilers of any type. "The redo plays it a lot more serious. These arent cartoonish heroes like Bruce Campbells Ash reaches the first films, they're real folks with real existence problems. By golly is it looking for some frightening not whatsoever amusing s---," the breakdown begins. See the relaxation at Moviehole. Bradley Cooper Talks Departing 'The Crow' "4 weeks Later's" Juan Carlos Fresnadillo was installed on direct Relativity's remake of 1994's "The Crow." Actor Bradley Cooper was set to star inside the lead role, which was initially carried out with the late Brandon Lee. Everyone hopped ship, and many types of we'd left was some debatable concept art showing what Cooper may have made an appearance as though since the undead avenger. Cooper recently spoke to Empire in what happened. "There really weren't that numerous pros and cons. I had been talking about carrying it out because of Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, who I used to be this kind of massive fan of. And timing didn't exercise. Then, he just dropped from this also, so I am unsure what they're doing to accomplish.In . Uncover what else Cooper must say the following. 'Final Destination 5' Artwork Scares Uk Children The poster campaign for your DVD and Blu-ray releases of "Final Destination 5" remains making Uk kids wet their pants. Our pals across water-feature have formally banned the artwork. The deed really was done because of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). A skull being shattered by lots of steel rods travelled into it's the main reason, as well as the image isn't any more allowed to appear anywhere in Uk territory. Meaning all people massive bus adverts and ads will need to go. It needed only 13 complaints to obtain the ASA to tear it lower, fearful it could cause further "fear and undue distress" to youthful ones. Distributor Warner Bros. contended the skull only agreed to become a "fantasy image," nonetheless they lost your dream regardless. Is it overreacting, or are they using a location? Another 'Snow White' Picture Gets into the Ring Someone didn't have the memo that Hollywood is on "Snow White-colored" overload nowadays. David DeCoteau's poor "Snow White-colored: A Deadly Summer season" starring Eric Roberts ("The Dark Dark evening") and Maureen McCormick ("The Brady Bunch") features a trailer. The present retelling finds Snow kidnapped by her wicked stepmother. The youthful girl is arrived at a discipline camping run having a callous hunter. Snow's fellow campers (you will discover seven of those) start to die one at a time, and he or she must identify the deadly mystery before she becomes victim number eight. If you would like more favorite anecdotes within your existence, watch a clip at Shock Before You Drop. Reveal everything you consider this week's Horror Bites inside the comments section and also on Twitter!

Specialty Box Office: December 2-4

Specialty Box Office: Shame (Fox Searchlight) NEW [10 Theaters] Friday $110K, Saturday $139K, Weekend $361K, Per Screen $36,118 The Dirty Picture (FLM) NEW [48 Theaters] Friday $76K, Saturday $120K, Weekend $268K, Per Screen $5,583, Cume $268K Pastorela (Lionsgate) NEW [55 Theaters] Friday $23K, Saturday $24K, Weekend $65K, Per Screen $1,191, Cume $65K I Am Singh (Reliance Big Pictures) NEW [54 Theaters] Friday $7K, Saturday $13K, Weekend $29K, Per Screen $539, Cume $29K Kinyarwanda (Ind) NEW [9 Theaters] Friday $8K, Saturday $7K, Weekend $21K, Per Screen $2,344 Answers To Nothing (Roadside Attractions) NEW [21 Theaters] Friday $5K, Saturday $5K, Weekend $14K, Per Screen $712, Cume $15K Sleeping Beauty (IFC) NEW [2 Theaters] Friday $2K, Saturday $3K, Weekend $9K, Per Screen $4,770 Outrage (Magnolia) NEW [2 Theaters] Friday $2K, Saturday $2K, Weekend $6K, Per Screen $3,080 My Week With Marilyn (The Weinstein Co) Week 2 [244 Theaters] Friday $344K, Saturday $506K, Weekend $1.1M (-33%), Per Screen $4,836, Cume $3.8M The Artist (The Weinstein Co) Week 2 (6 Theaters) Friday $56K, Saturday $88K, Weekend $205K, Per Screen $34,263, Cume $495K A Dangerous Method (Sony Classics) Week 2 [4 Theaters) Friday $32K, Saturday $48K, Weekend $122K, Per Screen $30,629, Cume $415K, Desi Boyz (ERO) Week 2 [103 Theaters] Friday $55K, Saturday $82K, Weekend $182K, Per Screen $1,768, Cume $996K Melancholia (Magnolia) Week 4 [110 Theaters] Friday $72K, Saturday $101K, Weekend $238K, Per Screen $2,170, Cume $1.6M Like Crazy (Paramount Vantage) Week 6 [152 Theaters] Friday $84K, Saturday $108K, Weekend $251K, Per Screen $1,654, Cume $2.9M Margin Call (Roadside Attractions) Week 7 [150 Theaters] Friday $58K, Saturday $103K, Weekend $217K, Per Screen $1,451, Cume $4.7M Martha Marcy May Marlene (Fox Searchlight) Week 7 [84 Theaters] Friday $27K, Saturday $42K, Weekend $95K, Per Screen $1,095, Cume $2.7M The Skin I Live In (Sony Classics) Week 8 [116 Theaters] Weekend $165K, Per Screen $1,424, Cume $2.6M, Take Shelter (Sony Classics) Week 10 [47 Theaters] Weekend $45K, Per Screen $840, Cume $1.5M, Midnight In Paris (Sony Classics) Week 29) [305 Theaters] Friday $78K, Saturday $105K, Weekend $274K, Per Screen $900, Cume $55.9K

Peninsula Hotel Developer Selling Estate at $55 Million -Body of L.A.'s Most Costly Entries

On Wednesday morning, I'd the chance to invest a while with Steve McQueen, probably the most exciting and eccentric youthful filmmakers on the planet. McQueen, obviously, shares a title using the great anti-hero of sixties cinema (as well as an identical independent streak), however the commonalities hold on there. This Steve McQueen is black, British and alive -- so when he constitutes a film, he's less worried about being awesome than being provocative.our editor recommendsTHR's Company directors Roundtable: How you can Fire People, Who to Steal From, and Amy Pascal's Secret AdviceShame: Film ReviewNudity, Three-Ways, Hints of Incest: A Studio's Intend to Sell 'Shame' to Oscar It appears that McQueen, 42, happens to be artistic, serious, and a little counter-culture. He was raised loving art found the U.S. to go to NYU's Tisch School from the Arts but rapidly came to the conclusion that it hadn't been for him and left to pursue more unconventional types of filmmaking by himself. Before lengthy, his unusual work -- for example Bear (1993), a black-and-whitened quiet short by which he and the other guy appear naked and exchange glances Deadpan (1997), another black-and-whitened quiet short by which he reenacts Buster Keaton's famous house collapse stunt and Drumroll (1998), that he mounted cameras aside of the drum he folded lower the roads of NY -- had been observed, showing up in art galleries, and garnering acclaim. His finest recognition arrived 1999, when London's Tate gallery granted him the Turner Prize for the best visual artist younger than 50. PHOTOS: Films that Narrowly Prevented an NC-17 He states since he lengthy harbored a want to make an element-length film, but battled to stay upon an appropriate subject. Through the mid-2000s, however, he'd one: Bobby Sands, the IRA hunger striker whose story had fascinated him decades earlier. He co-authored and directed Hunger (2008), a gritty film which was never broadly seen past the festival circuit, but received rave reviews (it ended up at 90% on Rotten Tomato plants) triggered a lot of interest in the industry in McQueen (whom film critic Roger Ebert referred to as "a painter who utilizes cruel realism") and introduced the planet to Michael Fassbender, the Irishman who he selected to experience Sands, and who looked shockingly gaunt after losing nearly 40 pounds for that part. Though McQueen had his pick of possibilities after Hunger, he required 3 years before starting on his next project, a movie in regards to a subject that's perhaps the toughest to market in prudish and puritanical America: sex... more particularly, sex addiction. The greater McQueen discovered sex addiction, the greater it reminded him of the items Helps have been as with the eighties -- a genuine, common affliction that's everywhere, but that couple of people know about and/or decide to acknowledge. And when he made the decision to create the film, there is no doubt how he would allow it to be: reasonably. VIDEOS: THR's Honours Season Roundtable Series 2011 -- The Company directors He cowrote a script with Abi Morgan (who also composed The Iron Lady) that stories the lives of and relationship between Brandon, a effective 30-something NYer who's privately a sex addict, and Sissy, his psychologically-unstable more youthful sister who moves along with him when she manages to lose her apartment. Getting made full disclosure within the script that full-frontal nudity could be needed from the stars who performed both figures and explicit sex moments of all kinds will have to be simulated through the male, he guaranteed committments from Fassbender and Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan, and also the ball was moving. After 25 times of filming in NY City, the film is at the can, and coming around the world. Shame was not going to be a simple sell. With this kind of content, it had been inevitable it would recieve an NC-17 rating, that has in the past scared away marketers, since couple of participants have have you been prepared to screen NC-17 films (because of their naturally limited audience) and couple of guides have have you been prepared to feature ads marketing them (for anxiety about problem their visitors with sexually-suggestive materials). However when the film started using the festival circuit, winning rave reviews and stirring up a variety of provocative conversations concerning the world by which we live today, Fox Searchlight, perhaps probably the most daring from the indie marketers, made the decision to consider a flyer onto it. They might have been motivated with a need to promote a lengthy-term relationship with McQueen or perhaps a sense that, by using their notoriously creative marketing team, they'd probably create a return of investment or perhaps a genuine need to bring an initial-rate film to some bigger audience. The simple truth is most likely a mixture of all the above. But the end result is they have arranged a substantial quantity of theaters that are prepared to show the film are broadly publicizing it and therefore are positive about its prospects on the market with honours voters (specifically for Fassbender like a best actor contender). VIDEO: 'Shame' Red-colored Band Trailer: Michael Fassbender Brings Sex towards the Subway For McQueen, he's only mildly thinking about the way the film does in the box-office. Distributing awareness concerning the problem of sex addiction is, for whatever reasons, infinitely more essential to him, and also the degree that his film does which will define, for him, whether it's a success. Meanwhile, he and Fassbender happen to be getting set to operate together all over again. (The actor has stated he hopes to possess a Martin Scorsese/Robert P Niro-like relationship using the director, and also the director appears to talk about that desire.) For his or her next film, Twelve Years a Slave, they'll be using a substantially bigger budget and costar -- Kaira Pitt -- but when what's past is prologue, I wouldn't expect a movie anymore mainstream or less significantly-welcomed than Hunger or Shame. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery The Dirty Dozen: Films that Narrowly Prevented an NC-17 Michael Fassbender Steve McQueen Shame

Jim Ladd to Host Nightly SiriusXM Show

NY - Charlie Ergen's Dish Network is one of the winners of Friday's $3.6 billion wireless spectrum deal announced by Comcast, Time Warner Cable and a smaller cable operator with Verizon, according to analysts. Dish shares rose 6.6 percent to close at $26.21.our editor recommendsCharlie Ergen Steps Down as President, CEO of Dish NetworkGoogle plans to bid for wireless spectrum Ergen previously bought spectrum, and analysts have long wondered what satellite TV giant Dish would use it for. While some have predicted Ergen could sell the spectrum or parts of it for a profit, others have said that Dish could use the spectrum to offer broadband and online video services. Wells Fargo analyst Marci Ryvicker calculate that the cable companies will get $0.695 per megahertz per pop, a common measure of price for spectrum, in value for their so-called AWS spectrum. "Applying this to Dish's [MSS and 700 MHz] spectrum gets us a $10 billion value, or roughly $22 in equity value, which is clearly not in Dish's stock price," she said. BTIG analyst Walter Piecyk in a report spoke of "Ergen's emergence as wireless' power broker." He wrote: "In the future, spectrum buyers will have to negotiate a deal with the likes of Charlie Ergen and Dish Network, whose strategic value has risen dramatically." He said that Dish paid only $0.25 per MHz per pop to buy DBSD and TerreStar spectrum. One potential buyer of Dish's spectrum is a telecom giant whose planned acquisition of a competitor has been called in question by regulators, Piecyk said. "Dish would be a good alternative for AT&T if the T-Mobile deal is not approved," he said. Meanwhile, Friday's Verizon spectrum deal news is also good for Comcast and TW Cable "as it answers the question 'what is the wireless strategy?' and negates the fear of a wireless build," Ryvicker said. Piecyk listed Dish competitor DirecTV under the deal's losers though, saying it and others will "face increased pressure to address their spectrum needs." Said the analyst: "DirecTV's strategic options are declining and could continue to diminish in 2012." Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Topics DirecTV Dish Network

10 Unbelievable Responses to Movies

Have you ever heard? The birth scene from 'Breaking Beginning Part 1' is leading to seizures. Apparently, the brilliant character from the scene -- liberal utilization of flashing lights -- makes people distribute in theaters. Regrettably, 'Breaking Dawn' is not the only real film to elicit extreme responses from moviegoers many people faint, others cry, along with a couple of completely panic when dealing with anything graphic. From 'The Exorcist' (fainting) to 'Human Centipede 2' (more fainting) to 'The Passion from the Christ' (dying -- seriously) Moviefone presents 10 Unbelievable Responses to Movies. 10 Unbelievable Responses to Movies 'The Exorcist'飗 Hrs''Breaking Beginning Part 1'񟭁: An Area Journey''Saw three dimensional''Shame''Grace''Frozen''Human Centipede II (Full Sequence)''The Passion from the Christ' See All Moviefone Art galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Conrad Murray Will get Four-Year Sentence

First Released: November 29, 2011 1:17 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Dr. Conrad Murray watches Alberto Alvarez, among Michael Jacksons guards, testify throughout his involuntary wrongful death trial in the La Superior Court in downtown La on September 29, 2011 La, Calif. -- The physician who had been charged within the overdose dying of Michael Jackson was sentenced towards the maximum 4 years imprisonment Tuesday inside a finale towards the tormented saga from the King of Pop. Dr. Conrad Murray sitting stoically together with his hands entered as Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor frequently chastised him for which he known as a terrible breach of trust while taking care of Jackson. Dr. Murray produced some conditions and grew to become involved with a cycle of horrible medicine, the judge stated. The concept of propofol for medicine madness, which violated his sworn obligation, for the money, fame prestige and whwatever else might have happened. Pastor stated probably the most disturbing facets of Murrays situation would be a slurred recording of Jackson retrieved in the doctors mobile phone. That tape recording was Dr. Murrays insurance plan, Pastor stated. It had been made to record his patient surreptitiously at this patients most vulnerable point. Michael Jacksons family told Pastor they weren't seeking revenge but want the physician who wiped out the celebrity to get a stiff sentence that works as a warning to opportunistic doctors. The Bible reminds us that males canrrrt do justice, they are able to only seek justice, the household stated inside a statement read by attorney John Panish. That's all we are able to request like a family, which is we request for here. The statement continued to express, We're not here to find revenge. There's nothing that you can do today which will bring Michael back. Murray was charged of involuntary wrongful death following a six-week trial that presented probably the most detailed account yet of Jacksons final hrs but left many questions regarding Murrays management of the celebrity by having an operating-room anesthetic because he fought chronic insomnia. Lead defense attorney Erectile dysfunction Chernoff outlined the achievements of Murray. I actually do question though as to the extent a legal court views the whole of the guys book of existence, instead of one chapter, he told the judge. The physician made the decision to not directly address a legal court. Chernoff again assaulted Michael Jackson, because he and the team frequently did throughout the doctors trial. Michael Jackson would be a drug seeker, Chernoff stated. Jacksons dying in June 2009 stunned the planet, as did the ensuing analysis that brought to Murray being billed in Feb 2010. Murray told detectives he'd been giving the singer nightly doses of propofol to assist him sleep because he ready for a number of comeback concerts. Propofol should be utilized in hospital configurations and it has never been approved for sleep remedies, yet Murray acknowledged passing on to Jackson then departing the area at the time the singer died. Murray rejected to testify throughout his trial but did choose to take part in a documentary by which he stated he didnt consider themself responsible for any crime and blamed Jackson for entrapping him into giving the propofol doses. His lawyers contended through the situation that Jackson should have given themself the fatal dose when Murray left the performers bedroom. Within their sentencing memorandum, prosecutors reported Murrays claims to advocate he get the maximum term. Additionally they want him to pay for restitution towards the performers three children - Prince, Paris and Blanket. Its unlikely that Murray will pay any substantial sum, such as the $1.8 million price of his funeral. He was deeply indebted when he decided to function as Jacksons personal physician for $150,000 per month, and also the singer died before Murray received anything. Prosecutors stated the connection of Jackson and Murray was corrupted by avarice. Murray left his practices for everyone as Jacksons physician and consider his well-being, but rather behaved being an worker serving the performers need to receive propofol to place him to rest, prosecutors stated. The defendant has displayed an entire insufficient remorse for leading to Michael Jacksons dying, prosecutors authored inside a filing a week ago. A whole lot worse than neglecting to accept the smallest degree of responsibility, (Murray) has placed blame on everybody else, such as the one individual no more here to protect themself, Michael Jackson. Murrays lawyers are depending largely on 34 letters from relatives, buddies and former patients to portray Murray inside a much softer light and win a lighter sentence. The letters and defense filings describe Murrays empathy like a physician, including accepting lower obligations from his mostly poor patients. There's no doubt the dying of his patient, Mr. Jackson, was unintended as well as an enormous tragedy for everybody affected, defense lawyers authored within their sentencing memo. Dr. Murray continues to be referred to like a transformed, grief-stricken guy, who walks around within pall of sadness since losing his patient, Mr. Jackson. Copyright 2011 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Robert Kennedy's Murder in L.A.: Defense Presents Evidence of Multiple Photography enthusiasts

Getty Images Director Simon West, presently shooting The Expendables 2, is at discussions to board Dust and Glory, an automobile racing movie being individually produced by Top Cat Media and Blue Star Entertainment.our editor recommendsStuntman Hurt in 'Expendables 2' Accident in Stable Condition PHOTOS: Lights, Camera, Accident! 20 Hollywood Stunts Gone Wrong With various novel by Evan Eco-friendly, the romance adventure project is positioned through the 1950s' Redex tests, which covered greater than 10,000 miles of the couple of of the very difficult racing terrain australia wide, otherwise the earth. Known to love a combination between Mad Max and Jewel in the Earth, the Robert Lewis Galinsky-written script follows your competition from a u . s . states hotshot plus an Australian legend Galinsky is creating with Elizabeth Howatt-Jackman and David Parker with the trio's Top Kat. Blue Star Entertainment's Jason Shuman and William Sherak may also be creating. Jib Polhemus of Simon West Productions will join Geoffrey Edelsten as executive producers. The producers are thinking about obtaining a summer season come from Australia and aspire to visit cast before year's finish. STORY: Arnold Schwarzenegger Shares Photos Within the 'Expendables 2' Set West, repped by CAA and attorney Craig Tyerman, counts movies for instance Disadvantage Air, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, as well as the recent Jason Statham-starrer The Car specialist as his credits. He's also concentrating on Thunder Run, a CG/hybrid Iraqi War movie that has Gerard Butler, Mike Worthington, and Matthew McConaughey attached. Email: Borys.Package@thr.com Twitter: @Borys_Package PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Lights, Camera, Accident! 20 Hollywood Stunts Gone Wrong The Expendables

Casting Standout: 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'

Casting Standout: 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' By Dany Margolies November 28, 2011 Photo by Focus Features James Bond is glamorous, tech savvy, and catnip to women. George Smiley isn't. Created by John le Carr, this other iconic British spy is brilliant, talented, and deeply responsible, yet life has crushed him. He's now introverted, unprepossessing, and trying to disappear into late-middle-age retirement. And then, a young field agent learns the British intelligence service has a molea double agent working for the Sovietsand Smiley is suddenly and secretly called into active service.Le Carre's mesmerizing novel "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" (indeed, he wrote a series of Smiley novels) also birthed the BBC's 1979 miniseries starring Alec Guinness as Smiley. And those who thought the casting of those episodes could never be improved upon must think again. In this new version, under the stewardship of director Tomas Alfredson and casting director Jina Jay, the individual actors were flawlessly selected and integrate seamlessly together to create the denizens of Britain's CircusLe Carr's fictitious secret intelligence service that stands in for what is today known as MI6.To cast "Tinker Tailor," Jay first explored with Alfredson and producer Robyn Slovo the individual characters and their specific feelings. Then Jay came up with a shortlist of suggestions, accompanied, she says, by "discussions on my favorite ideas for the role." Of the start of casting, she says, " 'Tinker' was a blank canvas from top to bottom. No one was attached, and no one had any agenda other than creatively casting the best possible talent for each role and the best possible ensemble for the world of the story."Who better than Gary Oldman could create the unlikely hero? Oldman is the actor who can keep roiling emotions under tight wraps, who can make endlessly fascinating the stillness that forms the spine of the plodding George Smiley. Layer in that Smiley is quietly and deeply taking personally the betrayal of himself, of the Circus, and of the West, and Oldman again springs to mind to fit the intellectual and emotional bill.At Smiley's side every step of this journey is young Peter Guillamwho could grow up to be Bond but meanwhile learns at the foot of the taciturn master. The bright, cool cookie Guillam is assayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, who burns the screen with piercing intelligence and a touch of gentility, and who stands strong against the best of British acting vets. Oh, what vets! The translucent John Hurt plays the man known only as Controlthe ailing, pained, kicked-in-the-gut former head of the Circus. Mark Strong is menacingly strong indeed as British spy Jim Prideaux, physically and emotionally crippled by the mole's betrayal of him. The intensely masculine Ciarn Hinds is Roy Bland, the lumbering, workmanlike, chain-smoking head of the Eastern Bloc spies. Swedish star David Dencik is Toby Esterhase, the Hungarian expat turned British spy, the unwitting courier of the "little sealed packets" containing the information and the misinformation that found their way back to Moscow. Kathy Burke is Connie Sachs, former devoted head of Research, who spent her life collecting and memorizing data in the pre-computer days and who is now called upon to regurgitate facts about a certain Russian living in London. The multihyphenate, ridiculously capable Simon McBurney is Oliver Lacon, the beleaguered member of the Cabinet Office. Cherished for his comedic chops, Toby Jones is Percy Alleline, the blinkered new head of the Circus. Tom Hardy is the fearlessly swaggering Ricki Tarr, who first hears of the mole's existence from a Russian spy with whom Tarr trysts. Add in the dishy, gentlemanly Colin Firth to play blithe Bill Haydonthe golden boy of Oxford University days and of the Circus, the jolly jokester, handsome enough to tempt Smiley's wifeand the alchemy of the film's casting is complete.Jay says of her process for casting, "I read a screenplay and tend not to think of specific actors until after spending time with the director, listening to their interpretation of material and absorbing the world of the film they wish to make. Occasionally when I read material, my thoughts are dominated by a specific actor or actors, but until I fully appreciate what the director is trying to achieve, those initial responses may fall away." Of course Jay attends theater and cinema to observe actors, but, she says, "Watching plays and film feeds my brain: I love theater and cinema, and watching a beautiful production becomes a gift imprinted on my memory."To a certain extent, we started by talking about the actors whose work we most admired on film and onstage," Jay says of casting "Tinker Tailor." "It's an ensemble piece, so each and every actor not only needed to work for a specific role but also with each other. Tomas has this extraordinary facility to cut to the heart of an actor's souldistill the essential elements and what potentially makes them so unique onscreen. He searches for what has not been seen before, a new collaboration."Alfredson has said, "When Gary was suggested for the role, the reaction was 'Perfect!' Just look at this actor's career and how many characters he's played. Gary has all the star quality, yet he is also a chameleon; he doesn't have this voice that you would recognize through a wall."According to Jay, she, Alfredson, and Slovo discussed Oldman's work, as an actor and as a film directorOldman, after all, helmed (and wrote) "Nil by Mouth," which starred Burke and which probably enabled Oldman and Burke to spark the decades-long mutual admiration felt by Smiley and Sachs. Firth, says Jay, seemed the "immediate counterpoint" to Oldman's Smiley. As for the remaining roles, says Jay, "With each and every actor, Tomas and I worked closely together to build the Circus personnel. No one read for their part. Tomas simply viewed their previous work, and the 'interview' was simply a cup of tea with Tomas."Working on 'Tinker' with Tomas and Robyn was a joy, and I shall always feel blessed," says Jay. Because of the bleak story line, the experience of seeing "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" can't quite be described as a joy, but it can be described as a thrilling, simultaneously crushing and inspiring experience, helped immeasurably by the film's superb casting.Casting Director: Jina JayDirector: Tomas AlfredsonWriters: Bridget O'Connor and Peter Straughan, based on the novel by John le CarrStarring: Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Toby Jones, Mark Strong, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ciarn Hinds, David Dencik, Kathy BurkeThe Pitch: The British secret intelligence service discovers it has for years been infiltrated by the Soviets through a double agent and calls upon the retired George Smiley (Oldman) to "do whatever is necessary" to identify him. To read Back Stage's complete coverage of Awards Season, please get our FREE SAG Nomination Committee Guide. Or follow all our daily coverage with Back Stage's new online Awards Season section. Casting Standout: 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' By Dany Margolies November 28, 2011 PHOTO CREDIT Focus Features James Bond is glamorous, tech savvy, and catnip to women. George Smiley isn't. Created by John le Carr, this other iconic British spy is brilliant, talented, and deeply responsible, yet life has crushed him. He's now introverted, unprepossessing, and trying to disappear into late-middle-age retirement. And then, a young field agent learns the British intelligence service has a molea double agent working for the Sovietsand Smiley is suddenly and secretly called into active service.Le Carre's mesmerizing novel "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" (indeed, he wrote a series of Smiley novels) also birthed the BBC's 1979 miniseries starring Alec Guinness as Smiley. And those who thought the casting of those episodes could never be improved upon must think again. In this new version, under the stewardship of director Tomas Alfredson and casting director Jina Jay, the individual actors were flawlessly selected and integrate seamlessly together to create the denizens of Britain's CircusLe Carr's fictitious secret intelligence service that stands in for what is today known as MI6.To cast "Tinker Tailor," Jay first explored with Alfredson and producer Robyn Slovo the individual characters and their specific feelings. Then Jay came up with a shortlist of suggestions, accompanied, she says, by "discussions on my favorite ideas for the role." Of the start of casting, she says, " 'Tinker' was a blank canvas from top to bottom. No one was attached, and no one had any agenda other than creatively casting the best possible talent for each role and the best possible ensemble for the world of the story."Who better than Gary Oldman could create the unlikely hero? Oldman is the actor who can keep roiling emotions under tight wraps, who can make endlessly fascinating the stillness that forms the spine of the plodding George Smiley. Layer in that Smiley is quietly and deeply taking personally the betrayal of himself, of the Circus, and of the West, and Oldman again springs to mind to fit the intellectual and emotional bill.At Smiley's side every step of this journey is young Peter Guillamwho could grow up to be Bond but meanwhile learns at the foot of the taciturn master. The bright, cool cookie Guillam is assayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, who burns the screen with piercing intelligence and a touch of gentility, and who stands strong against the best of British acting vets. Oh, what vets! The translucent John Hurt plays the man known only as Controlthe ailing, pained, kicked-in-the-gut former head of the Circus. Mark Strong is menacingly strong indeed as British spy Jim Prideaux, physically and emotionally crippled by the mole's betrayal of him. The intensely masculine Ciarn Hinds is Roy Bland, the lumbering, workmanlike, chain-smoking head of the Eastern Bloc spies. Swedish star David Dencik is Toby Esterhase, the Hungarian expat turned British spy, the unwitting courier of the "little sealed packets" containing the information and the misinformation that found their way back to Moscow. Kathy Burke is Connie Sachs, former devoted head of Research, who spent her life collecting and memorizing data in the pre-computer days and who is now called upon to regurgitate facts about a certain Russian living in London. The multihyphenate, ridiculously capable Simon McBurney is Oliver Lacon, the beleaguered member of the Cabinet Office. Cherished for his comedic chops, Toby Jones is Percy Alleline, the blinkered new head of the Circus. Tom Hardy is the fearlessly swaggering Ricki Tarr, who first hears of the mole's existence from a Russian spy with whom Tarr trysts. Add in the dishy, gentlemanly Colin Firth to play blithe Bill Haydonthe golden boy of Oxford University days and of the Circus, the jolly jokester, handsome enough to tempt Smiley's wifeand the alchemy of the film's casting is complete.Jay says of her process for casting, "I read a screenplay and tend not to think of specific actors until after spending time with the director, listening to their interpretation of material and absorbing the world of the film they wish to make. Occasionally when I read material, my thoughts are dominated by a specific actor or actors, but until I fully appreciate what the director is trying to achieve, those initial responses may fall away." Of course Jay attends theater and cinema to observe actors, but, she says, "Watching plays and film feeds my brain: I love theater and cinema, and watching a beautiful production becomes a gift imprinted on my memory."To a certain extent, we started by talking about the actors whose work we most admired on film and onstage," Jay says of casting "Tinker Tailor." "It's an ensemble piece, so each and every actor not only needed to work for a specific role but also with each other. Tomas has this extraordinary facility to cut to the heart of an actor's souldistill the essential elements and what potentially makes them so unique onscreen. He searches for what has not been seen before, a new collaboration."Alfredson has said, "When Gary was suggested for the role, the reaction was 'Perfect!' Just look at this actor's career and how many characters he's played. Gary has all the star quality, yet he is also a chameleon; he doesn't have this voice that you would recognize through a wall."According to Jay, she, Alfredson, and Slovo discussed Oldman's work, as an actor and as a film directorOldman, after all, helmed (and wrote) "Nil by Mouth," which starred Burke and which probably enabled Oldman and Burke to spark the decades-long mutual admiration felt by Smiley and Sachs. Firth, says Jay, seemed the "immediate counterpoint" to Oldman's Smiley. As for the remaining roles, says Jay, "With each and every actor, Tomas and I worked closely together to build the Circus personnel. No one read for their part. Tomas simply viewed their previous work, and the 'interview' was simply a cup of tea with Tomas."Working on 'Tinker' with Tomas and Robyn was a joy, and I shall always feel blessed," says Jay. Because of the bleak story line, the experience of seeing "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" can't quite be described as a joy, but it can be described as a thrilling, simultaneously crushing and inspiring experience, helped immeasurably by the film's superb casting.Casting Director: Jina JayDirector: Tomas AlfredsonWriters: Bridget O'Connor and Peter Straughan, based on the novel by John le CarrStarring: Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Toby Jones, Mark Strong, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ciarn Hinds, David Dencik, Kathy BurkeThe Pitch: The British secret intelligence service discovers it has for years been infiltrated by the Soviets through a double agent and calls upon the retired George Smiley (Oldman) to "do whatever is necessary" to identify him. To read Back Stage's complete coverage of Awards Season, please get our FREE SAG Nomination Committee Guide. Or follow all our daily coverage with Back Stage's new online Awards Season section.

Stockard Channing Shrugs Off Discomfort Hitting Happens

First Released: November 26, 2011 5:19 PM EST Credit: Getty Images NY, N.Y. -- Caption Stockard Channing attends another Desert Metropolitan areas opening evening after party at Marriott Marquis in NY City on November 3, 2011Stockard Channing makes a fast some might say miraculous go back to Broadway. The 67-year-old Tony Award-champion carried out in Other Desert Metropolitan areas on Friday evening and intends to continue within the show despite going through arthroscopic surgery on her behalf right knee under the other day. Channing felt her knee collapse backstage following the November. 18 show and skipped seven performances. She intends to perform in Saturday nights show and Sundays matinee. An understudy carried out Saturdays matinee and is going to do Wednesdays matinee. The Jon Robin Baitz play, in regards to a dysfunctional family wrestling having a deep secret, opened up November. 3. Within an interview Friday before her return, Channing stated: This really is maybe stupid. I have no idea. But when it does not inflate or get painful, Im doing the best factor. Copyright 2011 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Occupy Wall Street: News Organizations Complain About Police Treatment

NY - About a dozen news organizations here have lodged complaints about the NY Police Department's treatment of journalists covering the Occupy Wall Street movement, the NY Times reported. Last week, in a surprise overnight move, police cleared out Zuccotti Park in downtown Manhattan where Occupy Wall Street protesters had been camped out for about two months. Journalists trying to cover the event were kept at a distance and some even arrested, according to reports. A letter sent Monday to the NYPD expressed concern and was signed by local stations WABC, WCBS and WNBC, Associated Press, The NY Post, Dow Jones & Co. and others, the Times said. The letter cited "numerous inappropriate, if not unconstitutional, actions and abuses" by the police against both "credentialed and non-credentialed journalists in the last few days," according to the Times. "Over the past few months we have tried to work with [the department commissioner of public information] to improve police-press relations," the letter added. "However, if anything, the police actions of last week have been more hostile to the press than any other event in recent memory." Separately, 10 press clubs, unions and other journalist groups, including the Deadline Club and the Newspaper Guild of NY, called for an investigation and announced the formation of a coalition to monitor police behavior, according to the Times. "We are determined to use any means needed to fight such censorship in the future," they said. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Topics Occupy

A 'Friday' Sequel With Ice Cube and Chris Tucker? Maybe, Says Tiny Lister

Get your lighters ready, there may be another 'Friday' in the works. Unfortunately, for 420 fans, the operative word here is "may." News a new 'Friday' sequel was first reported by TMZ, who spoke with Tiny Lister (a.k.a. the dude who played Debo) outside a Hollywood club on Tuesday night. Lister revealed that there have been talks with Ice Cube and Chris Tucker on possibly making a fourth 'Friday.' Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Deadline reported that New Line has had discussions with Cube regarding another movie. Perhaps they need to start hanging out at the same clubs as Lister. So! There maybe possibly could be another 'Friday.' Your friendly Moviefone editors loved the first one (and the second one is fun), but: does anyone really want 'Friday 4'? The last time Chris Tucker played Smokey, he was 23; that was 16 years ago. Maybe in this one he'd play a dad trying to get his kids to stop smoking? Or maybe Smokey's in jail now and Ice Cube is forced to bust him out, only to find Debo working as the prison guard. We smell marijuana two potential plots! [via TMZ and Deadline] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Was CBS News Impeding Bachmann Wanted Or Becoming Realistic About Her Candidacy?

CBS News is denying the charge flattened by GOP presidential candidate Bachmann Wanted’s campaign the network shown anti-conservative prejudice yesterday. At problem can be a private email about coverage plans for last evening’s CBS News/National Journal debate.Correspondent JohnDickerson improperly cc’ed a Bachmann representative within the a reaction to an e-mail from politics producer Caroline Horn, as well as the congresswomanposted theexchange on Facebook. Within it, Dickerson advised the network not to firmly buy meeting with Bachmann “in the hopes that individuals will get someone else” because “she’s not receiving many questions and he or she’s nearly in the charts.” To Bachmann campaign manager Keith Nahigian, that’s “concrete evidence verifying what every conservative already knows — the liberal mainstream media elites are modifying the Republican debates by deliberately controlling our conservative message and restricting Michele’s questions.” But a CBS representative states that’s not the situation: “It will be a candid exchange about view of the circumstances — Bachmann remains at 4% inside the polls.” Bachmann wasn’t really the only candidate upset with CBS News: Ron Paul’s National Campaign Chairman Jesse Bentonslammed the network just for giving Paul 90 seconds of speaking time through the hour. CBS News, inside their arrogance, may think they could select the next leader,” he mentioned. “Fortunately, individuals of Iowa, Nh, and across America achieve election and not the media elites. Lest anybody forget, CBS News has went afoul in the GOP throughout presidential racesbefore. Republicansaccused Katie Couric ofsandbaggingVP candidate Sarah Palin with people infamous interviews in the last election cycle, andfelt Serta Rather did the identical to Leader George W Bushin the 2004 election by usingunverified documentsto question the re-election candidate’s National Guard service.

Russell Brand to Star in and convey Comedy 'The Leader Stole My Girlfriend' (Exclusive)

Russell Brand is installed on star in and convey The Best Choice Stole My Girlfriend, a comedy project Warner Bros. just acquired from author Matt Portenoy.our editor recommendsRussell Brand Pranks Fans Over Canadian Customs FracasRussell Brand Attracted on as Rosie O'Donnell's First Guest on 'The Rosie Show' Creating with Brand is his High quality Films partner Nik Linnen, using the organization'sBeau Bauman professional creating. Girlfriend came from the organization andmarks the initial project setup by Logo design and the recently-produced Warners-based banner. PHOTOS: Modern Film and television Comics "In this particular movie, the best choice steals the girlfriend from the sexy hippie-me, clearly," Brand notifies The Hollywood Reporter. "It absolutely was inspired with the evening I naively requested [Warners leader] Rob Robinov for supper.In . STORY: Russell Brand Accepts Guy of year Honors From Friendly Group The project might be the first buy for Portenoy, who did a very-received rewrite round the in-development remake of Porky's. More youthful crowd written a segment for Movie 43, a Peter Farrelly-produced Relativity comedy anthology his segment stars Emma Stone and was directed by Griffin Dunne. Portenoy is repped by WME, Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment and attorney Make the most of Szymanski. Brand, who starred for Warners in this particular year's Arthur remake, will next are available in New Line's all-star feature adaptation of Rock old range which is set to star opposite Julianne Hough in Juno author Diablo Cody's untitled directorial debut. Email: Borys.Package@thr.com Twitter: @Borys_Package Related Subjects

Max Irons: 'The Host,' Stephenie Meyer's Post-'Twilight' Alien Novel Adaptation, Finds Male Co-Lead

You might not care about 'The Host' at the moment, but that will likely change after 'Breaking Dawn' shuffles off next November. The alien-infused love-triangle drama is 'Twilight' author Stephenie Meyer's follow-up to the mega YA franchise, and it's casting up with its own versions of Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. Just days after it was revealed that Jake Abel was a frontrunner for the role of Ian comes word that Max Irons, Jeremy Irons's son, is in the driver's seat for Jared, the boyfriend of lead character Mel (Saoirse Ronan). Now, the question remains: Which one of these guys is the new RPattz? [via Deadline] [Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Brett Ratner's Oscars Departure: Five Other Things He Should Apologize For

After a torrential downpour of indefensible comments, Brett Ratner apologized and stepped down as the producer of the 2012 Academy Awards telecast. In his official apology, the director went on to explain that he understands that his behavior has been inappropriate and that he is making strides to change his behavior in the future. Ratner's apology is a step in the right direction. But here at Movies Blog, we'd like to see the "Tower Heist" filmmaker go the extra mile and apologize for a few other things he forgot to check off his list of offenses. 1. Directing "X-Men: The Last Stand" Even the kindest fan of the series won't argue when putting down the last entry in the modern day X-Men movies. They killed Cyclops. I don't know how I can make this any clearer. They killed Cyclops off-screen. It was a travesty and something that Ratner never personally apologized for. There's no statute of limitations on cinematic mea culpas, good sir. 2. Appearing In NY Film Academy Commercials Kids, it might be best not to take advice from Brett Ratner, especially when it comes to choosing an institution of higher education. Ratner appeared in commercials promoting the for-profit film school and the education students receive there. You don't have to look too far on the internet to find out what industry insiders think of the NY Film Academy. 3. Chris Tucker Yes, there was a time and a place for Chris Tucker. It was called "Friday." After that, you have Brett Ratner continually hiring the man to scream lines at the camera. The third entry was text book dead horse beating, and it took Ratner convincing Tucker to come out of retirement to get it made. 4. His "Entourage" Cameo In the episode where Drama attempts to convince the director to let him appear in "Rush Hour 3," Ratner shows up as himself at his own party, stocked with a bevy of bikini-clad women around the pool. The dialogue panders to Ratner's directorial "accomplishments," and the exaggerated version of Ratner turned out to be not that far off. 5. Producing "Skyline" Did you see it? Because it's awful. What else should Brett Ratner apologize for? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter!

Princes William, Harry, Daniel Radcliffe Family Emerge as News Corp. Surveillance Victims

LONDON - Prince William, Prince Harryand Daniel Radcliffewere among scores of individuals who were the subject of covert investigation by the News of The World, a private investigator has told the BBC. Former policeman and surveillance expert Derek Webbhas shown the BBC's Newsnight program a dossier of 90 targets that he was hired to follow. Among them are the parents of Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe, the footballer Gary Lineker, Prince Harry's former girlfriend Chelsy Davy, the Attorney General Lord Goldsmithand many others. PHOTOS: News of the World's Top 10 Scandals Webb, who has told the BBC that he worked for the News of The World for eight years, has come forward because he believes he is owed bonus and loyalty payments by the paper, which was closed in July. "II got calls from numerous journalists on the news desk," Webb told BBC reporter Richard Watson. "I was working for them extensively on many jobs throughout that time. I never knew when I was going to be required." Yesterday Webb told Newsnighthow he had been hired to conduct covert surveillance on two lawyers who were acting for phone-hacking victims. He said he had followed Mark Lewis, the lawyer representing the family of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, and had followed his ex-wife and daughter. He also said that he had followed Mishcon de Reya lawyer Charlotte Harris, who won a seven-figure payout for hacking victim and celebrity agent Max Clifford. STORY: Longtime News Corp. Human Resources Exec Stepping Down News International has yet to respond to the latest allegations, but yesterday confirmed that both Lewis and Harris had been targets of surveillance ordered by the News of The World. "While surveillance is not illegal, it was clearly deeply inappropriate in these circumstances. This action is not condoned by any current executive at the company," a spokesman for News International said. The revelations will make for yet more uncomfortable questioning for James Murdoch, the BSkyB chairman and News Corp. deputy COO, who will answer more questions on phone-hacking and the culture of apparently widespread illegal behavior at The News of The World. Related Topics News Corp. News of the World Phone Hacking Scandal

When 'The Hunger Games' Met Stephenie Meyer? Liam Hemsworth Testing for 'The Host'

'Twilight' versus 'The Hunger Games' isn't quite a debate on the level of The Beatles versus The Rolling Stones, but it's safe to say that some people prefer Bella to Katniss and vice versa. Could this potential casting news bring peace to the two fan bases? Variety reports that Liam Hemsworth -- your future District 12 hunter Gale Hawthorne -- is among those actors testing for one of the two male leads in 'The Host,' an adaptation of 'Twilight' author Stephenie Meyer's YA thriller. Hemsworth is testing to play Jared, the boyfriend of Melanie (Saoirse Ronan), a young woman who has her body compromised by an alien named Wanderer (also Ronan). Kit Harrington, Jai Courtney and Max Irons are also on the short list to grab the role. As for the other male lead, Dane, a guy who "brutalizes" Wanderer before falling in love, Thomas McDonnell, Augustus Prew and Jake Abel are among the actors Variety pegs as potential stars. Hemsworth can be seen in 'The Hunger Games,' out on March 23, 2012. 'The Host,' with Andrew Niccol directing, is due in theaters on March 29, 2013. [via Variety] [Photo: Lionsgate] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Olivia Wilde, Steve Buscemi in Talks for Steve Carell's 'Burt Wonderstone' (Exclusive)

Olivia Wilde and Steve Buscemi have been in foretells join Burt Wonderstone, New Line's magician comedy starring Steve Carell. Jim Carrey and James Gandolfini happen to be in discussions to become listed on the cast. The project is occur the field of rival Vegas masters of magic. Carell is a classical miracle guy who's dethroned with a hipper illusionist doing harmful methods and breaks track of his partner then must try to find his passion for miracle. STORY: Steve Carell's Surprise Script Physician: Jason Reitman (Exclusive) Carrey is playing the magician who signifies the brand new face of miracle while Gandolfini is going to be the owner of the casino. Wilde will have Carell's love interest, who in the beginning is his assistant but later works best for Carrey. Buscemi will have Carell's longtime friend and partner who quits the act. STORY: Dramas Like Steve Buscemi's 'Boardwalk Empire' Still King from the Small Screen The film is scheduled to visit before cameras in The month of january. Veteran TV director Don Scardino is making his feature debut around the project, that is being created by Chris Bender and J.C. Spink of Benderspink, Tyler Mitchell, and Carell. Benderspink's Mike Weiner can also be creating. Wilde, repped by WME and Untitled, was last observed in Cowboys & Aliens. Buscemi, repped by WME and also the Gotham Group, stars in HBO's Boardwalk Empire. Related Subjects Olivia Wilde Steve Buscemi Steve Carell

ICM TV Lit Agents Mickey Berman And Josh Hornstock Proceed To UTA

This can be a major relocate the television lit representation area. I’ve found that hot ICM TV lit agents Mickey Berman and Josh Hornstock are moving to UTA. The duo, whose contracts were up in the finish of the season, have been in play since late summer time once they couldn’t arrived at a contract with ICM on new deals. I hear Berman and Hornstock, who are probably the top TV lit agents of the generation, start at UTA on Monday. Developing….

Coffin

A Designer View Entertainment relieve a Skyrocket Prods. presentation from the Spencer Manley production. Produced by David Stever, Derik Wingo, Kipp Tribble, George Maranville, David Lanham. Executive producer, Spencer F. Manley. Co-producer, Unique Dowtin. Co-executive producer, Judie Rose Perry. Directed by Kipp Tribble, Derik Wingo. Script, Tribble.With: Kevin Sorbo, Bruce Davison, Johnny Alonso, Sunny Doench, Patrick Barnitt, Kipp Tribble, Derik Wingo, Moksha McPherrin, Andrena Senola Manley, Luke Barnett.Though its premise and title make a well known fact of "Coffin's" indebtedness to last year's "Hidden," this barrel-bottom suspenser more carefully resembles an not effective "Law & Order" spec script, inflated to feature length by some stock horror tropes. The film's clearly limited means are not any excuse for the way is relevant such shateringly languid energy with a real-time ticking-clock thriller, which is only chances for marginal attention will be based round the high billing presented to supporting players Kevin Sorbo and Bruce Davison. Pic opens as businessman Jack (Patrick Barnitt) arrives home, where a masked baddie named Trick (Johnny Alonso) shows him an energetic video feed of his estranged wife (Sunny Doench) and her lover (Sorbo) trapped together in the pinewood box. The windy kidnapper dispenses a bit of Jigsaw-style moralizing before offering to exhibit their location for just about any pricey sum meanwhile, some bickering odd-couple cops (co-helmers Derik Wingo and Kipp Tribble) follow their trail. Some possibly intentional metatextual humor creeps through -- Doench's character is known to love a b --movie actress, because the mincingly unthreatening Trick is actually a "real professional" -- there's however otherwise nothing much to find out here.Camera (color, DV), Keiko Nakahara editor, George Maranville music, Roger Ryan, Jason Gaines production designer, Gary Manley. Examined on DVD, La, March. 26, 2011. Running time: 85 MIN. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

The Pirates! Band of Misfits International Trailer: Hijinks on the High Seas

Aardman Animation can do no wrong, ladies and gentlemen: From Chicken Run to Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit, these folks stick to loopy, yet dry material and make it fun for kids and adults every time. In their new feature The Pirates! Band of Misfits, Aardman takes buccaneering out of Jack Sparrow’s realm and back into the world of kiddy imagination. The new international trailer features all the bug eyes and red beards you can muster, plus the vocal talents of Hugh Grant, Jeremy Piven, and Salma Hayek. Of course, this is the international trailer. America isn’t good enough for narration touting “luxuriant beards!” The movie itself reminds me a bit of the underrated James and the Giant Peach adaptation from ‘96, with its fantastical seafaring and splashy claymation. I assume this movie doesn’t get as dark as that did, but Aardman Animation’s penchant for wryness and wisdom may, in fact, qualify the company to be the heir apparent to Roald Dahl. The Pirates: Band of Misfits’ International Trailer [MovieWeb]

Tough fight for SAG-AFTRA merger plan

Intends to merge Hollywood's two greatest artist unions appear prone to face some significant opposition --with different set of advisory motions approved Sunday in the Screen Stars Guild's national membership meeting. Leaders of SAG and also the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have ongoing focusing on The month of january for finishing your final proposal. SAG and AFTRA released some pot statement Wednesday, a next day of a five-day meeting came to the conclusion, saying the confab have been ''remarkably productive.'' But the majority of the 180 attending SAG's member meeting Sunday indicated opposition to some merger, sources stated. The big event, held at SAG headquarters within the mid-Wilshire area, was open simply to guild people. One advisory motion towards the national board specified that the minority report be incorporated within the merger referendum no matter the election from the board. Another advisory motion needed the board follow the three-decade-old Phase 1 agreement, which requires both unions to carry out a feasibility the research into the SAG pension and health plans just before a merger election. The SAG plans -- which lately introduced stiffened qualifications needs -- are operated individually of SAG with oversight from reps from the guild and also the congloms Merger advocates have asserted the combined unions may have more clout. Sources also stated that SAG Treasurer Amy Aquino told that audience the Alliance of movement Picture and tv Producers -- which can serve as the congloms' negotiating arm and has not taken the official position -- doesn't want SAG and AFTRA to merge. ''They fear so much a merger,'' Aquino stated. SAG leader Ken Howard -- who is a strong advocate of merger -- presided within the meeting. Together with Aquino, national VPs Ned Vaughn, Mike Hodge and David Hartley-Margolin were around the dais together with SAG national professional director David Whitened and general counsel Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. SAG and AFTRA have revealed only general particulars concerning the substance of discussions to hammer out a merger plan. Advocates have contended that the combined union could be more effective and take away jurisdictional overlaps. Competitors have contended the new union ought to be for stars only but SAG voters happen to be backing professional-merger candidates extremely in recent elections. If the proposal be accepted in The month of january through the national boards, people might be requested to election by next spring inside a contest that will require 60% of individuals voting in each union to approve. SAG presently has about 120,000 people while AFTRA has about 70,000 about 45,000 entertainers owned by both unions. SAG people chosen lower merger plans in 1999 and 2003. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Fox, The brand new the new sony Pictures to create Home Theatre Venture in South usa

20th Century Fox Home Theatre and also the new the new sony Pictures Home Theatre will launch a Sao Paulo-based partnership noisy . 2012, specific at marketing, sales and distribution of each and every company's Digital video disks and Blu-ray Dvd disks.our editor recommends'Elite Squad 2' Is Brazil's Finest-Grossing Domestic FilmCooper Jackson Promoted to Senior V . p . Business Matters in the new the new sony Pictures Home EntertainmentFox Home Theatre Lays Off twelve Employees This could includes HD additionally to 3 dimensional content. "Brazilian clients are purchasing and selling up to greater standard work from home entertainment when buying HDTVs and Blu-ray players," mentioned T. Paul Burns, SPHE's senior v . p ., worldwide. "Furthermore, the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer season Olympic games being kept in South usa will drive not only economic growth, but growth in your house entertainment marketplace using the development of HDTV's into another number of houses." Leading the Fox - The brand new the new sony Pictures Home Theatre do Brasil Ltda (FSPHEB) will probably be lately hired gm Jefferson Pugsley, who joins the business from Vital Home Theatre South usa where he was v . p . and controlling director. Within the new role, he'll account to some board of company company directors made up of reps from each studio. "Returning ten years, we view an emergent middle and upper class in South usa that are investing an growing interest to entertainment and technology, such as the habits we are seeing in other nations," mentioned Gary Ferguson, senior v . p . of emerging areas, Fox. "Mixing expertise from Fox and SPHE in one location positions our new organization to effectively meet consumer curiosity about high -definition home theatre viewing encounters inside the living room." The brand new the new sony can be a global sponsor in the aforementioned FIFA World Cup. Related Subjects Worldwide The brand new the new sony Pictures Home Theatre 20th Century Fox Home Theatre

Ted Koppel to become listed on Rock Center with John Williams

Ted Koppel Ted Koppel is joining Rock Center with John Williams like a special correspondent, NBC News introduced Thursday. "Transpire is to make Rock Center the Cooperstown in our craft," John Williams stated. "Ted is really a consensus hall of famer, joining the very best team of males and ladies around the air today. While his devote a brief history of television journalism has already been established, his work here's just beginning. This is actually the next chapter, and it is a massive recognition to utilize this giant and former competitor." Take a look at much more of present day news The brand new series, which starts Monday, March. 31 at 10/9c, will feature in-depth tales, coverage of topical occasions and interviews with newsmakers. Koppel, 71, is better noted for his role as anchor on ABC's Nightline from 1980 to 2005.

Father of Invention

An Anchor Bay Entertainment discharge of a Pangea Media presentation of the Sunrise Films, Jonathan Krane Film Organization, Pangea Media, Horizon Entertainment production in colaboration with Trigger Street Prods. Created by Ken Barbet, Jason Sciavicco, Dana Brunetti, Kevin Spacey, Kia Jam, Jonathan D. Krane. Executive producers, Stefan Jacobs, Simon M. J. Horsman, D. Scott Lumpkin, Sergei Bespalov, Mark Manuel, Jordan Yospe, Gary Raskin, Jared Ian Goldman, Rita Benson LeBlanc, Brendan McDonald, David Bergstein, Ron Tutor. Directed by Trent Cooper. Script, Jonathan D. Krane, Cooper.With: Kevin Spacey, Camilla Belle, Louise Graham, Virginia Madsen, Johnny Knoxville, John Stamos, Anna Anissimova, Craig Robinson.Without color exposition and deficiencies in imagination or wit stall "Father of Invention" in the beginning gate. The would-be comedy stars Kevin Spacey like a charming fabricator of dual-purpose devices who emerges from an eight-year prison stint sans millions, home, vehicle, wife or daughter. Louise Graham sparks some welcome flashes of humor and genuine interaction, however the pic never shakes off its creaky buildup until late in your home stretch. Anchor Bay release opens March. 14 and appears unlikely to increase its limited run. Pic opens having a revved-up infomercial by which Robert Axel (Spacey) pitches items to some extremely passionate audience in the high-rise corporate headquarters. However the film's comic tone appears off, the grandiosity from the spiel neither ingenious enough to appear clever nor absurd enough to create laughs. Indeed, throughout, helmer Trent Cooper ("Ray the Cable Guy: Health Inspector") waffles between heroic and comic visions of his protagonist soon after the scene of his triumphant reign come images of his subsequent fall, as Axel exits the slammer searching just like a lengthy-haired bum. If your brontosaurus-formed nightlight/humidifier or perhaps a combined camera/pepper-sprayer made Axel a beloved household title, his ab-cruncher/funnel-surfer/accidental finger-chopper switched it right into a synonym for infamy. Following his release, Axel visits his ex-wife (Virginia Madsen), a would-be chanteuse whose dependence on fame is matched up with a singular insufficient talent. She ranks as only the first inside a lengthy line of people that have are making money from his fall. Such isn't the situation together with his daughter, Claire (an attractive but somewhat bland Camilla Belle), whose love he sacrificed to his workaholic megalomania. Axel's route to redemption soon becomes obvious: He or she must restore the affection of his daughter and re-establish the value of his work -- for the reason that order, natch. As Axel struggles to rebuild his daughter's trust and the brilliant career, he ropes in old and new acquaintances, all whom are reborn through their interactions with him. His daughter's two roomies (Graham and Anna Anissimova) are amazingly "healed" of lesbianism and insecurity, correspondingly, and a number of used little people reach stretch their wings and assume their rightful places in society. Axel themself seems poised to restore his kingdom, until an egregious little bit of moral rug-tugging. Pic really gathers some momentum, if little credibility, because it sweeps toward its conclusion, its awkwardly established elements finally coalescing having a way of measuring technical ease.Camera (color, widescreen), Steve Yedlin editor, Louise Persons music, Nick Urata music supervisor, Mary Ramos production designer, Frederick T. Garrity costume designers, Johanna Argan, Molly Elizabeth Grundman seem (Dolby Digital), Gabriel J. Serrano supervisory seem editor, Javier Bennasssar seem designer, Bennassar re-recording mixer, Chris David casting, Mary Vernieu, Venus Kanani. Examined on DVD, NY, March. 10, 2011. (This Year Berlin Film Festival -- Panorama.) Running time: 93 MIN. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Exclusive: On Set with New Girl Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel There's music in mid-air around the La group of Fox's breakout comedy New Girl. Within the trailer of star Zooey Deschanel, an electrical ukulele rests around the couch. "It's my backup from the time I had been touring," she states. "Sometimes I'll just sing at lunch for individuals.Inch She even installed a karaoke machine within the show's hair-and-makeup trailer. Creator Liz Meriwether states having a laugh, "I've attended makeup at four each morning and there is this music moving, she's dancing, and I am like, 'How do you've still got enough energy?'" The cast and crew of recent Girl have lots to sing about nowadays. The show's premiere episode opened up to ten million audiences on September 20, building on lead-in Glee and reaping helpful benefits from the bold Fox strategy: making the episode on iTunes greater than a week ahead of time. "It feels as though another world where what matters is person to person and becoming awareness available," states Meriwether. "It had been a dangerous move, and I am really happy they made it happen.Inch The premiere was Fox's greatest for any sitcom in ten years, and also, since then, it's been this season's No. 1 new show in grown ups age range 18 to 34. "I have existed a very long time and that i know not to over expect because you won't want to get disappointed," states Deschanel. "We are so happy that individuals are watching it and discussing this moment around.Inch When requested concerning the answer to the show's success, all fingers indicate leading lady Deschanel. An experienced film actress (Almost Famous, (500) Times of Summer time) and accomplished music performer who records with indie guitarist M. Ward underneath the moniker She & Him, 31-year-old Deschanel is diving headfirst into the field of TV as both star along with a producer of recent Girl. "I required 2 yrs off and did just music, and so i really felt prepared to return to acting after i did," states Deschanel, who's also busy preparing a She & Him Christmas album for release on October 24. "I actually do take as being a producer seriously and that i love getting that responsibility. It really makes me wish to continue to work harder.Inch That effort is essential to satisfy the sitcom's difficult regimen, which Meriwether describes as 14-hour days, nonstop marketing tours and constant script rewrites. "I am sure there is an issue of, 'Is she going to adjust to this rigorous schedule?'" adds Meriwether of her star. "She completely has, and not just that, she's completely thriving inside it.Inch Deschanel stresses the significance of remaining artistically satisfied in her own career, even when which means transporting a larger weight on her behalf shoulders. "I had been frustrated on set being just an actress, feeling like I needed to constantly keep my mouth shut," she discloses. "You need to say that which you feel within the best way possible and tell the very best tales we are able to. That's ultimately transpire.Inch Deschanel's male costars - Max Greenfield (Schmidt), Mike Manley (Nick) and Lamorne Morris (Winston) - acknowledge and respect her dedication off and on screen. "The show isn't known as Three Roommates, it's known as New Girl," notes Greenfield. "She's so gifted and due to her, we are all here." And Deschanel recognizes a bond developing between her and also the ensemble. "I have always had lots of guy buddies and that i like male energy," she states. "You will find there's good, playful rapport, most of us.Inch Initially, it's difficult to differentiate the variations between Deschanel and her character, Jess, the slightly awkward but adorable girl nearby with striking blue eyes as well as an affinity for bursting into song at any time. "She's a real 13-year-old version of myself," states Deschanel. "There's still that a part of myself that's totally dorky and strange. You will find many people who strive to appear as different, however i always aspired to be normal and that i never really felt like I had been.Inch And just how does she experience the oft-used term "adorkable" permeating the show's ads and marketing campaign? "I believe it is good!Inch she exclaims. "But I'm not sure basically would always describe myself this way.Inch For additional with Zooey Deschanel and also the cast of recent Girl, get this week's problem of TV Guide Magazine, on newsstands Thursday, October 13! Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

The Raven Trailer Flies In

John Cusack has Poe better bluesWe got a glance at some footage from period action thriller The Raven at Comic-Disadvantage this season, and today the entire trailer is online at Apple for everybody to determine. The Raven finds John Cusack as Edgar Allan Poe (yes, the guy behind The Pit and also the Pendulum, The Tell-Tale Heart along with other classics from the horror literary canon). He's contacted by detective Emmett Fields (Luke Evans) when a number of grisly killings appear, all apparently inspired through the writer's work. Initially, the attention of suspicion falls on him, but soon it's obvious the suspect is taunting Poe, searching to interact him inside a fight of wits which eventually ends up threatening the existence of his beloved Emily (Alice Eve).Directed by V for Vendetta's James McTeigue, a clip emits an absolute vibe of the period-set Seven, although it remains to appear when the finished product will get anywhere near to the standard amounts of David Fincher's masterpiece of crime cinema.With Brendan Gleeson, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, and Kevin McNally also within the cast, The Raven flutters into our movie theaters on March 9 the coming year.

Pippa, Kate Middleton E! True Hollywood Story Airs Now

Indigo/Getty Images Kate Middleton and her more youthful sister, Pippa, can get the E! True Hollywood Story treatment now.our editor recommends'Entertainment Tonight' Has 70 Staffers Covering Royal Wedding'South Park' to Spoof Royal Wedding (Video) PHOTOS: Royal Wedding Style Their one-hour special will "tell the storyplot from the commoner siblings who have been released in to the worldwide spotlight after Kate fell deeply in love with a royal." PHOTOS: Royal Wedding Photos It'll air on March. 12 at 10 p.m. PHOTOS: Famous Royal Wedding ceremonies Middleton get married Prince William in April, becoming the Duchess of Cambridge. STORY: Princess Beatrice's Royal Wedding Hat Will get Assaulted on Facebook Pippa acquired fame after becoming the bridesmaid in the wedding. Kate Middleton

'Dark Dark evening Rises' Actress Juno Temple Can Be A 'Dirty Girl'

Nobody likes a dirty girl, but count me one of the growing number who've fallen deeply deeply in love with "Dirty Girl," director Abe Sylvia's semi-autobiographical movie about two teenage outsiders Danielle (Juno Temple), the promiscuous girl at school, and Clarke (newcomer Jeremy Dozier), a loner fighting to pay for his homosexuality from his intolerant and progressively suspicious father (Dwight Yoakim) who forge an unlikely friendship and spend time along with an impromptu journey of self discovery. Temple, potential seen in an unspecified role in "The Dark Dark evening Increases," tossed by MTV News now to go over her be employed in "Dirty Girl." The actress turns in the dazzling performance as Danielle, somebody who begins the film just like a tough mean-spirited, do-what-it-takes-to-get-your-way kind of lady, but progressively unveils herself being someone else: a young girl searching to fill a dent in their heart. "She's a firecracker. She continues this kind of journey with the movie," Temple told us of her attraction for the character. "You think you understand her in the beginning, but you won't whatsoever. Nobody helps to make the effort to understand her. Her family, her pals well, she doesn't have pals. Nobody gives her an chance to become her, it's similar to this illusion, that people think she kind of likes. A lot of it is sherrrd like to intimidate people and he or she wants people to feel this [way about her], and he or she thinks she's much more adult than she's really.Inch Danielle will receive a tough dose of reality and realizes she's much closer to her teenage self than she'd ever imagined, a hard lesson that really be a huge hit to Temple becoming an actress. "The idea of taking a character around the journey, in playing it, you coping know her concurrently she's,Inch she mentioned. "You're showing how important friendship is, specifically in people years of your existence if you meet somebody who really will enable you to get to suit your needs and loves you for exactly what you're. People are the types of people you need to be pals with, not people that do not allow you to get and don't understand you, that's just could make you lonely and miserable. If you uncover that each who allows you to definitely complete, this can be a really special factor." "Dirty Girl" hits theaters in limited release today (October 7). Reveal what you consider inside the comments section and also on Twitter!

Chris Pratt Had a Perfectly Good Reason For Giving His Cat Away on Twitter

“Bottom line, and not that this is any of your fucking business weirdos, but my wife and I want to start a family and we ABSOLUTELY CANNOT have an animal that shits all over the house. Sorry. If you are a parent you will understand. And if not, that probably explains why you have such a hard on for cats. Just sayin’.” And that, Internet, is why Moneyball star Chris Pratt gave up his 15-year-old cat Bella for adoption on Twitter. The actor ultimately gave Bella to a Twitter user named Meghan who is a “perfectly reasonable, sweet and friendly cat lover.” Pratt’s wife is What’s My Number? star Anna Faris. [ChrisPratt.com]