Box Office Slump 2011: Ticket Sales Drop to 16 Year Lows, Worldwide Amounts Increase

For Hollywood this year, it had been the very best of occasions and also the worst of occasions. Worldwide, the film business was flourishing: based on estimations, galleries gained $13.53 billion overseas this year, a rise of six to eight percent from 2010 along with a new all-time record. Regrettably, that success did not extend to U.S. shores: ticket sales dropped to at least one.28 billion this year, the cheapest total since 1995. Thank heavens for elevated prices and three dimensional taxes! Due to the greater costs, revenue this year is only going to dip 3.five percent where it had been this year ($10.2 billion from $10.58 billion), but that also does not show a business in certain distress. This is the seventh straight year that ticket sales have rejected because the a lot of 2003 (which was the entire year 'Lord from the Rings: The Return from the King,' 'Finding Nemo,' and 'Pirates from the Caribbean' ruled this area office). Based on the La Occasions, total box-office per film dropped some 13 percent this year, because -- as research signifies -- individuals are very likely to hold back for movies hitting DVD and video on-demand services. "More youthful those who are image-conscious don't wish to discuss movies which are per week old," stated Ben Carlson, leader of social networking research firm Fizziology towards the Occasions. "If you do not begin to see the movie at this first moment, then your need to view it starts to fall away." Obviously, the films themselves may be blamed. The very best seven films in the box office this year -- 'Harry Potter and also the Deathly Hallows Part 2,' 'Transformers: Dark from the Moon,' 'Breaking Beginning Part 1,' 'The Hangover Part II,' 'Pirates from the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,' 'Fast Five' and 'Cars 2' -- were sequels, while 'Thor,' 'Rise from the Planet from the Apes' and 'Captain America' rounded the list, films that could hardly be known as originals. Might U.S. audiences be revolting against unoriginality? Regrettably, it in all probability will not matter: with foreign grosses overflowing and ticket prices rising, it appears the domestic moviegoer is of less concern than in the past -- something the 2012 release calendar, filled with sequels, prequels and reissues, appears as one example of. Why did not put forth the films this season? What movies are you going to see together with your disposable earnings in 2012? Tell us within the comments below and be a part of our anticipation poll! What\'s Your Most Anticipated 2012 Movie?The Hunger GamesThe Dark Dark night RisesThe AvengersThe HobbitThe Amazing Spider-ManDjango UnchainedThe Great GatsbyThe Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Part 2Pixar's BraveOtherVote [via LAT, THR] [Photo: Warner Bros.] 5 Explanations Why You Aren't Visiting the Movies See All Moviefone Art galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Best Family Movies of 2011: From 'The Muppets' to 'Harry Potter,' the most effective 11 in '11

A minimum of, it was not difficult to find the best family films of year 2011 offered up an incredibly decent volume of worthier-than-usual animated and kid-friendly movies. Usually, a number of these are firmly inherited genre with PG or G ratings, with two notable (but necessary to include) exceptions. Listed below are our 11 favorite family movies of '11 the whole family -- along with the youthful in your mind -- can take advantage of. Best Family Films of 2011 <strong>11. <a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/dolphin-tale/52009/primary">'Dolphin Tale'</a></strong><strong>10.<a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/kung-fu-panda-2/38095/primary"> 'Kung Fu Panda 2'</a></strong><strong>9. <a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/winnie-the-pooh/51435/primary">'Winnie the Pooh'</a></strong><strong>8. <a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/puss-in-boots/38097/primary">'Puss In Boots'</a></strong><strong>7. 'The Adventures of Tintin' </strong><strong>6. <a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/arthur-christmas/38972/primary">'Arthur Christmas'</a></strong><strong>5. <a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/war-equine/10037190/primary">'War Equine'</a></strong><strong>4. <a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/rango/35373/primary">'Rango'</a></strong><strong>3. <a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/the-muppets/1390395/primary">'The Muppets'</strong></a><strong>2. <a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/hugo-cabret/10035988/primary">'Hugo'</strong></a><strong>1. 'Harry Potter as well as the Deathly Hallows: Part II'</strong> See All Moviefone Galleries » [Top photo: Disney Warner Bros. Disney] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Scarlett Johansson 'Without Makeup' in 'We Bought a Zoo,' together with other P-Glammed Stars

It's tough to visualize glamor-puss celebrity Scarlett Johansson acquiring kangaroo garbage, isn't it? Ultimately, audiences are conditioned doing driving male co-stars wild with skin-tight leather suits and raspy whispers, under her knees in grime trying to help keep lots of exotic animals happy. So, to help audiences wrap their heads round her role just like a zookeeper in 'We Bought a Zoo,' Johansson was adament about firming lower her fashion image. According to her recent Vanity Fair cover story, "Johansson will avoid searching as being a celebrity pretending to become zookeeper running on empty and fueled only by her devotion to her motley selection of large cats, zebras and kangaroos they rejected to use makeup for your film." An actress decreasing to use makeup can be a bold move -- particularly in today of up-close HD. Naturally, though, an actress's idea of 'no makeup' probably differs quite drastically within the average person's. It could mean forgoing cherry-red-colored-colored lipstick and mile-extended false lashes, while still piling around the liberal dollop of foundation, powder, blush and other things making an actress with superior genes look a lot more superior. There's much talked about Emma Stone's "makeunder" for summer season blockbuster 'The Help.' But despite curly hair and moderate makeup, Stone still looked excellent. Same is applicable to Halle Berry in 'Monster's Ball.' Sure, she wasn't as radiant and ideal as she usually looks, but she had been quite clearly above-average inside the looks department. It's good when beautiful stars really get completely ugly for just about any role. Nicole Kidman in 'The Hours' and Charlize Theron in 'Monster' are two of the very apparent good good examples. But they're only some of those who've ugged up for your silver screen. That may help you feel good than Hollywood goddesses, if possibly so to speak, we've come up with a gallery of stunning stars who considerably transformed their looks for employment. (And Scarlett sans lipstick is at there, too, permanently measure.) When Stars Dress Lower for just about any Role Scarlett Johansson in 'We Bought a Zoo'Vanessa Hudgens in 'Gimme Shelter'Angelina Jolie in 'Girl, interrupted'Cameron Diaz in 'Being John Malkovich'Mariah Carey in 'Precious'Robin Wright in 'The Conspirator' See All Moviefone Galleries » [Photo: last century Fox] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

'Lady' and also the champion

NY, NY - DECEMBER 13: Sophistication Gummer and Mammie Gummer attend the "The Iron Lady" NY premiere after party in the Royalton Hotel on December 13, 2011 in NY City. (Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage) Abi Morgan and Phyllida Lloyd flank "Iron Lady" producer Damian Johnson. Meryl Streep provides her political platform. A film premiere is definitely an odd spot to launch a political career, but that did not stop "The Iron Lady" helmer Phyllida Lloyd from tossing her weight behind Meryl Streep. "Meryl for leader!" Lloyd excited prior to the film's Gotham premiere Tuesday in the Ziegfeld.Streep, who nailed Britain's polarizing Pm Margaret Thatcher, stated she favors to order her political ambitions for that bigscreen. "Over my dead body!" she quipped of Lloyd's suggestion. Still, if she did choose to have a run at office, the decorated thesp includes a unique platform: "My platform could be heels. I'd operate on platform heels. They are a lot better than stilettos."Film writer Abi Morgan summarized the film's appeal, particularly for that preem's female-heavy crowd, which incorporated trailblazers Billie Jean King, Gloria Steinem and Christiane Amanpour."Meryl and that i laugh and say it's 'King Lear' for women," stated Morgan. Meanwhile, revelers embarked 10 blocks towards the Royalton to have an after-party, in which the usual bloodstream pudding and meat pies were changed with shrimp, hamburgers and grilled vegetables. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Terrence Malick on 'The Tree of Life'

Malick'The Tree of Life'With "The Tree of Existence," filmmaker Terrence Malick recognized a extended-held dream. Collaborators recall discussions in regards to the project dating back some thirty years for the number of "Badlands," the American director's 1973 seminal feature debut about some criminal fanatics abroad.Simply because then, the infamously reclusive director, who not grant interviews, has completed four movies -- "Occasions of Paradise," "The Thin Red-colored-colored Line," "The " " New World " "" and "Existence" -- each suffused with Malick's now-trademark adoration for natural world, and Man's place there.If Malick features a singular and commanding authorial presence -- with "The Tree of Existence" feeling a great deal a lot more like one particular personal poem when compared to a collaborative artform -- people who make use of the Texas-based maverick suggest he's inclusive and greatly open to others' ideas."He's doing have a very strong vision from the products he desires to do and what he desires to accomplish," states producer Bill Pohlad. "There's however nothing demanding about his attitude. He's very inclusive and collaborative. Even when i had been in publish and speaking concerning the cuts" -- a longer timeframe that straddled one Cannes deadline after which it showed up at another -- "there's never a quarrel. We'd a very family-like atmosphere."But Pohlad while others say Malick's method appeared to become unique, constantly deviating in the set schedule and moving the crew across the small Texas capital of scotland - Smithville at whim to get shots because the light been right. As actress Jessica Chastain referred to following a film's Cannes premiere, "It's all about taking any kind of accident,Inch she mentioned. "He'd be shooting, and Kaira might be wonderful, after which it there'd be described as a woodpecker nearby and he'd use that. You can't plan whenever.InchInchHowever it's not as random as that," Pohlad states. "Terry's got an idea. But he executes it inside an easygoing way."EYE Round The Oscars: THE DIRECTOR Helmers hot to globe trotWoody Allen Stephen Daldry David Fincher Michel Hazanavicius Terrence Malick Bennett Burns Alexander Payne Jason Reitman Martin Scorsese Steven SpielbergIn this mix Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

The British Film Institute to Create Film Fund Tsar; Film London Gets New Board Members

A concert featuring hitmakers Bush, Sublime, Social Distortion, 311, and Blink 182 sounds like a dream bill -- for 1999. But that was the topline on night one of this year's KROQ Acoustic Christmas, held at its regular home Gibson Amphitheater at Universal. A stark contrast to the 22-year-old fest's usual standard of lining up talent that's representative of the cutting edge of rock, it was also a somewhat depressing reminder of the aging demographic that actually still listens to rock music, with many in the audience downing large amounts of nostalgia along with their Bud Lights.our editor recommendsSee a Little Light: A Celebration of the Music and Legacy of Bob Mould: Concert ReviewMetallica India Concert Cancellation Leads To Chaos as Fans Trash Stage (Video)The Big 4: Concert Review The outlook's not enitrely cynical: many of these bands have major current hits and could handily sell out a show of their own at a similarly sized (or bigger) venue, an arbiter of strength that gave the show a once-in-a-lifetime (or, at least, every couple decades) feel. For what it's worth, the second night's lineup, scheduled for this evening, skews far more current, with major artists like The Black Keys and Florence and the Machine playing alongside retro-faves Jane's Addiction, signaling that all is not lost for those who choose a guitar over a turntable or drum machine. STORY:Outside Lands: A Rock Festival Fit For Foodies Still, by far the biggest thrills of this first night came in the form of singalongs to songs that are old enough to drive. "Glycerine," Bush's 1994 hit, found still-youthful-looking frontman Gavin Rossdale soaked to the bone with water and sweat (mostly culled from a marathon crowd-run a few songs earlier), leading the audience in a crescendo that erupted when he was joined by the rest of his band for a few headbanging bars at the song's climax. "Smoke Two Joints," Sublime With Rome's opening ska-rocker, was accompanied by the sound of hundreds of lighters getting to work, just as it would have been had the band been arena-sized when they recorded it, in 1992 (the band was a last-minute replacement for Incubus, who backed out due to a member's illness). And headliner Blink-182 bounced through near-oldies like "Rock Show," "What's My Age Again," and "Dammit (Growing Up)" as well as recent hits like the smarter-than-you'd-think "Up All Night," pogoing and making sex jokes that keep them perpetually in their early '20s, despite forehead-wrinkles that would suggest otherwise. A few of the bands worked at least a bit of holiday cheer into their sets: Blink played not just one but two Christmas-themed songs ("Happy Holidays, You Bastard" and the written-for-KROQ rarity "I Won't Be Home For Christmas"), and workhorse punk stalwarts Social Distortion claimed they were going to break into a Christmas jam, before covering "Ring of Fire" to close their set. But major points are due to openers New Found Glory, the only band to embrace the "acoustic" part of "Acoustic Christmas," via a fine singalong of "Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire." Elsewhere on the bill, the chuff-rock of Chevelle and 311's approachable reggae rock came off as somewhat pose-y, despite each band's energetic push to prove otherwise. The only newcomers on the bill, Irvine's Young The Giant, brought indie-rock to the caravan, but outside of their two hits, "Cough Syrup" and "My Body," the band's intricate arrangements and vocals were enitirely lost on an audience antsy for the youngsters to finish up so that they could get busy reliving their own youth. Photo by Jeff Kravitz,InsideCelebPics.com PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Dollars After Death: 12 Albums That Got Big Posthumous Sales Boosts

'My Week With Marilyn' Mystery: Was Colin Clark Being truthful About Marilyn Monroe?

It can't be Oscar season without among the challengers coming under some fire for that veracity of their narrative. This past year, both 'The King's Speech' and 'The Social Network' were trapped by claims the films' real-existence primary figures were not described within an honest light now 'My Week With Marilyn' is, once more, at the middle of a did-it-or-did not-it question regarding its titular clandestine relationship. Articles within the La Occasions on Saturday went deep in to the backstory from the new film, which is dependant on two works from Colin Clark (performed onscreen by Eddie Redmayne), another assistant director on 'The Prince and also the Showgirl,' who stated he spent an intimate week from the power grid with Marilyn Monroe throughout producing that film in 1956. Or, not. "It is a complete lie. It is a fantasy," stated Joshua Greene, the boy of Monroe's then-creating partner Milton Greene, a guy who themself allegedly were built with a fling with Monroe. "He would be a 4th-rate water boy. There is clearly no curiosity about attempting to make a genuine movie in line with the situation. Don't wallow in it and say this is dependant on a genuine story and never possess the decency to verify that the story holds true by visiting people who continue to be alive." Greene manages his father's archives. Not too director Simon Curtis is anxious relating to this latest round of attacks. "I've pointless to doubt Colin's version. Who's to express what went down in individuals sleeping rooms on individuals nights?" Not Michelle Williams, although the star and possible Oscar nominee is a little more skeptical than her director. "While you're reading each of his books, you need to do obtain the sense that he's writing with the benefit of hindsight, and he's put some awfully large words in the own mouth," she stated towards the La Occasions. "I believe he states within the book that Marilyn desired to have sex, but he stated, 'Oh, no!' And you are like, 'Oh, sure.' I am certain there is rapport there. As to the extent it had been consummated, I'm not sure." Captured, Vera Day, an actress who had a small sector in 'The Prince and also the Showgirl,' told The Daily Animal that they wasn't sure which kind of relationship Clark had with Monroe. "I did not witness anything between Marilyn and Colin Clark [as with the film]. I really don't remember him around the set whatsoever. There were not any rumblings of these being together on set. She was very, very into Arthur Burns, plus they were on their own honeymoon. Goodness me, no. Whatever he stated about this ... I am talking about, I can not accuse him of laying, however i greatly doubt there is anything happening there. She was with [Burns] constantly, so when she wasn't she was working, and that he was around the set constantly together with her.Inch Regardless of the situation, the debate has not goosed this area-office returns for 'My Week With Marilyn.' Through three days in limited release, the film has gained approximately $5 million. [via LAT] [Photo: TWC] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

AFTRA Reaches New Network TV Code Deal

Following a month of discussions, AFTRA has arrived at a tentative 3-year agreement using the Large 4 broadcast systems along with other producers for any new Network Television Code, which provides coverage for all programming except network scripted primetime series. The newest one-year extension towards the previous AFTRA Network Television Code expired on November. 15. The brand new agreement, which runs from November. 16, 2011 through November. 15, 2014, requires singlePercent rise in employer contributions towards the AFTRA Health & Retirement Funds upon ratification in addition to a 2% wage increase each year. This is actually the announcement with a lot more particulars: La (12 ,. 9, 2011) The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO a national union in excess of 70,000 entertainers, recording artists and broadcast professionals today introduced that AFTRA people have arrived at a tentative agreement using the four major television broadcast systems (ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox) along with other producers on terms for any successor agreement towards the AFTRA National Code of Fair Practice for Network Television Broadcasting, also known as, the leading from the Book. Discussions started on November. 7, and were held in the offices from the Alliance of movement Picture and tv Producers in Sherman Trees, Calif. AFTRA people accomplished their primary objective within this settlement: singlePercent rise in employer contributions towards the AFTRA Health & Retirement Funds upon ratification, that will bring the entire H&R contribution rate to 16.5%. Upon ratification, the 3-year agreement will run from November. 16, 2011 through November. 15, 2014. Other highlights include: Increase wages by 6% within the term from the agreement (2% every year) for many groups Increase minimum hazard purchase Ballroom dancers from $80 to $100 daily, and from $100 to $125 per program The $37.50 overtime rate for Performers is going to be compensated beginning in the seventh rather than the ninth hour Increase the minimum workday for Stand-Inches who focus on primetime variety and award shows, which will raise the minimum daily rate by 20% to 67% Enhanced contract language to improve equal employment possibilities for union entertainers including a contract to include Gender Identity towards the Unions Paragraph 97 diversity report form AFTRA National Leader Roberta Reardon, who chaired the 25-member settling committee of working people from Local people round the nation, recognized the tentative agreement saying: Our settling committee of testing and background stars, promo announcers, freelance newspersons, stunt entertainers, performers, ballroom dancers and, obviously, stars, labored together effortlessly to provide a contract that guarantees increases and enhancements for those union people who work, or who'll work, under this contract. Reardon ongoing: I especially acknowledge the tremendous dedication and skill of Kim Roberts Hedgpeth and her terrific team of staff. AFTRA people are fortunate to become based on this kind of amazing number of professionals. AFTRA National Executive Director Kim Roberts Hedgpeth offered as Chief Negotiator for that Union, and was aided co-arbitrators Joan Halpern Weise, AFTRA Assistant National Executive Director of Entertainment Programming, and Stephen Burrow, AFTRA NY Local Executive Director. The Network Code Front from the Book may be the Unions biggest national collective negotiating agreement and creates a lot more than $250 million a year in member earnings. The Code covers programming in most television day parts (aside from scripted primetime programs around the systems and also the CW that are covered underneath the AFTRA Exhibit An agreement) and programming created for digital media. Covered programs include dramas in first-run distribution, morning news shows, talk shows, serials (cleaning soap operas), variety, reality, contest, sports and marketing bulletins. Current programs included in this contract include: Good Morning America, The Vista, The Cost is appropriate, The Youthful and also the Restless, Saturday Evening Live, Dwts, The Voice, Amazing Race, Nightline, Deal or No Deal, Late Evening with David Letterman and The American Idol Show among many more. Full particulars from the tentative agreement is going to be posted for approval into the AFTRA National Board on Jan. 28, 2012. Susceptible to it's approval, the agreement is going to be sent for ratification through the Unions membership. AFTRA has yet another national contract settlement to summarize prior to the finish of the season: the AFTRA Seem Tracks Code. In August, AFTRA people commenced negotiating with reps from The new sony, UMG, Warner, EMI, Disney and many of the subsidiary labels for any successor agreement into the AFTRA National Code of Fair Practice for Seem Tracks, the Unions second biggest national contract. AFTRA people are scheduled to go back to Seem Tracks Code discussions in NY on 12 ,. 14 and 15. The Seem Tracks Code is placed to run out on 12 ,. 31, 2011.

Michelle Duggar Suffers Miscarriage

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar Michelle Duggar learned Thursday she experienced a miscarriage throughout her second trimester, People reviews. Duggar, 45, and her husband, Jim Bob, were inside a routine check-around uncover the sex in the developing fetus when their physician was unable to choose a heartbeat. The little one might have been the reality TV couple's 20th. Duggars expecting 20th child "We'd been talking about baby names last evening and [the children were searching towards naming a boy or possibly a woman,Inch the 19 Kids and Counting mother notifies playboy. "It has been an authentic sad disappointment." Michelle states the household expects to title the little one once they uncover the sex after which it hold a memorial. "I appear like my heart broke telling the children,In . she notifies People. "They have all been so searching toward this baby and looking out toward April coming around and becoming a completely new child inside our arms. That was most likely probably the most difficult." Duggar baby No. 19 released within the hospital Sadly, this is not the initial miscarriage for your Duggars. Michelle miscarried throughout her second pregnancy. She was taking dental birth control in those days, and states this is probably the reasons she and her husband have since left the quantity of children they have "around God." The Duggars' youngest child, Josie, also experienced medical problems when she was produced three several days prematurely in December 2009.

'X Factor' Results: Who Makes Semifinals? (Video)

Laurence Cendrowicz/The Weinstein Co. Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Kenneth Branagh, one of the most revered stage and screen actors of his era, and not a bad writer or director either, about his remarkable life and career. (Scroll down to listen to audio of our conversation.) Branagh is probably best known for his work in the theater, but has, over the past 30 years, accomplished a great deal in the world of film, as well, most notably writing, directing, and starring in three of the finest adaptations ever made of William Shakespeare's Henry V (1989), Much Ado About Nothing (1993), and Hamlet (1996). Branagh has four Oscar nods to his name -- for best director and best actor for Henry V (1989); best adapted screenplay for Hamlet (1996); and best live action short for Swan Song (1992) -- and may soon add a fifth, for best supporting actor, for his portrayal of Laurence Olivier, one of his greatest acting heroes, in My Week with Marilyn. Branagh rang me from Sweden, where he is now at work on his next film, and, over the course of 30 minutes, we discussed all of the above and more.our editor recommendsRalph Fiennes, Kenneth Branagh to Get Special Nods at British Independent Film AwardsKenneth Branagh to Get BAFTA Tribute Branagh was born in Belfast, Ireland into a working-class family. His father was a carpenter and his mother worked at the local fish-and-chips shop. When he was 10 years old, the family moved to Surrey, England, at which point Branagh undertook his first acting project: losing his Irish accent to avoid mockery in the classroom. By the age of 16, he was acting in serious school productions, and it was then that a teacher nonchalantly suggested to him that he possessed the talent to pursue acting for a living. The idea that he might be paid to do something that he so enjoyed made a profound impact on him, and became his greatest ambition. Just three years later, he was a student at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and also made his big screen debut in a brief uncredited part in Chariots of Fire (1981), which went on to win the best picture Oscar, and by the age of 28 he had already accomplished enough to write an autobiography. In the early years of Branagh's career, in particular, he was frequently compared to the greatest actors of all-time, including and especially one of his own acting heroes, Sir Laurence Olivier.Of those sorts of comparisons, he says today, "Quite frankly, of course you can't live up to it, and you feel, sort of, overwhelmed and humbled by it." He didn't help to make them go away, though, when he elected to follow in Olivier's ambitious footsteps by adapting, directing, and starring in big screen adaptations of Henry V (Olivier in 1944, Branagh in 1989) and Hamlet (Olivier in 1948, Branagh in 1989); in-between those two, Branagh tackled the Bard's Much Ado Nothing (1993), as well. Branagh acquitted himself very well in those efforts -- so well, in fact, that many people have struggled to see him in any context but a Shakespearean one. ("I might have been boxed in by the association with Shakespeare or these kinds of parts," he acknowledges.) Consequently, his filmography since those movies has been less impressive than many expected it would be. His own take on Frankenstein (1994), Barry Sonnenfeld's Wild Wild West (1999), Chris Columbus' Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), his remake of Sleuth (2007), and Bryan Singer's Valkyrie (2008), to name a few projects, aren't all bad films... but they don't exactly sound like the sort of thing with which Olivier -- or "the next Olivier" -- would associate himself. So how was Branagh able to get out of this rut, of sorts? The solution came in the most unexpected but appropriate of opportunities: a chance to play Olivier himself in Simon Curtis' My Week with Marilyn, which centers around the brief relationship that developed between Marilyn Monroe and a young stagehand during the making of the 1957 film The Princess and the Showgirl, a troubled production that Olivier directed and in which he played the male lead. Who, after all, could be better qualified to play Olivier at the age of 50, in a bit of a career rut, but still one of the all-time greats, than Branagh, who currently fits precisely the same description. Branagh, who as a 19-year-old student at RADA exchanged letters with Olivier but never saw him in-person, says that he quickly embraced the opportunity to play the great actor, rather than run away from it, as many expected him to because it would inevitably reawaken those decades-old comparisons. He says, "I was grateful -- I felt as though I had, in some way, humbly earned the right to try and bring something to him." He goes on, "I did feel that I had a kind of understanding of the essence, the very particular and specific kind of effort, of entrepreneurial energy, and, you know, sort of, creative drive that would allow any actor to, you know, direct and play the title role in Hamlet or Henry V -- that takes a very particular, unusual set of circumstances and abilities." Above all, though, he says, "It felt like a sort of debt of gratitude... [I] felt totally, totally motivated to get it right for him." And so he set to work. Before My Week with Marilyn got underway, he visited many of the places that Olivier passed through during the making of The Princess and the Showgirl, and revisited that film and many of Olivier's others. Once the production got underway, he would arrive on set early each morning, have a cup of coffee with costar Michelle Williams, and then spend two-and-a-half hours in a makeup chair listening to Olivier's rendition of the Bible as prosthetics were applied to give him a cleft chin; makeup was used to reshape his eyebrows and heighten his forehead; and Brilliantine was slicked through his hair. Once on set, he learned to wear a monocle like the one that Olivier wore in The Princess and the Showgirl, and wore specially-commissioned shoes from the same shoemaker that Olivier used. And, now that the film has been completed and is out before the world, he hopes that it will have the same sort of rejuvenating impact on his professional life that The Princess and the Showgirl had on Olivier's. Branagh tells me, "This film, which was a glorious and joyous experience for me, leaves me wanting to have the same kind of bravery going into the next part of my career -- to jump in and be as brave, and courageous, and as artistically-adventurous as Olivier was." My Week With Marilyn

Exclusive: Absolutely Fabulous Special Can get Premiere Date

Absolutely Fabulous Mark your calendars: The Absolutely Fabulous 20th Anniversary Special will premiere Sunday, Jan. 8 at 10/9c on BBC America and Logo design design, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively.The special is among three the systems are planning with everybody's favorite drunken dynamic duo, Edina Monsoon (Jennifer Saunders) and Patsy Stone (Joanna Lumley), who first embellished our screens when Ab Great first demonstrated in 1992.How Absolutely Fabulous! BBC America resurrects Ab FabWritten by Saunders, the special may have a homecoming for one of the gals, who's been away for just about any a long time and returns getting a rather frightening new nearest friend. Additionally, Bubble (Jane Horrocks) re-enacts the royal wedding.Are you currently presently excited for further Ab Great?

Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes: 'Netflix Is Our Friend'

Blind Wink Productions, the transmedia company founded by filmmaker Gore Verbinski, has cut a deal with Microsoft to create interactive entertainment content exclusively for the company's variety of platforms, including Xbox 360. The pact's first collaborative project is an Xbox LIVE Arcade video game designed for Kinect for late 2012.our editor recommendsDisney's 'Lone Ranger' Close to Riding Again After Johnny Depp, Jerry Bruckheimer, Gore Verbinski Reduce FeesJerry Bruckheimer Breaks His Silence on Disney's $215 Million 'Lone Ranger' Compromise (Exclusive) Why 'Tintin' and 'Rango' Stand Out Among This Year's Animated Awards Contenders (Opinion) Future projects will engage other platforms and be distributed worldwide by Microsoft, whose Xbox 360game console has distribution deals with Netflix, Hulu and ESPN in addition to its downloadable gaming content. PHOTOS: 'Rango,' 'Beginners' and 21 Other Awards Contenders Featuring Animals "Audiences consume content very differently today," said Verbinski. "As an idea house, we at Blind Wink are looking forward to our partnership with Microsoft. Their various platforms give us access to new methods of distribution, allowing us to extend into emerging markets and connect more directly with the audience." Founded in 2008, Blind Wink's first production was the Paramount animated filmRango, which Verbinski directed for release earlier this year. The new deal is intended to bring cinematic qualities to the Blind Wink/Microsoft collaborations. "Xbox 360 gamers can look forward to innovative and creative games from the mind of Gore Verbinski that explore new and exciting gaming territory and take full advantage of our platforms," said Microsoft Studios general managerMatt Booty. Related Topics Microsoft Rango Video Games Gore Verbinski

Jason Bourne Star Difficulties Jams The Kardashians

First Launched: November 29, 2011 5:08 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Difficulties On Cowboys & Aliens: It Absolutely Was An Chance To Create A Move SpectacularLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Difficulties has already established are equipped for the Kardashian clan. Inside an interview with Britains GQ magazine, as excerpted with the Daily Mail, the Jason Bourne franchise star blasted the reality TV brood. Think about the Kardashians, theyre worth millions. I dont think they were that badly off to begin with, however have a look their way, he apparently told playboy. The truth is might you think, What, you mean all I have to do is be a f***ing idiot on television after which it youll pay me millions? I'm not realizing it well, I am clearly, he apparently added. The actor, whose new film, The Woman while using Dragon Tattoo opens on December 21, blasted stars who share their personal lives after which it plead for privacy. In my opinion theres a great be mentioned and also hardwearing . personal counsel, he apparently told British GQ. It's not about being afraid being public along with your feelings or about what you're which that you simply indicate. However when you sell it off off its gone. You can't purchase it back you can't get your privacy back. Ooh If only to become alone. F*** you, he apparently ongoing. Weve experienced your living room. I had been in the birth. You shot it for people and shown us the placenta and also you want some privacy? Craig also addressed his recent wedding to Rachel Weisz, his Dream House co-star, whom he married in the private ceremony taken. We didnt require it f*****d up, because that could be talking about a secret, the actor referred to of why the large event wasnt public understanding. More youthful crowd stopped missing divulging many particulars about his relationship along with his fellow actor-switched-wife. Look, Im for one another. Im happy. That is to date as Im all set to go. Existence is extended, existence fails which i should not say something now that may be thrown back later, he apparently added. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Oslo' tops Stockholm fest

'Oslo August 31' London-- Joachim Trier's "Oslo August 31" won the most effective film and cinematography honours within the 22nd Stockholm Film Festival, while Paddy Considine's "Tyrannosaur" needed the award for directorial debut.Tomas Alfredson's "Mess Tailor Soldier Spy," which opened up in the fest November. 9, needed the Fipresci jury award, selected from films not inside the primary competition.The Stockholm Film Fund granted its inaugural prize of $750,000 in production funding to Swedish helmer Lisa Aschan, to purchase her horror project "The Deposit."Beneath the rules in the fund, that's dedicated to aid new female talent, Aschan must have the finished film ready to world premiere at next year's Stockholm fest.The fest closed November. 20 getting a gala screening of Pedro Almodovar's "The Skin Home Is.Inch The honours were given out inside a ceremony November. 19. Jury was Whit Stillman, who known to "Oslo August 31" as "a superbly colored portrait from the generation."Actress prize visited Yohanna Idha on her behalf role inside the Swedish pic "Others.Inch Sergei Boriskov needed the actor award for Russian drama "Twilight Portrait."Lebanese-French co-production "Which Side We Proceed NowInch won two honours, for top script and greatest music.The jury gave special mentions to British actress Olivia Colman on her behalf performance in "Tyrannosaur" also to Australian director Julia Leigh for "Sleeping Beauty."Jonathan Levine's "50/50" won everyone else award. Other films that acquired within the crowd voting were "Others,Inch "Drive" and "Martha Marcy May Marlene."As formerly introduced, Isabelle Huppert was handed the fest's Lifetime Achievement Award, Alejandro Gonzelez Inarritu received the Visionary Award, and native actress Malin Buska won the L'Oreal Paris Rising Star Award. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

CBS Renews Survivor For 2 More Seasons, Sets February Premiere Date For Next Cycle

CBS has ordered Seasons 25 and 26 ofTV’s longest-running reality competition, Survivor. Additionally, the network has set a premiere date for the series’ upcoming 24th cycle, which will debut on Feb. 15. Four-time Emmy winner Jeff Probst will return as host and executive producer for the three upcoming cycles of Survivor. He will juggle his duties on the reality series with his new syndicated daily talk show, which launches next September, as CBS and sibling CBS TV Distribution, which produces the talk show, have made scheduling arrangements. Seasons 25 and 26 of Survivor will film back-to-back this spring, after which Probst will segue into pre-production of the talk show. In its 23rd edition, Survivor: South Pacific is averaging 12.3 million viewers, after which 3.8/11 in adults 18-49 in the Wednesday 8 PM slot. The series is produced by SEG, Inc. Mark Burnett, Jeff Probst and David Burris are executive producers.

Diddy To Pay Tribute To Late Rapper Heavy D In NY

First Published: November 14, 2011 8:29 PM EST Credit: Getty Images NY, N.Y. -- Caption Sean Combs attends HBOs Post 2011 Golden Globe Awards Party held at The Beverly Hilton hotel on January 16, 2011Rap mogul Diddy and the Rev. Al Sharpton will speak at late rapper Heavy Ds funeral on Friday, and BET Networks plans a tribute for him at the Soul Train awards. Diddy said in a statement that he was heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend. He was a wonderful human being, who inspired and paved the way for a Hip Hop generation, the statement said. We were like brothers I will miss him more than words can express. A private funeral for the rap legend will be held at the historic Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, just north of NY City. Heavy D, born Dwight Arrington Myers, died at a Los Angeles hospital last week after collapsing outside his home. He was 44. The NY-born rapper was the titular member of Heavy D and the Boyz, which had hits with Now That We Found Love, 'Whos the Man and Somebody for Me. He was one of the genres top stars in the late 1980s and early 1990s. BET also announced Monday that the Soul Train Music Awards in Atlanta will pay tribute to Heavy D, with Curtis Blow, Naughty by Nature, Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, DJ Eddie F, Whodini and Daddy-O of Stetsasonic participating. Heavy Ds family has launched the Heavy D and Xea Myers Fund, named in honor of the rapper and his daughter, whos 11 years old. The family said it was devastated by his death. Though Hev will most notably be remembered for his work both behind-the-scenes and in the forefront, he will always be remembered by us as a generous soul who remained humble and unselfish till his final days, the family said in a statement. Mary J. Blige, who started her career on Uptown Records, the label on which Heavy D released most of his music and of which he eventually became president, called the late rapper an angel and protector. He was one of the people in my life who always had something inspiring and encouraging to say, she said in a statement. He was so joyful and optimistic. His talent brought so much joy to our lives. I love you and miss you, Heavy. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Hot List 2011: The Funny Ladies of Comedy

Zooey Deschanel Using its worn-in leather sofa and duct-recorded-together lcd, the attic group of Fox's New Girl exudes the vibe of lazy days and beer-fueled late nights. A couple of ft away, Zooey Deschanel is cutting loose throughout a photograph shoot. There's some emphatic twirling inside a retro-chic, peony-pink party dress plus some much more emphatic lip-synching right into a toy microphone to some David Bowie track - all while rocking a rhinestone tiara. Refreshingly unself-conscious, the actress doesn't seem possible to disregard. "I had been the little one on stage within the chorus that individuals were really like, 'What's happening with that certain?'" she reviews having a throaty laugh. "It sometimes would be a positive thing, like, 'I can't stop watching you.' In other cases, it had been, 'God, log off happens!AInch It's reliable advice Deschanel's hearing a lot of former nowadays. Thanks in no small part towards the singular talents of their leading lady, New Girl has turned into a buzzy, significantly admired breakout hit. (Fox's greatest-ranked sitcom premiere inside a decade: Check! First new series to become acquired for any full season: Check!) But Deschanel's Jess - a wacky charmer who, following a humiliating breakup, moves along with three guy roommates - is not the only real funny woman creating a serious effect on the networks' fall agendas. From CBS' 2 Broke Women, starring indie-film darling Kat Dennings and newcomer Janet Behrs as cash-strapped waitresses wealthy in (frequently raunchy) comebacks, to NBC's Up Through The Night, brought by Christina Applegate like a new mother readjusting towards the place of work, wise, female-driven comedies are all of a sudden the toast of prime time. In addition, all individuals series - in addition to NBC's Whitney - were produced or cocreated by women. "It's awesome and surprising," states New Girl creator Liz Meriwether. "You'd never [predict], 'Oh, yeah, each one of these new implies that will work is going to be ones starring women compiled by women.' That does not seem like what you'd expect from network television. It appears like an excellent time for you to be around.Inch Obviously, comics happen to be area of the fabric of TV because the times of I Really Like Lucy. And, more lately, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Mike & Molly's Melissa McCarthy and Modern Family's Julie Bowen and Sofía Vergara have tickled our collective funny bone. However the amount of bold, winningly complex women presently inhabiting TV screens is really a welcome development. "Bridesmaids [demonstrated] individuals are excited and comfy with seeing women being ballsy and funny," states Up Through The Night creator Emily Spivey. "I additionally think it had been just up that ladies need to see a far more realistic, fun representation of themselves." If these female-fueled shows ring true, it is because the ladies involved frequently draw from general observations. New Girl was inspired through the close friendship that developed between Meriwether along with a guy acquaintance after both experienced difficult separations - though she confesses she initially worried whether a mainstream audience would warm to her off-kilter spontaneity. "I had been fully expecting that it is a cult classic," she states. "Canceled after four episodes but, like, individuals four episodes were so great!Inch And Spivey came upon her very own struggles like a new mother coming back to her gig like a author on Saturday Evening Love Up Through The Night, which follows talk-show producer Reagan as she juggles her obligations to husband Chris (Will Arnett), newborn Amy and demanding boss Ava (Maya Rudolph). Applegate can relate. Like Reagan, the actress - whose comedy career includes Married... With Children, as well as an Emmy-nominated switch on Samantha Who? - had spent a lot of her existence centered on her high-profile profession. And like Reagan, she felt her focal points irrevocably change following childbirth to some daughter, Sadie Sophistication, last The month of january. "I am so crazily deeply in love with her," states Applegate, among checking to ascertain if Sadie takes her bottle. "It's beyond anything I'd ever imagined. I enjoy my job, however i think any [parent] would let you know we wanna be around our youngsters a lot more than other things. She trumps everything." For additional using the women of comedy so the Hot List 2011, get this week's problem of TV Guide Magazine, on newsstands Thursday, November 10! Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Sweeps Roundup: November. 7-13

Nathan Fillion Fundamental necessities guest stars and occasions the systems have planned for your second week of November sweeps: Monday, November. 7 8/7cGossip Girl (The CW)Only Blair Waldorf would audition potential bridesmaids on her behalf approaching royal wedding. 9/8cHouse (Fox)Battlestar Galactica alum Jamie Bamber might be the individual every week, playing a very-respected guy who's hiding dark secrets about his personal and professional existence. 9:30/8:30cMike & Molly (CBS)Carl sets his sights high when he tries so far a very attractive lady carried out by Carol Robinson Peete. 10/9cCastle (ABC)An impromptu situation in Atlantic City leads to an impromptu bachelor party for Ryan. What continues in AC stays in AC...Tuesday, November. 8 8/7c90210 (The CW)In the real stretch of casting, Jersey Shore's Vinny Guadagnino plays a hollywood the males meet in Las vegas while Billy Ray Cyrus plays, you suspected it, a rustic celebrity. NCIS (CBS)Simply a few, they checks an plane crash that was moving the caskets of deceased soldiers. 9:30/8:30c (ABC)Raising Hope (Fox)Uh oh! Maw Maw swallows her gold tooth, and Burt and Virginia contemplate finding it. 10/9cParenthood (NBC)Adam and Kristina make an effort to restart their sex existence following a birth from the daughter. Wednesday, November. 9 8/7cCountry Music Honours (ABC)Kaira Paisley and Barbara Underwood host the 45th annual honours that takes note of country music's "finest evening." Up With The Evening (NBC)While babysitting, Ava meets only one father carried out by Jason Lee. Bad Ava already features a boyfriend! 9/8c America's Next Top Model (The CW)The relaxation from the models go to a vacation in a holiday in greece too as with the initial photo shoot on location, one of the women is anxious about showing up in their under clothes. 10/9cLaw & Order: Special Sufferers Unit (NBC)Timothy Busfield guest-stars just like a guy whose mail-order Russian bride is situated wiped out. To assistance with case study, Cragen (Dann Florek) goes undercover just like a guy seeking a bride. Thursday, November. 10 8/7cThe Vampire Journals (The CW)In the future, another celebration in Mystic Falls. Round the evening of Homecoming, Rebekah discloses to Elena, while Klaus puts his latest plan into action. 9/8cBones (FOX)The team's latest squint identifies the remains from the competitive eating champion (eww!) and links evidence with a lizard. Work (NBC)Pam prepares to consider maternity leave, but worries that Jim finds the completely new, and extremely pretty, temp tempting. 10/9cPrivate Practice (ABC)Amelia hits inexpensive when she produces herself a natural the blue pill prescription and contains a run-together with the cops. Friday, November. 118/7cExtreme Transformation: Home Edition (ABC)Around the Veteran's Day-designed episode, Jewel and host Ty Pennington see daily a couple of from the memorable military tales featured around the program as well as the team visits the families with an update. Sunday 8/7c Not such a long time ago (ABC)Cinderella comprises a unlucky deal with Rumplestiltskin. 9/8cFamily Guy (FOX)John and Stewie travel in time to the pilot episode in the series where they modify background then put it back again. 10/9cDesperate Regular folks (ABC)Lynette appears getting a plan to save her marriage to Tom by themselves 22-year anniversary.

Peter Jackson Hosting West Memphis 3's Damien Echols (And 'The Hobbit' Premiere) in New Zealand

Peter Jackson didn't just help fund the cause of the West Memphis Three, he's now hosting Damien Echols of the now-freed trio at his home in New Zealand. "We're doing investigative work, we're doing forensic work," Jackson said Friday at a press conference. He and partner Fran Walsh have been funding legal efforts for the three Americans, who were convicted as teens. During the conference, Jackson also announced that the world premiere for 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' will -- not surprisingly -- take place in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. Jackson and Walsh, along with several other celebrities, including Johnny Depp, have championed the innocence of Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jesse Misskelley, collectively known as the West Memphis Three. The trio served 18 years in prison for the murders of three boys in West Memphis, Arkansas. They have maintained their innocence and were released after pleading guilty to lesser charges. Their story of apparent injustice has been told in three documentaries. The latest, 'Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory', was updated to include their long-sought release in August. It screened earlier this month at the NY Film Festival and will debut on HBO in January. As for 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,' the eagerly anticipated prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' will have its world premiere in Wellington in November 2012, Jackson and Prime Minister John Key announced today at the Hobbiton set in Waikato. One hundred thousand people packed Wellington for the 2003 world premiere of the 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' in December 2003. "I think Warner Bros. in particular were blown away by the 'Return of the King' premiere," Jackson said. "No one in the international industry could quite believe how the country got behind that." The entire press conference can be viewed here. 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,' hits theaters December 14, 2012. The second movie, 'The Hobbit: There And Back Again,' opens December 13, 2013. [via THR and Deadline] [Photo: AP] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Shiloh Fernandez heads 'East'

FernandezShiloh Fernandez has signed on to star in Fox Searchlight pic "The East." Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgard and Ellen Page were already lined up to star in the film, which Zal Batmanglij will direct. Marling and Batmanglij wrote the script, which follows an employee of a private contracting firm who goes undercover to infiltrate a mysterious anarchist org known only as the East. Michael Costigan will produce with Jocelyn Hayes Simpson and Marling through Scott Free Prods. Fernandez will play the free-spirited and sexually adventurous member of Skarsgard's eco-terrorism group. While production is set to get under way soon, Batmanglij had been testing actors for months to find the perfect complement to Skarsgard and Page. Fernandez was most recently seen in the Warner Bros. pic "Red Riding Hood" and just wrapped production on the indie "Syrup." He is repped by CAA and Untitled. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

Walking Dead Gets Season 3 Pick-Up

First Published: October 25, 2011 3:27 PM EDT Credit: AMC Caption Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes on AMCs breakout show about surviving in a zombie infested world, The Walking Dead LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Sheriff Rick Grimes is coming back for a third season to deliver swift justice to those flesh-loving zombies on The Walking Dead. AMC confirmed on Tuesday that they greenlit Season 3 of the survivalists-meet-zombies drama, based on Robert Kirkmans comic book series, and starring Brit Andrew Lincoln. Today we are pleased to announce that the dead shall live as we proudly renew The Walking Dead for a third season on AMC and, globally, with our terrific partners at Fox International Channels, AMC President Charlie Collier said in a statement. We are thankful for everyones contribution in front of and behind the camera as we continue to make The Walking Dead a unique television experience. And, we are so proud as it continues to set viewership records around the world. The Walking Dead has been a major hit for AMC in its second season, which just aired its second episode on Sunday. The shows season premiere earlier this month drew in over 11 million viewers. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Will Ferrell receives Twain prize

FerrellComedian Will Ferrell accepted the Kennedy Center's coveted Mark Twain Prize for Humor Sunday with all the sincerity the comic could muster. "I am deeply humbled," he said of the miniature bust of Twain he pledged to store in a place of honor. "If my kids even look at it, I will beat them." The comments, and some noteworthy fumbling of the so-called "priceless bust" presented by Kennedy Center Chairman David Rubenstein, capped a series of tributes by a gaggle of famous colleagues. Taped by WETA-TV Washington, event will air on PBS stations Oct. 31. Jack Black kicked off the evening with an energetic guitar number joined by musical director Crispin Cioe and the band, Cracked Ice. "Will is not just funny, he's crazy funny," said Black before introducing a clip from the film, "Blades of Glory." It was the first of numerous video clips drawn from "Saturday Night Live," Ferrell's other films, website Funnyordie.com and Ferrell's 2003 Harvard University commencement address.Molly Shannon, Paul Rudd, Ed Asner, Tim Meadows, Andy Samberg, Conan O'Brien, Gwen Ifill, Adam McKay, John C. Reilly, Matthew Broderick, and Ben Stiller also were among those on hand for the occasion.The comedians mixed praise with good-natured ribbing, but reserved their more caustic material for PBS. "That's what public funding will get you," quipped O'Brien following a snafu with the teleprompter. "The pressure is off tonight because we only have to be PBS funny -- as funny as Jim Lehrer." Later, Ferrell noted that the event would be viewed on PBS "by literally hundreds of people."O'Brien noted that Ferrell was his first and last guest during his brief and controversial stint hosting the "Tonight Show." "It takes a good friend who is willing to stick with you for five and a half months," he said.As with other recipients of the 14-year-old prize, Ferrell endured the sometimes caustic acclaim with wife Viveca Paulin and family from a safe distance in a box at the center's sold out Concert Hall. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Burglary Crew Copies Tactics From 'The Town'

Five men in NY were allegedly using the tactics used in the 2010 film The Town to pull of real-life robberies. The NYPD stated that the group performed 62 burglaries using many of the moves shows in the film, which was directed and starred Ben Affleck.our editor recommendsBen Affleck's 'The Town' Plays Role in Debt Ceiling TalksAnatomy of a Contender: Making of 'The Town' The group started robbing businesses in NY in August 2010, cutting power to their target's store and using headlamps to navigate in the dark. They also splashed bleach on ATMs and cash drawers to get rid of DNA evidence. PHOTOS: The Top 11 Oscar Snubs NYPD spokesman said Tuesday that the suspects told detectives they'd watched the characters in The Town perform the same actions, according to NBC-NY. The 2010 drama centered around lifelong friends who rob banks and armored trucks in Boston. Jeremy Renner was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role PHOTO: Ben Affleck Debuts New Look On 'Argo' Set Police say the real-life burglars made off with $217,000 after robbing delis, pizzerias and other stores in Brooklyn and Queens. This wasn't the first real-life crime inspired by the 2010 film. In May, bank robbers in Chicago used the same nun costumes that the robbers use in the film. Related Topics Ben Affleck Jeremy Renner The Town

Inseparable (Xing ying bu li)

A Fantawild Pictures presentation from the Colordance, Fantawild Pictures production in colaboration with Trigger Street Prods., Xinhua Media Entertainment. (Worldwide sales: Odins Eye Entertainment, Sydney.) Produced by Dayyan Eng, David U. Lee. Executive producers, Dana Brunetti, Kevin Spacey, Steven Squillante. Directed, written, edited by Dayyan Eng.With: Kevin Spacey, Daniel Wu, Gong Beibi, Yan Ni, Peter Stormare, Kenneth Tsang, Zhang Mo, Zhao Xiaoxing. (British, Mandarin dialogue)Taiwanese-born, Stateside-reared, Beijing-based helmer Dayyan Eng comprises a apparent if uneven try to craft a pic that's both China- and America-friendly with "Inseparable," a comic study of the turning-30 crisis. Joining Kevin Spacey and Hong Kong heartthrob Daniel Wu, the pic is positioned to preem in China later this year, and based on Wu's huge fanbase there as well as the allure in the first Sino-funded pic to possess a Hollywood star, B.O. figures being respectable. However, no matter the prevalence of British dialogue, Western auds may well be more reticent to embrace a film that sees Spacey retreading his earlier roles. Shot in Guangzhou, this droll if overlong follow-around Eng's feature bow, "Waiting Alone," involves a suicidal prosthetics-company engineering executive as well as the provocative Westerner who instructs him concerning how to improve and revel around. The setup brims with comic potential, nevertheless the pic begins to drag carrying out a vital twist is revealed within the three-quarter mark. Thirty-year-old Li (Wu) is sliding a noose round his neck when he's interrupted by an insistent knock in of his apartment. In walks Chuck (Spacey), an inquisitive, sardonic Westerner who confesses for you to get poor Mandarin capabilities recognizing the dangling hangman's knot, Chuck probes the youthful man's emotional condition. Blithely hinting that he's a hitman for your CIA yet keeping their very own motivations and true identity a secret, Chuck offers Li a means to release up and restore control of his existence, emphasizing the value of showing hostility and taking a stand. Just like a starting point toward helping Li feel happier, Chuck can get the professional to slash the tires from the annoying co-worker (Zhang Mo). Feeling emboldened and righteous, Li is inspired to help an unhealthy street vendor against a raging, self-important businessman (Zhao Xiaoxing) who forms arguments getting a crowbar. This energetic new approach to existence not only improves Li's self-esteem but furthermore augurs well for his moribund relationship along with his moody journalist wife, Pang (Gong Beibi). Realizing the reduced classes need a hero to safeguard their interests, Li takes this notion to absurd (and possibly censor-facing) extremes by creating a hero costume from sportswear. Experiencing the idea, Chuck dons a considerably elegant Batman-like cape and cowl. Round the prowl for crimes to fight, the two expose and humiliate a corrupt Western businessman (Peter Stormare), an outing that doesn't only brings Li for the attention of police, but furthermore introduces an important part of his relationship with Chuck that spins the storyplot lower another path. From this level, the narrative attempts to segue gently in to a much much deeper, more somber mode, but can't relinquish the comic tone established earlier. Result devolves right into a strange pastiche of "Fight Club," Clara Law's ethereal Daniel Wu starrer "Wonderful,Inch and self-help psychology. Pic's major resource is Wu's buoyant capacity to maneuver very easily between comic and solemn modes. Due to the film's tricky tonal tightrope, Spacey's talent for razor-sharp delivery and sly emotional nuance may have prove helpful, nevertheless the thesp supplies a lazy, uncommitted variation around the persona he along with other casting company company directors have extended milked dry. Once Chuck's secret's revealed, his character diminishes interesting, as well as the script's flaws more apparent. Eng directs by getting a competent anonymity which get the story across. Thierry Arbogast's grainy, washed-out lensing may have been designed to reflect Li's frequently depressive condition but serves to empty the pic of some much-needed existence basically a roof garden Chuck tends and Li's garish costume provide bursts of color. Other tech credits are fine.Camera (color), Thierry Arbogast music, Nathan Wang, Eric Lee Harper production designer, Thomas Chong costume designer, Lawrence Xu appear (Dolby Digital), Zhang Yang. Examined at Busan Film Festival (A Window on Asian Cinema), March. 10, 2011. Running time: 97 MIN. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

3 films vie for Scottish BAFTA

EDINBURGH -- Peter Mullan's "Neds," Morag McKinnon's "Donkeys" and David Mackenzie's "SenseInch happen to be nominated for the best film in the BAFTA Scotland Honours. Mullan, McKinnon and Mackenzie will also be within the running for the best director, while Mullan is nominated for the best author alongside Colin McLaren for "Donkeys" and David Kane for that BBC1 drama "Area of Bloodstream." Conor McCarron, the youthful lead in "Neds," is competing for top film actor prize against James Cosmo and John Pettifer for "Donkeys." "Area of Bloodstream" rules the television acting nominations, with nods for that drama's three co-stars, Peter Capaldi, Jayd Manley and Ford Kiernan. Despite the fact that, the show skipped on a nomination for the best TV drama, with nods likely to "Situation Histories," "Garrow's Law" and "Hattie." Nominees for the best single documentary visited Mark Cousins for "The Very First Movie," Sue Bourne for "Jig" and Charlie Russell for "Terry Pratchet: Selecting to Die." The those who win is going to be introduced November. 13 in a ceremony in Glasgow. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

DiCaprio photos to square off Christmas Day 2012

DiCaprioWarner Bros./Village Roadshow will open Baz Luhrmann's "The Truly Amazing Gatsby" on Christmas Day the coming year, establishing a Leonardo DiCaprio double billing, because the Weinstein Co. has additionally dated Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained" for Christmas.Warner can also be opening "The Hobbit: An Unxpected Journey" 11 days earlier."The Truly Amazing Gatsby" stars DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher, Joel Edgerton and Elizabeth Debicki. Production started around australia in This summer.Vital opened up its version from the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic, starring Robert Redford, in March, 1974. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Ted Koppel Joins John Williams' 'Rock Center'

NY -- Ted Koppel will join John Williams' approaching newsmagazine Rock Center like a special correspondent. The broadly reported news is made official Thursday by NBC News leader Steve Capus.our editor recommendsWhat to anticipate from John Williams' 'Rock Center'Brian Williams' Newsmagazine to become Known as 'Rock Center'Brian Williams Talks Politics, Occupy Wall Street on 'Late Show' (Video) "A pioneer of broadcast journalism, Ted has touched every major news event spanning nearly five decades, and besides he bring a significant quantity of experience towards the broadcast, he's a tireless advocate for quality journalism, and is just one of our profession's premiere storytellers," Capus stated inside a statement. PHOTOS: Probably The Most Spoken-About TV News Faces Added Williams: "Transpire is to make Rock Center the Cooperstown in our craft. 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." Koppel spent two-and-a-half decades at ABC News where he was the initial anchor ofNightline. But he left this news division in 2005 whenNightlinewas re-imagined like a multi-subject, multi-anchor program. In 2008, he was employed to lead toBBC World News Americaby the broadcast's then executive producerRome Hartman. And Hartman, who left BBC America being air ofRock Center, seemed to be instrumental in getting Koppel to NBC News. Rock Center premieres March. 31 within the 10 p.m. time slot formerly occupied through the canceled Playboy Club. Related Subjects John Williams

Help Moviefone Caption This Photo of Johnny Depp and Mr. Brainwash

Johnny Depp is one of the ten biggest stars on the planet -- the type of actor who gets paid "stupid money" to appear in blockbusters like 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' and the actually happening 'The Lone Ranger.' Mr. Brainwash is not one of the ten biggest stars on the planet, though if you're a fan of the Banksy documentary 'Exit Through the Gift Shop,' spotting the eccentric artist in public would probably be the source of much excitement. What do these two men have in common? Not much! But that didn't stop them from being photographed at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles on Tuesday night. Help Moviefone caption this epic meeting ahead. That's artist Domingo Zapata on the right of the bearded Mr. Brainwash, and actor/artist Jordi Molla on Depp's left (artist Antonio Del Prito is on the end). Depp and Mr. Brainwash (real name: Thierry Guetta) were at the Chateau Marmont for the Haute Living art exhibit. They look chummy, no? Wonder if they talked about their stylish hats. The floor is yours, dear Moviefone readers! Caption away below. [Photos: Mark Sullivan/WireImage] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Fest captures MM, McQueen

Michael Fassbender, Steve McQueen unspool "Shame." Michelle Williams and Eddie Redmayne reteam at NYFF. The Weinstein Co.'s "My Week With Marilyn" preemed at Alice Tully Hall on Sunday, getting side stepped a couple of other exclusive fests. Its NY Film Festival berth had something related to Michelle Williams' sked. "Frankly we desired to shoot a musical number with Michelle, but she was devoted to 'Oz, the truly amazing and Effective,' " Harvey Weinstein stated at Hudson Hotel's Private Park afterparty. "We could not get her off work until late August, which may have meant showing the film like a work-in-progress with no large number at first.Inch Two nights earlier in the fest, Steve McQueen was feeling anxious at Fox Searchlight's screening of "Shame." "I am always nervous at festivals. Always," the helmer stated at The surface of the Standard. "I believe if you do not get nervous at festivals your time expires.Inch

Mister Paul McCartney Marries Nancy Shevell working in london

After 4 years of dating, Paul McCartney, 69, has finally married his American love, Nancy Shevell, 51, working in london Sunday mid-day.our editor recommendsPaul McCartney and Nancy Shevell Are Engaged (Report)Paul McCartney -- Concert Review9/11 Anniversary: The Touching Story Behind Showtime's New Paul McCartney DocumentaryWill Paul McCartney's Bride Marry in Stella McCartney's Dress? The pair showed up at Old Marylebone Town Hall where these were met by 100s of well-wishers and photography enthusiasts. The first kind Beatle was putting on an easy dark blue suit and silvery pewter blue tie, while Shevell elected for any classic lengthy-sleeved cocktail-length whitened dress along with a whitened flower hidden into her hair. Based on Monique Jessen of individuals magazine, both suit and also the dress specified for by Mister Paul's daughter, Stella McCartney. McCartney's youngest daughter, Beatrice, who he fathered with ex-wife Louise Mills, was outfitted like a flower girl for that ceremony. About 30 visitors were attending in the town hall ceremony, including McCartney's former Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr. Coincidentally, Sunday could have been John Lennon's 71st birthday. STORY:Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr Hit London Premiere of Martin Scorsese's George Harrison Doc The View's Barbara Walters, who apparently performed matchmaker for that couple, based on the NY Observer, seemed to be working in london for that wedding. Walters is Shevell's second cousin. Shevell was raised in Edison, Nj, the daughter of Myron and Arlene Shevell. Her father has Colonial Motor Freight (NEMF), a company that counts revenues in excess of $400 million yearly. Shevell was hired for everyone around the M.T.A. board in NY in 2001 at that time-governor George Pataki, though her 10-year tenure found an finish in June, per month after McCartney and Shevell introduced their engagement. McCartney comes with an estate in Peasmarsh, Sussex, set with an isolated 1,500 acres. The pair has not formally introduced which argument from the Gulf Of Mexico they'll make their house base. STORY:Paul McCartney: 'I've Been Compromised' This really is McCartney's third marriage and Shevell's second. McCartney was get married to his first wife, Linda Eastman, for pretty much 3 decades until she died of cancer of the breast in 1998. Based on the NY Observer, Shevell's first marriage ended up being to attorney Bruce Blakeman, who went unsuccessfully like a Republican within the 2010 Senate race in NY. There is a 19-year-old boy, Arlen. "If only Nancy and Paul well, and that is it," Blakeman stated when approached through the Observer following the couple got engaged. "Nancy's an excellent mother, and Paul goodies my boy very nicely." McCartney's second marriage to model Louise Mills led to a bitter divorce in 2008. She fought against for any large divorce settlement-125 million pounds-alleging she behaved like a psychiatrist for McCartney because he grieved for his first wife Linda. The judge granted her 24.3 million pounds ($48.six million), under a fifth of the items she initially requested. STORY:Doris Day Interviews with Mister Paul McCartney Before Album Drops McCartney and Shevell first started dating openly in 2007, though they've been within the same weekend circles some two decades, as neighbors on their vacation houses within the Hamptons. Shevell includes a multi-billion dollar home in East Hampton while McCartney is the owner of a house in neighboring Amagansett. Related Subjects Paul McCartney Stella McCartney The Beatles Louise Mills

You Realize What's Awesome? This Poster for Shame

My first a reaction to the brand new poster for Steve McQueen’s acclaimed drama Shame was natural, possibly apparent: “But where’s Michael Fassbender?” The man only went away using the Venice Film Festival award for the best Actor and it is on the track for serious contention within this year’s Oscar Index and is among the cleverest rising stars in most of cinema and makes ladies and males alike swoon together with his bracing visual appearance. (To express nothing of similarly absentee co-star Carey Mulligan.) But that reaction appears forever ago, lodged within the hrs since i have haven’t had the opportunity to prevent searching in internet marketing. The truth is this talks to both serious moviegoer who’s acquainted with Shame’s prestige and doesn’t need faces to market it to her or him and also the casual moviegoer who might often hear a peep relating to this but knows the implications of the untidy mattress placed using the word “SHAME.” Sexy! Vivid! Dramatic! It’s not only for 10-year-olds who unsuccessful to drag in the sheets before dashing to college any longer. Anyway, all of us remember what went down the final time Fassbender went in the forefront on for that entrepreneurs, so technically the experts got the things they wanted. It’s an ideal poster! Well performed, Fox Searchlight. [via THR]

Steve Jobs' Death: Hollywood Honors the Visionary

Apple co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs left behind a strong legacy in the world of technology and personal computing, but judging by the sheer number of Hollywood personalities that felt the need to share their condolencs on Twitter, his influence went far beyond that.our editor recommendsSteve Jobs Dies at 56Steve Jobs 'Died Peacefully,' His Family SaysApple Honors Steve Jobs With Homepage Takeover of Official SiteSteve Jobs Remembered By Disney, Pixar ExecsRemembering Steve Jobs (Video)Steve Jobs: 10 Memorable Milestones of the Apple Co-Founder's CareerSteve Jobs' Death: Obama Says 'World Has Lost a Visionary' Reality stars, actors, directors and comedians all shared their thoughts -- all of them seemingly heartfelt. A few of the most notable Tweets: Actor and comedian Albert Brooks Had the pleasure of working for him and knowing him. He was our Edison. R.I.P. Steve Jobs. Cowboys & Aliens director Jon Favreau We lost a man of true vision today. Condolences to the whole Apple family. Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof Steve Jobs. On behalf of every dreamer sitting in his or her garage who is crazy enough to try to change the world, you will be missed. How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris Rest in peace, Steve Jobs. Your genius will live on for generations to come... PHOTOS: Hollywood's Notable Deaths Community star Donald Glover R.I.P. Steve Jobs. I can honestly say you changed my life and the world many times over. Internet personality Wil Wheaton iRIP, Steve Jobs. Thank you for making incredible things, so we can live in the future. Model and talk show host Tyra Banks As I type on my iPhone, tears spring2 my eyes4an amazingMan I never met. His genius has touched us all. Steve Jobs, you will b/with us 4ever Jay Manuel of America's Next Top Model May he RIP... Steve was a groundbreaking genius who changed the face of computing! ;-( Actress Rose McGowan I am beyond sad about Steve Jobs' passing. Beyond. Writer-director-actor Harry Shearer Steve, thank you for changing our lives for the better. Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World director Edgar Wright Farewell and R.I.P. Steve Jobs. Written from a Macbook. The Office writer-actress Mindy Kaling Hard not to think how much Steve Jobs could've done with more years. So sad. You're the best, Steve. Star Trek star LeVar Burton Even though I never met him, I'm feeling the loss of Steve Jobs on a very personal level. Skateboard star Tony Hawk Steve Jobs was the man. Fall Out Boy member Pete Wentz RIP steve jobs. true legend. Comedian Patton Oswalt RIP Steve Jobs. Closest thing we had to Tony Stark. Actor Steven Weber "Death...is life's change agent..." Steve Jobs Bachelorette Host Chris Harrison RIP genius Steve Jobs. Incredibly sad. Thx for all the gifts he left us TechCrunch founder Michael Arrington Damn. People like steve jobs are supposed to live forever Technology pundit Robert Scoble Steve Jobs has died, Apple has reported. We have lost a great one. TV host Suze Orman So very sad that Steve Jobs has died. What a brilliant and kind man. We will miss you Steve. Model and talk show host Tyra Banks As I type on my iPhone, tears spring2 my eyes4an amazingMan I never met. His genius has touched us all. Steve Jobs, you will b/with us 4ever Two and a Half Men star Ashton Kutcher Avatar in memory of#stevejobs [Kutcher changed his profile photo to an Apple logo featured Jobs in silhouette] Comedian Jeffrey Ross Sad day. Apple's Steve Jobs bytes the dust. But the good news is he backed himself up. #roastinpeace Actress Busy Phillipps RIP Steve Jobs. What an incredible man. He will leave a legacy that will go far beyond his inventions... Chuck star Zachary Levi May we all aspire to change the world the way Steve Jobs has. We've only one life. Make the best of it. #ripstevejobs Comedian Joe Rogan Steve Jobs has died and left behind the greatest computer company the world has ever known. A vision reached, a dream fulfilled John Hodgman, the "PC" from the Mac commercials Everything good I have done, I have done on a Mac. Related Topics Steve Jobs

Jordana Brewster on Fast Five, Maturing Onscreen and the Chance of a Sixth Fast & Furious Film

Last week, Movieline spoke with with Fast Five star Tyrese Gibson to get the male perspective on being part of such a lucrative, testosterone-driven franchise. Eager to get another take, we reached out to Jordana Brewster, who has played the sole heroine of the car heist series since day one. The Yale graduate eagerly discussed her growing role in Fast Five (which is released on DVD and Blu-ray this week), a potential sixth installment and her own meager knowledge of automobiles. It seems like even five movies in, Fast & Furious continues to grow more and more popular at the box office. Did you have any idea that it would be such a lasting franchise when you signed on? No! When we signed on, I was in high school and I didn’t know much about car culture. I didn’t even have my license at the time, so I knew that we were making a movie about cars but I don’t think any of us knew that we were onto something so special that would keep growing. Justin [Lin] is really amazing in that he keeps building on it without taking the fans for granted. He knows that he’s got to keep expanding and he does that by taking us to new places like Rio de Janeiro and adding characters like Dwayne Johnson’s character. Our fans are amazing and so loyal. And not just the fans but the critics also seem to have a certain respect for this franchise. Have you always felt the critics’ support as well? I stopped reading reviews like two or three movies in, so I try not to pay too much attention to that. But if they did, that’s awesome. Has your knowledge of cars expanded tremendously since the first movie? Well, I still don’t drive a stick. I did take one class, but I was so hopeless, I just said, “I’m not going to get this” and gave that up. I do love driving and appreciate it more. There’s no way you can’t living in Los Angeles. I also have developed an appreciation for just beautiful cars like the GT40 I drove in Fast Five. I was like, “Oh my gosh, I love the lines on that car.” But then someone like Paul will know what’s going into the engine and how you fix that car if it breaks down. I’m not that savvy. Do you feel any pressure to drive an awesome car in real life? No, I mean, I drive a Range Rover Sport which I really love. My dream car would be a Maserati. That would be amazing. Fast Five was such a fun movie to watch. What was the most fun scene to shoot? My favorite scene by far was the foot chase that we shot in Puerto Rico. Paul and I got to do all of these stunts which was so much fun for me — not just as an actor because I got to kick ass and jump off roofs — but because my character, Mia, got to grow and be on the run with the boys. That was something that Justin and I had talked about, and it was really important to evolve. Did you have to do some strong convincing to let Justin do your own stunts? No, Justin was like, “I’m going to push you on this one.” It was just time for her — and me — to be on the run with the boys and protect her family. She had a lot more at stake on this movie. How do you unwind from being on such an action-heavy, testosterone-fueled set every day? I meditate, which I really like. Just 20 minutes twice a day and that really helps. It’s funny because when you watch the movie it seems like it’s constant adrenaline but there’s so much stopping and starting on set that everyone is pretty mellow. That’s the only way to keep your sanity. [SPOILER ALERT] How did you react when you found out that Mia was going to be pregnant in this movie? I was excited, because story-wise, I thought it helped up the ante for her and it helped her and [Paul Walker’s character] Brian become closer. How do you think this will change the trajectory of the franchise? I don’t know. I’m excited to see where they’ll take it if there’s a sixth movie. Have you heard anything about a sixth movie yet? Nothing official, but I would be up for it. It’s so much fun because you’re working with your friends and you’re working with these people that you have a shorthand with. How much feedback do you get from female fans? I think I’ve gotten the most feedback on this one because Mia was stronger and on the run with the boys and involved in the action. Because she was a stronger female character, I did get a great response. I hear from them on Twitter about the action sequences. And yes, I still get a lot of questions about Paul and what it’s like to work with him. [Laughs]

Rankings: Pan Am Hits Some Turbulence Home Videos On Worst Start Ever

Kelli Garner Pan Am lost some altitude in Week 2, prospecting 7.75 million audiences - under three-quarters of their premiere audience. The ABC program, which required served by 10.87 million aboard, obtained a couple.5 rating among 18-to-49-year-olds Sunday evening, a 19 percent fall from last week's 3.1, Nielsen overnights demonstrated. As frequently happens every sunday, amounts were skewed with a football overrun on CBS still, the ultimate twenty minutes from the Good Wife after which CSI: Miami snapped up 10.45 million along with a 2.2 demo rating in prime time's final hour from the new sixties drama about stewardesses. Fall Preview: Get scoop in your favorite coming back shows Prime time's first hour saw the growing season premiere of America's Funniest Home Videos log off to the cheapest-ranked season debut in the history, bringing in 6.44 million audiences (1.5 demo rating - a 21 percent decline), as the football overrun and an hour - featuring Andy Rooney's swan song - snapped up 17.43 million (4.5). In the same time frame slot, Football Evening in the usa and animated reruns on Fox received 8.09 million and 5.43 million, correspondingly. Despite a uneven win through the Baltimore Ravens within the NY Jets, NBC's Sunday Evening Football averaged 17.sixty five million fans (7.3). Which was lower 11 percent from 2010's Week 4 game, but nonetheless the 2nd-greatest for Week 4 within the NBC franchise's six-year history. At 8/7c, Amazing Race had 12.99 million (3.3) versus. Extreme Transformation: Home Edition's 7.11 million (2.1). Read our Desperate Average women episode recap At 9/8c, Desperate Average women attracted 9.03 million audiences along with a 2.9 demo rating (lower 9 %), as the first 40 minutes from the Good Wife snapped up 10.48 million and a pair of.4. From eight to ten on Fox, the animation block went through a few days 2 decline: The Simpsons, 6.12 million audiences (3.) The Cleveland Show, 5.47 million (2.6) Family Guy, 6.91 million (3.5) and American Father! 5.71 million (2.7). On Showtime, Dexter slayed using its sixth season premiere - getting 2.two million audiences to really make it the network's top season premiere in 14 many the network's top telecast of 2011 so far. The series premiere of Homeland at 10/9c also broke records. The Claire Danes-headlined series netted 1.08 million audiences being Showtime's most-viewed drama series premiere in eight years (since 2001's Dead Much Like Me).

Fremantle Reboots Universal Soldier; Hires National Treasure Creator To Pen Treasure Caper TV Series

MIPCOM: Those of you who cheered when Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren went mano-a-mano in Roland Emmerichs 1992 sci-flick Universal Soldier will be pleased to know that it is being rebooted as a TV series. Damian Kindler (Stargate, Sanctuary) is writing the show, which will be produced by FremantleMedia North America, the U.S. arm of the London-based TV producer. Allen Shapiro and Craig Baumgarten, who produced the original movie, will be executive producers. Shapiro is currently chairman of TV Guide Network and was a founder of Mosaic Media Group, while Baumgartens movie credits include Hook and Shattered Glass. Baumgarten has a long track record as a studio executive including stints at Paramount, Columbia, Fox and Lorimar. Meanwhile, Fremantle has hired Charles Segars, creator and exec producer of both National Treasure movies, to create Blood & Treasure (working title), a TV drama series about two brothers who go round the world solving crimes and unearthing some of the worlds greatest secrets kind of cops-meet-The Da Vinci Code. Rob Wright (Law & Order) has written the series bible and first hour-long episode. Fremantle Media Enterprises, the producers rights arm, will be coaxing international buyers at MIPCOM. Blood & Treasure comes out of FMEs first-look deal with U.S. TV producer Landscape Entertainment (Medical Investigation).

Watch Transformers 3 Megavideo

TV Guide Network Counts Lower the 100 Moments That Transformed TV

Jesse Jackson and Justin Timberlake TV Guide Network will consider the monumental moments which have affected present day television landscape inside a five-part series beginning Sunday. One of the greatest: Jesse Jackson's Super Bowl "wardrobe malfunction," the Van Doren "Quiz Show" scandal, and just how reality shows for example Survivor and The American Idol Show released a brand new genre. Journalists for example Tom Brokaw discuss the controversy between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, the O.J. Simpson trial and also the birth of CNN. Ray King describes how his talk show paved the way in which for that viewer participation format.And Frank Gifford addresses the beginning of Monday Evening Football. Robin Roberts, Bryant Gumbel and Cynthia McFadden as well as other pop-culture experts will weigh within how these major moments affected the effective medium. 100 Moments that Transformed TV: Parts 1 and a pair of air Sunday at 9/7c on television Guide Network. Parts 3, 4, and 5 will air on subsequent Sundays. Watch two clips in the series below:

Dish Uncovers Blockbuster Movie Pass

After several weeks of speculation and cryptic comments from Dish Network, the organization has finally revealed Blockbuster Movie Pass, its subscription streaming movie service bundle for that TV or computer. Most experts understood this very day was coming since Dish acquired Blockbuster inside a personal bankruptcy auction, which setup an opportunity to create a play against sector giant Netflix. The timing couldn’t considerably easier to launch an adversary to Netflix, given its recent spinoff and perceived PR problems — each of which have produced a significant dent in the once high-flying stock cost. Here’s the discharge: ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Sept. 23, 2011 — DISH Network L.L.C. and Blockbuster L.L.C. introduced today Blockbuster Movie Pass, probably the most comprehensive TV entertainment programming package ever shipped with a multichannel pay TV provider. Beginning March. 1, 2011, Blockbuster Movie Pass can be obtained for DISH Network clients, beginning at $10 monthly, mixing the very best of TV with the very best of movies and games. It provides a pay TV industry first: a regular membership streaming movie service bundle on the television or PC. This programming package is unmatched by every other cable, satellite, telco or online streaming movie service. Blockbuster Movie Pass includes the next: Mail It! A lot more than 100,000 DVD movies, Television shows and games available by mail. No additional charge for hd Blu-ray movies. One, 2 or 3 disc plans available. Queue management made easily from the link at world wide web.dish.com. Stream it! Stream a lot more than 3,000 movies towards the TV. Stream a lot more than 4,000 movies towards the PC. Watch 100s of on-demand Television shows. Listen to it! A lot more than 3,000 game titles by mail for Xbox 360, Xbox 360 360, Playstation2, Playstation3, and Manufacturers Wii. Exchange it! Limitless trades of Dvd disks and game titles at taking part Blockbuster stores. Watch it! A lot more than 20 premium entertainment movie channels from galleries like MGM, Epix, The new sony Movie Funnel, PixL and much more. “With an incredible number of Internet-enabled DISH Network set-top boxes used in U.S. houses and our capability to offer services in the legendary Blockbuster brand, we're distinctively situated to make use of the numerous ways customers seek use of a common movies, Television shows or games,” stated Joe Clayton, Boss of DISH Network. “When you mix Blockbuster Movie Pass having a DISH Network subscription, you receive endless entertainment options and convenient use of this content you would like, when you wish it. And in contrast to others, we provide the simplicity one company, one bill and something connection.” From March. 1 through Jan. 31, 2012, DISH Network is providing new clients Blockbuster Movie Pass incorporated using their DISH Network subscription for just one year once they sign up for DISH Network’s America’s Top 200 programming package or greater and invest in 24 several weeks of DISH Network service. This can be $360 in savings. Blockbuster Movie Pass can also be incorporated for 3 several weeks for brand new DISH Network clients who sign up for America’s Top 120 programming package. Following the marketing period, Blockbuster Movie Pass begins just $10 monthly. Use of the subscription streaming movie service takes a DISH Network HD Digital recording device. “We’ve produced a package that mixes the very best assets from the movie entertainment and gambling industries using the convenience and integration supplied by a multichannel video provider,” stated Michael Kelly, leader of Blockbuster. “Blockbuster Movie Pass may be the ultimate programming package for each movie aficionado. The mixture of Dvd disks by mail and limitless in-store trades provides a lot more than 100 million people living near Blockbuster stores, that are open seven days per week, immediate satisfaction and unmatched choice.”

Bavaria, Telepool launch Global Screen

ZURICH -- Teutonic programming titans Bavaria Film and Telepool are merging their world sales divisions to create Global Screen, among the biggest distribution companies in Europe. The brand new company will handle the world distribution of theatrical and TV programming outdoors of German-speaking European areas. Located in Munich with an approved capital of Pounds 3 million ($4 million), Global Screen will launch in The month of january, making its worldwide market debut in the Berlinale's European Film Market. Rolf Moser, controlling director of Bavaria's certification division Bavaria Media, and Telepool topper Thomas Weymar assists as Global's controlling company directors. Moser and Weymar will both manage purchases, using the former also handling commercial matters and also the latter managing programming distribution. With this particular distribution team and our professional network we'll become large enough to face our ground within the highly competitive program market, but still remain sufficiently small to individually take proper care of our clients," stated Weymar. Global Screen will basically dominate the duties and procedures of Bavaria Film Worldwide and Cinepool, Bavaria and Telepool's current worldwide theatrical sales models. Thorsten Ritter, presently mind of Bavaria Film Intl., will oversee Global's worldwide theatrical sales. The move marks a substantial step toward bringing together the huge sales procedures of pubcaster behemoth ARD and it is many regional affiliate marketers. Bavaria is possessed by regional pubcasters WDR, BR, SWR and MDR, while Telepool's investors include BR, MDR, SWR and Swiss pubcaster SRG SSR. MDR topper Udo Reiter, who also can serve as Telepool's investor committee chairman, stated "a modern day type of consolidation has finally been released for ARD's distribution activities," after several attempts previously. Bavaria Media not just supports the distribution privileges in the Bavaria Film group, but additionally has distribution handles investors WDR and SWR, in addition to broad mandates from domestic and worldwide privileges proprietors. Likewise, Telepool handles distribution of movies and TV content from the primary investors, BR, MDR and Swiss pubcaster SRF, a subsidiary of SRG and SSR, in addition to ARD's acquisition and production arm Degeto, commercial web RTL as well as other privileges proprietors from Germany and abroad. The present libraries and program licenses will stay using the investors, but will be promoted worldwide by Global Screen, that will also acquire and distribute new film and TV privileges. Bavaria Film Group controlling director Matthias Esche stated: "This partnership on equal terms will strengthen our worldwide market position. In by doing this, an array of programs from various sources could be bundled up and distributed within an effective manner." Moser added, "Global Screen won't continue the success story of their two investors, which generate the combined connection with almost 100 years in foreign distribution, but will even get a significant boost by joining of forces." Contact Erectile dysfunction Meza at staff@variety.com

Fox Builds up Another Reality Show From Gordon Ramsay, 'Hotel Hell'

David Manley/FOX It's official: Fox has acquired another reality show from Gordon Ramsay, Hotel Hell, which influences vein of his Kitchen Bad dreams or nightmares. Inside the series, Ramsay together with an organization of hospitality experts will travel around the U.S. to exhibit around fighting hotels, hotels and bed mattress and breakfasts. They'll also expose dirty rooms, moldy bath rooms and incompetent staffers. "Gordon is amazing to make use of and no matter exactly what the premise, he provides every time,In . states Mike Darnell, leader of alternative entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. "By getting an unequalled three shows already round the air, Gordon is certainly an amazing television success, and that we are actually thrilled to put him through Hotel Hell on Fox." Adds Ramsay: "They're tales that everyone can interact with, because virtually people have stood a bad hotel experience that's switched a holiday or business travel in to a total disaster. You are prepared to put the hospitality industry for the test." "We're thrilled being coping with FOX relating to this exciting new format, taking Gordon's expertise and taking advantage of it to one of the most difficult business conditions in the world,In . adds Adeline Ramage Rooney, V . p . programs and development at One Potato Two Potato. Hotel Hell (working title) is produced by Ramsay's One Potato Two Potato Corporation. (part of the All3Media group). Ramsay, Adeline Ramage Rooney, Patricia Llewellyn and Ben Adler work as executive producers. Furthermore to Hotel Hell and Kitchen Bad dreams or nightmares, Ramsay also stars in Hell's Kitchen and MasterChef for Fox. RELATED: 'Hell's Kitchen' Season 9 Champion Revealed TV Ratings: Fox Wins With 'Hell's Kitchen' Gordon Ramsay's New Montreal Restaurant Evacuated on Opening Evening Ryan Seacrest Is not Any. 1 on THR's Reality Energy List Gordon Ramsay

Emmys Top Moments: A House Where All Television Shows Live, along with a Mock Beauty Pageant

Jane Lynch Our roundup of the very most memorable moments from the Emmys: 14. Worst Opening-Number Follow-Up: Emmy host Jane Lynch takes audiences on the tour via a imaginary building where all Tv's and figures allegedly reside. Highlights of the exercise in randomness: Lynch tests the laugh track in the Large Bang Theory, horrifies the Mad Males ad men with tales of fast-sending through advertisements and Slushees her Glee alter ego. The song finishes at risk, "There is no place like TV ... aside from Cinemax -- it isn't TV." 13. Worst Idea: The Emmytones -- a singing group composed of Zachary Levi, Cobie Smulders, Taraji P. Henson, Kate Flannery, Wilmer Valderrama and Joel McHale -- introduces the comedy groups in harmonious, otherwise-so-amusing fashion. We thought i was well eliminate the cheesy warblers before came back for that other major groups. Stay one-hit miracles! 12. Best Tribute: In the acceptance speech for the best Supporting Actor inside a Comedy, Modern Family's Ty Burrell gave a jerk to his late father, whom he imagined could be less impressed using the Emmy and much more preoccupied using the actor's requirement for heavy screen makeup: "Why the makeup? Could not you simply put on just a little powder? Why is it necessary to seem like a harlot?" Guilt + self-deprecation = love from the parent. 11. Best Performance: Even Though Lonely Island medley would be a hot mess overall, it couldn't overshadow Michael Bolton's charming wailing like a roguish Captain Jack Sparrow, filled with fake mustache askew. Add spandex-clad men undulating as ocean waves, and you've got a booze-inspired, not-so-seaworthy adventure. 10. Most Past due Win: After five seasons along with a mere casting Emmy, Friday Evening Lights finally obtained well-deserved and lengthy-past due Emmys for Kyle Chandler and Jason Katims. "Obvious eyes. Full hearts. Can't lose." We'll miss you, Coach Taylor. *Sniffle* Take a look at all of the styles in the Emmy red-colored carpet 9. Best Cutaway: Beginning his thank-you speech, Ray Romano doppelganger Steve Levitan (who won for writing Modern Family with Jeffrey Richman) states: "Real existence handed us the tales. The kids walked in on we in the end were in the process." The cameras then cut to his wife Krista, who, just like a true professional, waits on her closeup to roll her eyes. "Thanks to my somewhat traumatized wife," he adds. 8. Best Thank-You: Bet on Thrones' Peter Dinklage is charming and gracious in the acceptance speech, giving props to his fellow nominees, his wife and... his pet sitter, the confusingly named Cat. His dog's title? Kevin. 7. Most Understanding Wife: For his role in Mildred Pierce, Guy Pearce needed to simulate sex with Kate Winslet many, many occasions and for that reason thanked her for "permitting me to place myself to your world" in the acceptance speech for the best Supporting Actor inside a Miniseries or TV Movie. After which he thanked his wife. Also it all seemed charming because he's Australian. 6. Best Acceptance Speech: Margo Martindale -- the 60-year-old character actress whose TV career goes back to 1989's Lonesome Dove and who scared the bejesus from individuals with her portrayal from the treacherous Magazines Bennett on Justified -- provides for us probably the most emotional moments from the evening in her own acceptance speech for the best Supporting Actress inside a Drama. She sweetly notes it would be a very long time coming. "Sometimes things simply take time, however with time comes great appreciation," she states. "The authors are genius and poetic, inspired by Elmore Leonard and also the great Graham Yost. I really like you, Graham, despite the fact that you wiped out me." Yes, she won for any role that sadly no more is available. 5. Best Patter: Due To Jimmy Kimmel requested Jimmy Fallon if he'd written an acceptance speech, but Fallon demurred, saying he understood Jon Stewart would win (that they did, incidentally). After Fallon touches his inside breast pocket once too frequently, Kimmel wrestles him towards the floor and pulls the acceptance speech Fallon stated he did not have. But Kimmel may be the embarrassed one when he reads it. "But first and foremost, I wish to thank Due To Jimmy Kimmel. Jimmy continues to be there for me personally since The First Day, he's the kindest and many encouraging part of my existence," an progressively sheepish Kimmel read. "He'd never mock me or play down me, particularly in a sizable public venue similar to this. I really like you, Due To Jimmy Kimmel.Inch Well, not any longer. 4. Most Anticlimactic Return: Bad boy Charlie Sheen got a remarkably tepid reception. "Before I present outstanding lead actor inside a comedy series, my old category, I wish to take the time to obtain something off my chest and say a couple of words to everyone here from 2 . 5 Males." OK, here's where everybody goes Uh-oh!, right? No, it had been totally boring... and apparently sincere! "From the foot of my heart, If only you only the very best with this approaching season. We spent eight wonderful years together and that i know you will keep to create great television." Not a small amount of tiger bloodstream.... regrettably. 3. Best Joke: Jane Lynch describes that so many people are curious why she grew to become a lesbian. Without missing a beat, she states: "As well as gentlemen, the cast of Entourage." Peals of laughter stick to the hostess' funniest type of the evening because the five men in the now-defunct Cinemax show go ahead and take stage as presenters. 2. Best Misdirect: Modern Family co-creator Steve Levitan recognized the award for the best Comedy Series having a touching anecdote. A gay couple contacted him to express, "You are not only making people laugh you are which makes them more tolerant." Then he cracked: "And That I considered to myself, 'Well, they're right we're showing everyone around you that there's practically nothing wrong having a loving, committed relationship between a classic guy along with a hot youthful lady.' And searching aroundthis room tonight, I see a lot of you agree." 1. Best Bit: Once the first nominee for top Actress inside a Comedy award - Amy Poehler - is introduced, she hilariously mounts happens as though she's been named a finalist inside a beauty pageant. To not be surpassed, another five nominees follow. A quick zooming close-up discloses the champion to become Melissa McCarthy of Mike & Molly. To accomplish the result, McCarthy is crowned having a tiara and handed roses - which just been available. What were your preferred moments? Stay tuned Monday at 8/7c for Kathy Griffin's Emmys Aftermath on television Guide Network