Wrath from the Leaders Trailer: Sweet Dreams Are constructed with CG

The very first trailer for that action follow up Wrath from the Leaders just hit, and — what’s that? You didn't remember this movie been around entirely? And also you’re fed up with replaying the brand new Dark Dark night Increases trailer again and again again simply to write out Bane’s muffled dialogue? I’m confident he’s growling something like, “Geez, didja begin to see the new Wrath from the Leaders trailer? They did several on poor Mike Worthington’s hair, amirite?” Holy Greek demigods, people — he’s like Kenny Forces in sandals. Curls will rise, and more. Watch the CG spectacular following the jump. First thought: Exactly what does this have related to the final time Worthington walked in terrible, terrible 3-D? Second thought: Wait, that which was the very first Clash from the Leaders even about again? Third thought: Right, it doesn’t matter. Beardy Liam Neeson needs Curls McGee to hone his swords for whatever reason including Leaders getting away and also the gods losing their energy. I’m confident Tarsem covered this in Immortals, but sure. Cause the killer Siamese twin murder monsters! Release the lava giant! Bring an apple for that Pegasus! Etc., etc. Between your sword-n-sandal element, the abundance of CG, and using Marilyn Manson’s “edgy” “Sweet Dreams” cover within the trailer — as well as Wrath from the Leaders’ March 2012 release date — it feels as though someone (cough Legendary/WB cough) is trying to follow along with the 300 formula of success. There’s no indication yet how just how much director Jonathan Liebesman (Fight: La) will enhance the 3-D element, or just how much the inclusion of Toby Kebbel in Perseus’s ragtag gang of players will boost my enjoyment from it. (Ditto Rosamund Pike because the series’ next smokin’ hot warrior princess type.) Verdict: I don’t think the three-D’s destined to be the issue this time around around, boys. Watch it in HD at Apple.

Focus World sets film slate

Focus World, the unique digital distribution initiative owned and operated by Focus Features, has set its slate for the first quarter of 2012. The new Focus World selections include James Franco's "The Broken Tower," which will be released digitally on Jan. 10; Gaukur Ulfarsson's documentary feature "Gnarr," set to bow on Feb. 7; and Liza Johnson's "Return," which will be released Feb. 28. In addition, Focus World and Entertainment One will release several titles -- all already available digitally -- on DVD throughout the first quarter of 2012: Alma Har'el's "Bombay Beach" on Jan. 17, Jon Foy's "Resurrect Dead" on Jan. 31 and Toniko Melo's "VIPs" on Feb. 14. Black-and-white pic "The Broken Tower," which debuted at this year's Los Angeles Film Festival, stars writer-director Franco as "Lost Generation" poet Hart Crane. "Gnarr," which premiered at this year's Tribeca Film Festival, chronicles comedian Jon Gnarr's campaign for mayor of Reykjavik. The campaign originated as a joke but became a political statement and achieved an unexpected momentum that swept Gnarr into office. Focus World will digitally distribute the documentary during the height of next year's U.S. presidential primary season. "Return," which premiered as part of the Directors' Fortnight at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, is a drama about a U.S. Army reservist (Linda Cardellini) who comes home after a tour of duty and has trouble readjusting to small-town life. Michael Shannon and John Slattery co-star. Launched earlier this year, Focus World says it identifies and curates the most exciting voices in international and independent cinema. Part of Focus Features' multiplatform strategy, Focus World presents titles "of genuine vision and originality" as premiere releases on EST, iVOD and VOD, along with DVD and other formats. The Focus World deals were closed by Avy Eschenasy, exec VP of strategic planning, business affairs and acquisitions, along with Kent Sanderson, manager of digital content. Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com

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

Focus Features has dated ''Being Flynn,'' ''Seeking a buddy for that Finish around the globeInch and ''Moonrise Kingdom'' for that first 1 / 2 of the coming year. Focus made the announcement Friday. ''Being Flynn'' will open March 2 in limited release. Paul Weitz directed ''Flynn'' from their own script, adatped from Nick Flynn's 2004 memoir ''Another Bullshit Evening in Suck City'' concerning the bonds between parent and child. Paul Dano, Julianne Moore and Robert P Niro star.Universal's animated ''The Lorax,'' Warner's comedy ''Project X'' and Paramount's ''Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters'' 're going wide on March 2. Focus will open ''Seeking a buddy for that Finish around the globe,'' inside a wide release on April 20, Pic stars Steve Carell and Keira Knightley and explores what individuals is going to do when humanity's last days are in hands. ''Seeking'' will open against FilmDistrict's ''Lockout,'' Disney's ''Chimpanzee,'' Warner's ''The Lucky One'' along with a pair in the Weinstein Co. --''Scary Movie 5'' and ''Wettest County.'' It'll launch romancer ''Moonrise Kingdom,'' directed by Wes Anderson, in limited release on May 25. Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton and Jason Schwartzman star. Sony's opening ''Men In Black 3'' on May 25. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Has 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' Caused Arthur Conan Doyle to Roll Over in His Grave? (And 24 Other Urgent Questions)

On Friday, you will have the opportunity to exchange currency for access to a larger-than-normal-size room that has the new Sherlock Holmes movie starring Robert Downey Jr. ('The Pick-Up Artist') projected onto one of the walls. This is not the Sherlock Holmes movie that came out in 2009. This a brand new Sherlock Holmes movie that uses the secondary title, 'A Game of Shadows.' As a service, we answer every question that you could have about 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.' Q: Is this the movie in which Sherlock Holmes solves that whole Blair Witch mystery? A: You're getting 'A Game of Shadows' confused with the sequel to 'The Blair Witch Project,' which was titled 'Book of Shadows.' Q: What kind of games do the shadows play in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'? A: No shadows play any sort of game whatsoever in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.' Q: Have you ever played a game of shadows? A: If by "played" you mean, "cast a shadow that resembles a rabbit with my hands," then yes. Q: In 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,' does any character directly reference a "game of shadows"? A: At one point Sherlock Holmes makes reference to "a shadowy game." Q: Did you enjoy 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'? A: Not at all. Q: Did you enjoy the first Guy Ritchie-directed Sherlock Holmes movie? A: Very much, actually. It was one of my favorite movies of 2009. Q: So what's wrong with 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'? A: It's as if someone took a look at the first movie and said, "Do you know what this movie needs? More guns. I mean, seriously, just a lot of guns and gun battles. Let's do that this time." Q: What was the most disappointing thing about 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'? A: The character of Professor Moriarty. Q: Does this mean that you're not a fan of Jared Harris? A: The opposite, actually. First, I think he's excellent on 'Mad Men.' Second, for the small amount of screen time that he has in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,' he's good. But that's the problem, his screen time is very limited. Instead, we get a lot of guns. Q: Wasn't 'A Game of Shadows' the title of a song on Duran Duran's album, 'Seven and the Ragged Tiger'? A: No, you're thinking of 'Shadows on Your Side.' Q: What's the most unrealistic scene in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'? A: Watson shoots a building with a tank... Q: Wait, what? Why is Watson in "a tank." A: Because Holmes and Watson have broken into an ammunitions warehouse. Anyway, Watson shoots a building that collapses on Holmes and Moriarty, who are fine. In fact, that the entire building just fell on the top of them is barely acknowledged. Q: Wait, why are Holmes and Watson in an ammunitions warehouse? A: Because it's owned by Moriarty. Holmes and the recently married Watson (whose wife is literally thrown off of a train and pretty much out of the rest of the movie) are trying to stop Moriarty from some sort of ridiculous scheme. Q: What is Moriarty's ridiculous scheme? A: In 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' Professor Moriarty is basically an arms dealer who is trying to start a war so he can make money blah, blah, blah... Q: In the book series, was Moriarty an arms dealer? A: In the book series, in which Moriarty only appears twice, he's more of a secret organized crime boss. Q: How is Rooney Mara in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' A: Rooney Mara is not in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.' You're thinking of Noomi Rapace, who played Lisbeth Salander in the Swedish version of 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.' Q: How is Noomi Rapace in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'? A: I'm going to give Rapace the benefit of the doubt here and not put the entirety of blame on her, but she and Downey have only slightly better chemistry than James Franco and Anne Hathaway. Q: What's the best thing about 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'? A: The chemistry between Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Those two are still a lot of fun together on screen. I just wish that they were in a smarter movie. Q: How many references were in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' to the fact that Holmes and Watson may be lovers? A: I counted five. Q: If I'm a big fan of Rachel McAdams, should I see 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' based solely on my adoration for Rachel McAdams? A: No. You're going to be very disappointed. Q: For you, is this the most disappointing movie of the year? A: Yes. Q: Do Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty have the ability to speak to each other telepathically? A: Quite astoundingly, if this movie is to be believed, yes, they absolutely do have the power to speak telepathically to each other. Q: How hard is it to say the main character of this movie's first name without sounding sarcastic? A: Very. I feel like every time I say "Sherlock," it's in the same tone as if I'm sarcastically saying, "Nice thinking, Sher-lock." Q: If you're going to be blurbed in this weekend's commercials for 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,' what quote do you hope is used? A: "What a genius movie you made here, Sher-lock." Mike Ryan, Moviefone Q: Based on 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,' how many degrees has Sir Arthur Conan Doyle rolled over in his grave? Just 180 degrees, or has he completed his full rotation? A: I'd say his full rotation is complete. You can contact Mike Ryan directly on Twitter Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Alvin and also the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked: Film Review

Vital Pictures chairman and Boss Kaira Greyhas signed a brand new five-year deal to stay using the studio until early 2017, a resource near to the studio confirmed.our editor recommendsParamount Boss Kaira Gray Buys $15.5 Million Apartment in NY's Carlyle Hotel (Exclusive) The founding father of management and production company Brillstein-Gray Entertainment was named Boss of Vital in 2005. It's been a large year for that studio: over Thanksgiving weekend Vital entered its record of $1.714 billion in annual domestic earnings. Gray continues to be accountable for new, lucrative franchises for studio -- Transformers, Paranormal Activity and G.I. Joe counseled me released on his watch. Gray has additionally introduced several large-title producers in to the Vital fold, including J.J. Abrams and Michael Bay, each of whom have first-look handles the studio. After trailing other galleries for a long time, Vital has increased ahead when it comes to box-office share of the market under Grey's leadership. In 2007, the studio shot to No. 1, consuming $1.5 billion in the domestic box office. It arrived No. 2 the following 3 years, even though it is running at No. 1 this season with $1.76 billion in domestic revenues (Warner Bros. follows carefully with $1.66 billion),though that achievement is partially because of disbursing others' films. Vital has already established success disbursing DreamWorks Animation movies, though that relationship is within question as Boss Jeffrey Katzenberg searches for other available choices in front of the finish of his company's alliance using the studio in 2012. Also, Vital has been doing well disbursing Marvel Galleries films -- including Iron Guy and Iron Guy 2, which together made $1.2 billion worldwide -- but Disney will release future Marvel projects after obtaining the organization for $4.24 billion last year. (The Marvel distribution deal was among Grey's initial moves at Vital.) At the start of Gray's tenure, Vital acquired DreamWorks for $1.6 billion however the companies separated in 2008 following a rocky tenure that survived a bit more than 2 yrs. (Vital ongoing to distribute DreamWorks films through 2009.) Gray created production company Plan B with Kaira Pitt and Jennifer Aniston in 2002. The organization includes a first-look cope with Vital. In November, Gray bought a $15.5 million co-op apartment in the Carlyle Hotel in NY, though his primary residence remains in Bel-Air. Email: Daniel.Burns@THR.com Twitter: @DanielNMiller PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Hollywood's Greatest Property Deals each week: Jennifer Lopez, Jim Wiatt, Kaira Gray Related Subjects Kaira Gray Vital Pictures

Diane Keaton Could've Dated Steve Jobs: 'What an Idiot I Was' (Video)

Donald Trump announced that he is backing out of moderating a Republican debate in Iowa on Dec. 27.our editor recommendsDonald Trump Scolds Michele Bachmann as Debate Implodes, Teases Return to Presidential RaceDonald Trump's GOP Debate: Rick Perry Becomes Fourth Candidate Who Won't Participate Why? Because the billionaire says he may still run. "It is very important to me that the right Republican candidate be chosen to defeat the failed and very destructive Obama Administration, but if that Republican, in my opinion, is not the right candidate, I am not willing to give up my right to run as an Independent candidate," Trump said in his statement. "Therefore, so that there is no conflict of interest within the Republican Party, I have decided not to be the moderator of the Newsmax debate." PHOTOS: 10 Hollywood Players That Will Make a Difference in the 2012 Elections Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum were the only Republican candidates who had agreed to appear at the Dec. 27 debate moderated by Trump. After the announcement came that Trump would be moderating the Dec. 27, some of the candidates, including Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman, expressed their belief that the debate was just for spectacle and refused to attend. "This isn't about ratings for Donald Trump; this is about jobs for the American people," Huntsman told CNBC when he announced he would not participate. Several prominent Republicans have reportedly urged candidates to skip the event. They predicted it would be a media circus and a distraction from important issues. PHOTOS: The Movies and Stars Dems vs. GOPers Love (and Love to Hate) On Tuesday morning, The Hollywood Reporter spoke with Trump, who admitted that he was wavering on his decision to moderate the debate. "The problem is the Republicans are afraid that if I run as an independent candidate, they don't want to have a debate and then have me announce that I'm running as an independent candidate," Trump told THR. Trump also told THR that he is still considering a run for president as an independent candidate. He told THR that he wouldn't make any announcements until after the finale of The Celebrity Apprentice. The new season premeires on Sunday, Feb. 12 and the finale airs May 20. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Box Office Politics: The Movies and Stars Dems vs. GOPers Love (and Love to Hate) Related Topics Donald Trump Politics

Salma Hayek Confesses She Once Interceded For Breasts

First Launched: December 8, 2011 3:31 PM EST Credit: Getty Images La, Calif. -- Caption Salma Hayek attends the Puss In Boots NY screening within the Hearst Tower on October 24, 2011Salma Hayek is famous on her shaped physique, nevertheless the Latina actress revealed she once asked for some Holy intervention when she will be a flat-chested kid. I used to be the youngest in school and many types of these women were starting to obtain them which i wasnt getting anything I used to be really scared, Salma revealed while tape a feel and look for Britains The Graham Norton Show, per The Daily Mail. Really, Salma mentioned her once-small frame motivated ribbing from her childhood friends. I used to be getting taunted a good deal because everyone was older which i had been the skinny tomboy, she revealed. The ribbing am bad, the Puss in Boots star mentioned she asked for Jesus for a lot of help. I visited a chapel which in fact had a saint that was made to perform a lot of miracles, she mentioned. I put my hands inside the holy water and went, Please Jesus, produce some breasts. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Jerry Sandusky Arrested on New Child Sex Abuse Charges (Video)

Thanks to the huge audience that tuned in Nov. 18 to see Regis Philbin's last show, Live With Regis & Kelly scored a 6.7 rating that day and a 3.3 rating during the just concluded November sweeps, making it the top rated talk show in national syndication for the period.our editor recommendsRegis Philbin's Final 'Live!' Broadcast Pulls 9.45 Million ViewersRegis Philbin Explains Why Neil Patrick Harris Won't Replace Him on 'Live!'First 'Live!' Episode After Regis Philbin's Departure Draws Good Ratings However, Dr. Phil remains the top talk show for the season to date by a wide margin. Dr. Phil rated 3.2 during the sweeps and has a season to date average rating of 3.2 as well, which translates into 4.2 million people a day watching his show. STORY: Bob Iger Says He's in 'No Rush' to Replace Regis Philbin on 'Live!' That compares to a 2.7 season to date average for Live, which is an average of 3.6 million viewers a day. In the week after Regis left, when Jerry Seinfeld was co-host from Monday through Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Live averaged a 3.4 rating, which is 4.5 million daily viewers. The top show in national syndication for sweeps, for the season and for the 61st sweeps period on a row was Judge Judy, who had an average 7.2 rating for sweeps. That's just above her season to date average rating of 7.1, which translates into 9.6 million viewers a day. Entertainment Tonight with a 4.0 rating during sweeps led the TV magazines for the 85th consecutive sweep. E.T. has a 3.8-rating season to date, which is 5.5 million viewers. It has been the number one magazine show since 1990. The second highest rated talk show is Dr. Oz, which had a 2.8 rating for sweeps, and a 2.9 rating season to date, which is 3.8 million viewers a day. Among shows that debuted this season, Anderson starring Anderson Cooper was tops for sweeps with a 1.4 rating, which is also his season to date average. That is 1.8 million viewers. That means his show has improved since its debut week compared to the sweeps period by 27%. On Wednesday, Warner Bros. Telepictures announced that The Allbritton station group is the latest to renew the one-hour talk show for a second season. That means Anderson is now set to air in more than 89% of the country for its second season beginning in Sept. 2012. Among freshman talk shows Anderson had a more than two to one rating margin over his nearest daytime competitor Jeremy Kyle, who had a .6 rating during sweeps, which is up 20% from his opening week. Season to date Kyle is averaging a .5 rating, which is 712,000 viewers a day. Gloria Allred in We The People also had a .5 rating during sweeps, which is a 25% improvement over her debut week. For the season to date Allred's show rates .5 as well, which is 625000 viewers a day. Among other talk shows Ellen did a 2.5 rating and season to date has a 2.4 rating, which is 3.2 million viewers a day. Maurie rated 2.4 during sweeps and has a 2.3-rating season to date, which is 3.2 million viewers a day. Related Topics Phil McGraw Regis Philbin Anderson Cooper Live! With Kelly

National football league, Broadcast Systems Near to Eight-Year TV Deal Extension (Report)

Jason Aldean was the large champion at Monday evening's American Country Honours in Vegas, taking home six honours, including artist of the season.our editor recommendsAMAs 2011: Taylor Quick Wins Performer of the season Adele Scores Favorite Album Bruno Mars Upsets Justin BieberCMA Honours: Taylor Quick Wins Second Performer of the season TrophyKristin Chenoweth Covers Barbara Underwoods 'Lessons Learned' (Video)Taylor Quick Wins Performer of the season at ACM Honours The singer, the evening's top nominee with Zac Brown Band at eight, also nabbed album of the season for My Kinda Party, touring artist of the season and single of the season with a male artist for "My Kinda Party" in the fan-chosen honours. PHOTOS: Country Crossovers Meanwhile, Barbara Underwood, who had been this past year's top champion with six from the Fender Telecaster trophies, won female artist of the season honors in addition to music video and single of the season with a female artist for "Mama's Song." Kaira Paisley, who had been not present in the ceremony, was named male artist of the season. Blake Shelton won video of the season with a male artist for "Who're You After I'm Not Searching." He devoted the win to his father, that has "been getting quite a rough handful of days." Dick Shelton may be the hospital with pneumonia. The American Idol Show champion Scotty McCreery was named new artist of the season. PHOTOS: 54th annual Grammy Award Nominees Not surprisingly, the show's focus was squarely on new bands's youth movement, with twentysomethings taking in early haul of Fender Telecaster trophies and performances slots. Chris Youthful was the show's early leader, generating breakthrough artist and single of the season for "Voices." Co-host Kristin Chenoweth, introduced directly into keep coming back host Trace Adkins in line, added zing towards the show. The diminutive Broadway star joined the MGM Grand Garden Arena in boxing mitts, a fighter's robe and impossibly tall high heel shoes, throwing injections at her 6-feet-6 counterpart while running circles around him. She then challenged him to some singing contest. After she needed him to sing "Oklahoma," she dropped the robe to show an unnaturally enhanced posterior and released into Adkins' hit "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk." Later, Adkins transported her on stage shackled by his chest inside a baby company. The Connected Press led for this report. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Country Crossovers Related Subjects Barbara Underwood Kristin Chenoweth Blake Shelton Kaira Paisley

Father Says Mindy McCready Pushing Luck Over Son

First Published: December 2, 2011 10:23 AM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Mindy McCreadyST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Country singer Mindy McCready is pushing her luck with the legal system by not following a judges order to return her 5-year-old son to the care of her mother in Florida, her ex-boyfriend and father of the boy said Friday. McCready said Thursday she would not bring her son back from Tennessee, despite violating a custody arrangement. McCready took the boy during a recent visit at her fathers Florida home, and a judge signed an order Thursday ordering authorities to take the boy into custody and return him. Its not yet clear whether the singer could face criminal charges. Im doing all this to protect Zander, not stay out of trouble, McCready wrote in an email to The Associated Press on Thursday. I dont think I should be in trouble for protecting my son in the first place. McCready says she is in Tennessee and cannot travel because shes nearly seven months pregnant with twins. The judges order means law enforcement anywhere can pick up the boy and bring him back to Florida. The boys father, Billy McKnight, told the NBC Today show Friday he spoke on the phone with McCready and their boy after the judges deadline expired. He did sound healthy and ok. He wasnt crying or scared, McKnight said about their son. I think she believes she has a case and doesnt realize shes pushing her luck on this one, he said. McCready and her mother have had a long custody battle over the boy. The boy was living with McCreadys mother, who was awarded guardianship in 2007. McCready says her son has suffered abuse at her mothers house; her mother, Gayle Inge, denies the abuse allegations. Once the child is located, we will pick him up and bring him back to Florida, said Terri Durdaller, a spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Children and Families. Although these circumstances are unfortunate for a young child, his safety and well-being are our number one priority. McCready provided a series of emails to the AP with Lee County Judge James Seals ruling to return the boy. Mom has violated the courts custody order and we are simply restoring the child back into our custody, the judge wrote. Nothing more. Nothing less. The court makes nojudgment about whether Mom will or will not competently care for the child while in her custody. It only wants the child back where the court placed him. McCready found fame in the mid-1990s and has lived a complicated life in recent years. In August, she filed a libel suit against her mother and the National Enquirers parent company, American Media Inc., over a story published in the tabloid newspaper that quoted Inge. And in 2008, McCready was admitted to a hospital after police said she cut her wrists and took several pills in a suicide attempt. During the TV show Celebrity Rehab 3 in 2010, McCready came off as a sympathetic figure, and host Dr. Drew Pinsky called her an angel in the season finale. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Adweek Ranks Top 10 Commercials of 2011 (Video)

From candy bars and cats to zombies and cars, 2011 has been an eclectic year for advertising.our editor recommendsNBC Special to Feature Worlds Best Commercials (Video)DirecTV Defends Football Commercials Against 'Deceptive' Comcast LawsuitJustin Bieber, Jimmy Fallon Make Parody Perfume Commercial (Video) VIDEOS: Best Super Bowl Commercials 2011 Adweek released a list of their top 10 commercial spots (aired worldwide) for the past year, and the rankings include car companies Chrysler, Volkswagen and Nissan, as well as Snickers, British dairy company Cravendale, the trailer for Scotlan'd zombie video game "Dead Island" and Google Chrome. Watch Adweek's list of 2011's best commercials below. VIDEO: NBC Special to Feature World's Best Commercials 10. Snickers "Focus Group" The candy company's spot features two sharks discussing which human they ate tasted better. They're pick? The one who recently ate Snickers' new Peanut Butter Squared Bar. 9. Nissan Leaf "Gas Powered Everything' To promote their new electric car, Nissan envisioned a world where everything that was electric (think hair dryers, computers, coffee makers) ran on gas. 8. Cravendale "Cats with Thumbs" The British dairy company gave cats the one thing they're lacking to be able to get their own milk: opposable thumbs. The spot shows the furry pets banding together to steal milk from a breakfast-eating human. 7. Deep Silver "Dead Island Trailer" The spot for zombie video game "Dead Island" runs in reverse chronological order, first showing a young, dead girl, before taking viewers back in time through her zombie attack. 6. Canal+ "The Bear" This commercial for France's Canal+ movie channel follows a directorial bear mockumentary style as he explains his love for cinema. However, in the end, it's revealed that he's actually a taxidermied bear who watches the movie channel nightly. 5. TalkTalk "Homes Within Homes" The UK company's broadband and phone service are promoted via dollhouse inhabitants who are yearning to connect with one another, set to the emotional musical track, "Unchained Melody." 4. Google Chrome "Dear Sophie" The internet company promoted its Chrome browser with this spot showing a new dad recording his daughter Sophie's life for her to later read/watch/view and listen via Google's new email, imaging and video tools. 3. Chrysler "Born of Fire" In an attempt to resurrect both the brand and its hometown, Detroit, the car company set their ad to Eminem's defiant "Lose Yourself" and featured a voiceover delivering words of strength. The spot won the 2011 Emmy for best commercial. 2. Chipotle "Back to the Start" Willie Nelson helped the fast-food company deliver its environmentally-conscious message by communicating its organic and locally-grown ingredient philosophy through a cover of Coldplay's "The Scientist" played over an animated farming operation. 1. Volkswagen "The Force" The German car company took home Adweek's top honors with their Star Wars-themed commercial (which originally aired during Super Bowl XLV). In the video, a child dressed as Darth Vader attempts (and fails) to bend things in his home using The Force, until his Dad activates their Passat via a remote starter, making his son believe he's done it with Jedi mind tricks. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Super Bowl's Most Iconic Commercials Related Topics Super Bowl

Kenya's animators toon up with tech tools

'Tinga Tinga Tales'NAIROBI -- As Kenyan tech companies push for their vision of a "silicon savannah" in this East African nation, local animators say their industry is set to ride the high-tech wave toward becoming an animation powerhouse.Buoyed by the success of "Tinga Tinga Tales," a toon for the BBC's children's web CBeebies co-produced by the U.K.'s Tiger Aspect Prods. and the Nairobi-based Homeboyz Animation, Kenyan animators are hopeful that their country will emerge as the next big market for outsourcing.Allan Mwaniki, director and lead animator at Homeboyz, says that the scale of "Tinga Tinga Tales," which involved nearly 50 animators in Nairobi, was proof that the Kenyan industry could effectively handle a large-scale production. "We've shown the world we can do it," he says.Kenya's animation industry began to blossom with a series of U.N.-sponsored training programs from 2004-2006, which brought Kenyan animators together with artists from around the world.Dubbed Africa Animated!, the initiative was created to enhance the ability of African animators to compete with the Western imports, which dominate children's programming on African TV stations.The workshops gave Kenyan artists an important platform to show their work on a global stage, eventually leading to the "Tinga Tinga" collaboration.The series was a watershed moment for local animators."Before 'Tinga Tinga,' every artist used to work in their own small corner," says former "Tinga" animator Pete Mute. "The artists that came(from "Tinga") and the experience they carried out of that project -- most of them have gone on to set up their own outfits," he says.Animators still face limited opportunities in the Kenyan market. Kwame Nyong'o, creator of the well-regarded animated short "The Legend of the Ngong Hills," says the Darwinian nature of the local industry forces artists to be avid promoters of their own work."You have to create the opportunities for yourself," he says.The arrival of a broadband fiber-optic cable in East Africa last year has many animators anticipating more "Tinga"-style collaborations.Growing demand for local content from Kenyan broadcasters, as well as increased government support, has also led to optimism over the future of the domestic market. Homeboyz is working on pilots for two series it hopes to air in 2012.As the market evolves, some animators are already looking ahead to where the industry is going.Mute launched an animation company called the African Sci-Fi Factory two years ago, with the hopes of "starting a conversation with film producers and TV producers and figuring how animation fits into their businesses." The industry, he says, is just beginning to realize the potential that animation offers.Mute has begun work on a short that combines animation and live actors.In spite of his efforts, he says there are still financial and technological hurdles preventing his vision from being fully realized."You wish it could grow faster, but it takes patience," he says. "It's still early days." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

GSN Acquires Off-Network Rights To ABCs Dancing With The Stars

UPDATED: Game Show Network has acquired the exclusive off-network rights to ABCs hit reality series Dancing With The Stars from Disney-ABC Domestic Television. GSN has picked up seasons 4 through the current 13, which wraps tonight on ABC, and will begin airing them in January 2012. (For those who wonder why the first 3 seasons of the show are not part of the agreement, they were not available over rights issues.) The deal, one of the first major moves for GSN’s newly appointed EVP programming Amy Introcaso-Davis, also includes the upcoming 14th season. Many of the most popular shows on television todayincluding Dancing With The Starsare essentially game shows at their core, said Introcaso-Davis, who started at GSN 3.5 weeks ago. GSN is all about the potent combination of games, competition, entertainment and fun, and we know that Dancing With The Stars is a show our female audience already loves. This is the second off-network acquisition for GSN in the past month following the pickup of the entire Fox run of Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader? That doesn’t signal a trend as GSN’s slate will continue to be a combination of originals and acquired series, according to Introcaso-Davis. Part of her mandate is “defining what the word game is,” she said, “looking at (any) shows that have gaming elements, elements of risk and reward.”

New York Film Critics Circle Awards Shifted Back One Day to Accommodate 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo'

Oh, those wacky NY Film Critics Circle members. Back in October, the group caused a small online ruckus when they announced that their annual awards would happen two weeks earlier than usual, thus allowing the NYFCC to become the first critics group to award 2011's best and brightest. (The thought process being that the first group in the marketplace helps guide the Oscar conversation.) Now, the NYFCC is shifting its award announcements again, though this time in service of actually seeing all the movies. Well, almost all of them. In a press release, group president John Anderson announced that the awards will shift back one day, from Nov. 28 to Nov. 29, in order to allow voters to see "all eligible films." About that. The Los Angeles Times reports that the change was made to accommodate 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,' which Sony is screening on Nov. 28. Unfortunately for Warner Bros., the same courtesy wasn't extended for 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.' The studio won't make the Stephen Daldry Oscar hopeful available until Dec. 2, and the NYFCC will not wait until then to vote. 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly' close will not only miss the NYFCC awards, but also the National Board of Review. Those awards -- normally the first of the season before the NYFCC switcheroo -- happen on Dec. 1. Follow the NY Film Critics Circle online at @NYFCC2011. Check back to Moviefone for more on the awards next week. [via LAT/24 Frames, Press Release] [Photo: Sony] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Frears to helm 'Bengali Detective'

FrearsBrit helmer Stephen Frears and scribe D.V. DeVincentis, who formerly teamed on "High Fidelity" and "Lay the widely used,In . are likely to interact once again, since the duo are likely to correspondingly direct and write Fox Searchlight's British-language feature adaptation of documentary "The Bengali Detective."Philip Cox directed the first. Native Voice Films' docu adopted wise private agent Rajesh Ji while he explores Calcutta's criminal underworld while pursuing his dream to bop on Indian TV. Film needed a review of modern India using the eyes from the unlikely hero.Ridley and Tony Scott's Scott Free banner will produce. Fox Searchlight professionals Zola Mashariki and Richard Gold will oversee development for your studio.Frears, which has Oscar nominations for pointing "The EntireInch and "The Grifters," last directed the Gemma Arterton starrer "Tamara Drewe."DeVincentis, who co-written and came out inside the 1997 comedy "Grosse Pointe Blank" with John Cusack, recently modified Bob Powers' novel "You are an unhappy Excuse for just about any Hero" for producer Mark Gordon.Frears is repped by ICM, while UTA and Management 360 repetition DeVincentis. Contact Rob Sneider at rob.sneider@variety.com

Google gaga for slice of music biz

Google product manager Paul Joyce talks within the launch in the Google Music service in La on Tuesday. Mounting a belated challenge to Apple's dominance in the digital music retail market through iTunes, search giant Google revealed its full music service, named Google Music, inside a press conference in La on Wednesday. Google launched a music cloud-storage service in invitation-only beta in May and contains now opened up up that service around all U.S. people clients can store around 20,000 tunes inside their personal cloud "locker" totally free. More particularly, the business introduced it might begin selling music through its Android Market, wonderful music purchases added immediately for the cloud as well as on all connected Web and mobile items. "Other cloud music services think spent to listen to music you've. We don't,In . mentioned Jamie Rosenberg, Google's director of digital content for Android, in the not-so-veiled search at Apple, whose similar Match service charges a $25 annual fee. Label groups getting involved in Google's retail option include Universal Group, The brand new the new sony Music Entertainment and EMI, additionally to large indie groups for instance Merlin, the Orchard and Beggars Group. Google has yet to attain an agreement with Warner Group, whose content will not be immediately available. "We anticipate adding new partners simply because they choose to come onboard," mentioned Zahava Levine, Google's director of content partners. Google's retail site, as proven, is not particularly different then Apple's, with tracks different on price from 69 to $1.29. Site will give you numerous exclusive tracks in the type of the Moving Gems, Coldplay and Busta Rhymes (who was simply sitting inside the audience within the conference), additionally to daily free gifts. Professionals suggested an opportunity to share bought music with pals round the company's Google+ social media platform. Upon buying a track or album within the Android Market, an individual can send a streaming copy through the use of Google+ or entering individual emails, and visitors can give consideration to full recommended tracks and albums once through totally free. T-Mobile clients may also get a range of adding Google Music purchases for his or her monthly phone bill. Decision concerning distinction involves Google Music's convenience to artists who self-release music. While iTunes takes a middleman (whether it is accurate documentation label or possibly an electronic distributor for instance TuneCore) to place music available on the market, Google enables bands to upload music directly available, additionally to find out and alter their unique prices. While Google just like a company certainly gets the heft to challenge Apple, unseating iTunes will nevertheless be described as a tall order. ITunes has received roughly 10 years to find out itself since the world's greatest music store, as well as the distinctions that Google has attracted ought to be seen as slight improvements to have an established model. The possible lack of WMG content (that have a 20% business this season) could also hurt, especially as that distribution are broadly on iTunes and Amazon . com . com and through on-demand streaming services. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

CBS Orders More 'Gifted Man' Episodes

CBS has chosen for 3 more episodes ofA Gifted Guy.our editor recommendsCBS Announces Premiere for Make the most of Schneider Comedy, 'Undercover Boss' Return DateTV Ratings: 'Fringe' Opens Season Lower, 'A Gifted Man' Has OK DebutA Gifted Guy: TV Evaluate The Friday evening rookie, which starsPatrick Wilsonin his first series television role in the spiritual-tinged medical drama, is really a modest artist within the finish-of-week 8 p.m slot. PHOTOS: CBS' Year Tv Shows: 'Person of curiosity,' 'A Gifted Guy' and far much more far this season, the series has averaged 8.4 million audiences together with single.2 rating inside the coveted 18 to 49 demo, which causes it to be consistently most likely probably the most-seen type in timeslot and many doubling its nearest competitor. No decision has been created in what will fill its place when its 16 episode season run is completed. (CBS introduced mid-season premiere dates due to its Make the most of Schneider comedy and Undercover Boss earlier Monday.) The network had already granted full season orders towards the other newcomer options, 2 Broke Women, Person of curiosity and Memorable. The fifth, How to be a Gentleman, was quickly canceled. Related Subjects CBS A Gifted Guy

Showtime Employs Stephen Espinoza As New Sports Boss

Stephen Espinoza, most lately someone at entertainment lawyer Ziffren Brittenham, continues to be drawn on as EVP and Gm of Showtime Sports and Event Programming, the network introduced today. He'll be responsible during the day-to-day activities from the group and it is pay-per-view unit controlling associations with marketers, talent and providers and also the acquisition and certification of programming. The move may be the final one out of a game title of musical chairs that started when longtime Cinemax Sports chief Ross Greenburg left after 33 years in the premium funnel. He was changed recently by Showtime’s sports mind, Ken Hershman, departing the vacancy at Showtime that Espinoza has filled. (Greenburg arrived a week ago in a producer at NBC Sports Group.) While at Ziffren Brittenham, Espinoza repped numerous A-list film and TV clients, Younger crowd handled boxers Mike Tyson and Oscar P La Hoya and was lead counsel for P La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, making him an ideal fit for Showtime’s boxing-heavy sports programming which includes Strikeforce mma and Within The National football league. Younger crowd repped Gina Carano, the MMA standout that's now starring in Steven Soderbergh’s fight drama Haywire.

New Coriolanus Poster

Take advantage of Fiennes can get bloodiedWow - which we thought Take advantage of Fiennes looked frightening in Harry Potter. Now, within the directorial debut and new starring role of Coriolanus, too as with this exclusive new Uk quad, he's bathing in blood stream and much more frightening than in the past. And additionally, he's introduced his mother.Uk Quad PosterThe film, every Shakespeare scholar knows, concerns the titular Roman general as well as the results of his storming victory over Rome's enemy, Aufidius (Gerard Butler). His military prowess sees him offered Rome's finest political honours and advised by his mother (Vanessa Redgrave) to think about them - but his contempt for anybody lands him in serious trouble, and Aufidius and pals continue being hiding roughly the border... Coriolanus hits UKcinemas around the month of the month of january 20. Prepare for one of the Bard's bloodier tales.

Survivor Host Shaun Probst to Debut Talk Show in Fall 2012

Shaun Probst He's mastered the tribal council, but could Shaun Probst rule daytime? The longtime Survivor host will formally debut his new daytime talk show, Shaun Probst, in nov 2012, CBS Television Distribution introduced Thursday. Shaun Probst ink daytime cope with CBS The syndicated show was already offered in additional than 55 percent of the nation for next fall. Located and executive-created by Probst, the self-entitled show covers from associations and family dynamics to newsmakers. "I am intrigued with individuals,Inch Probst stated. "And That I love adventure. I can not wait to create both of these mobile phone industry's together in daytime, and also the added bonus is I recieve to carry on with Survivor in prime time." Social TV: How Survivor's Shaun Probst bridged the space between CBS and it is audience Additionally to hosting 23 seasons of Survivor, Probst has cut his teeth on talk shows like a frequent substitute host on Accept Regis and Kelly. "Stations with excitement accepted our and Jeff's vision for re-creating the classic talk show," CBS Television Distribution's leader, John Nogawski stated inside a statement. "Shaun developed his listening and storytelling abilities around the prime-time hit Survivor, and the hosting appeal was cemented on Accept Regis and Kelly and Ray King Live. Shaun has got the elements being an immediate resource to stations and supply a powerful lead directly into their newscasts." Probst, 49, has won four Emmys for outstanding reality host for his focus on Survivor, and that he may be the only champion for the reason that category because it began in 2008. Are you going to watch Shaun Probst's talk show?

Steven Spielbergs The Adventures Of Tintin To Close AFI Fest

Clint Eastwoods J. Edgar To World Premiere As AFI Fest Opener LOS ANGELES, CA, October 31, 2011 The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today that Paramount Pictures and Columbia Pictures THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN, directed by AFI Life Achievement Award recipient and Academy Award-winning director Steven Spielberg, will have its North American Premiere as the Closing Night Gala of AFI FEST 2011 presented by Audi. The film is based on the internationally beloved and irrepressible characters created by Herg and stars Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Nick Frost and Simon Pegg. It is produced by Academy Award winners Spielberg, Peter Jackson and Kathleen Kennedy. From an original screenplay by Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish, the story follows the unquenchably curious young reporter Tintin and his fiercely loyal dog Snowy as they discover a ship carrying an explosive secret that may hold the key to vast fortune…and an ancient curse. Academy Award-winning composer John Williams scored the film, with 2011 marking a collaboration between Spielberg and Williams that has enriched 25 of their films together. Steven Spielberg is a national treasure,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “He has written this nation’s cultural legacy over four decades, he inspires artists and audiences alike and he honors us all by premiering THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN at AFI FEST, where we celebrate the very best the world has to offer for 2011.” Spielberg has an impressive history with AFI. He was the recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1995, the highest honor for a career in film; five of his movies rate among the greatest films of all time on AFIs 100 Years…100 Movies list: SCHINDLERS LIST (#8), E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (#24), JAWS (#56), RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (#66) and SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (#71); and he recently completed a one-hour special at the AFI Conservatory with friend and collaborator John Williams entitled TCM presents AFIs Master Class: The Art of Collaboration that will debut on Turner Classic Movies on November 15, 2011 and will explore the four-decade friendship and working relationship between the two artists, among the most prolific and influential collaborations in film history. In addition, both Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy serve on the American Film Institutes Board of Trustees, which is comprised of leaders of the motion picture and television communities and leaders from global goods and services companies and is chaired by Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman and CEO of the Sony Corporation. Spielberg has been an AFI Trustee since 1986, Kennedy since 1994. AFI FEST, a showcase of the most highly anticipated films and performances of the year, kicks off awards-season with presentations that spotlight the works of film masters, moving image icons and breakthrough talents. For the third consecutive year, AFI FEST will continue its unprecedented offer of free tickets to all screenings, but only the Star Patron Package and Marquee Patron Package provide reserved access to red carpet galas such as THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN. These and other AFI FEST packages and passes which ensure access to sold-out galas and other high-demand films and events are on sale now at AFI.com/AFIFEST. AFI members receive a 10% discount on all festival passes. Information about AFI membership is available at AFI.com/membership. The American Film Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational and cultural organization, and packages and passes are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Individual tickets to AFI FEST screenings and galas are now available online at AFI.com/AFIFEST and in person at the AT&T Box Office at the Hollywood and Highland Center in Hollywood. A limited number of tickets to sold-out films will be available online 24 hours in advance of the screening and at the AT&T Box Office the day of the screening. Rush lines for screenings begin forming one hour before the scheduled screening start times. AFI FEST celebrating its 25th year will take place November 3 through 10 in Hollywood, California, at the historic Chinese Theatre, the Chinese 6 Theatres, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

'Evita' sets Broadway dates

"Evita" The Ough Martin-toplined revival of "Evita" has stored in Broadway dates with an opening noisy . April. Show follows "Follies," the strong-selling staging in the Stephen Sondheim musical, into the Marquis Theater. No matter our prime box office amounts, "Follies" is always to complete its limited run Jan. 22. "Evita," a version from the production seen in London in 2006, stars Elena Roger, who won raves on her behalf U.K. turn since the Argentinean first lady Avoi Peron. Michael Cerveris ("Assassins") appears as leader Juan Peron. Rialto revival in the well-known Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Grain rental fees would be the Broadway debut of Latin music star Martin, who producers hope will attract his deep pool of fans especially among the Latin community, a demo not usually specific by most Broadway fare. Hal Luftig ("Catch Me if you are in a position to,In . "Legally Blonde") and Scott Sanders ("The Color Crimson") produce "Evita," which begins previews March 12 before an April 5 opening. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

As well as Children

Every Day for Evening Films production. Produced, directed, put together by Daniel Mitelpunkt.With: Mark Doyle, Rosie Thomson, Matthew Cullum, Kirsty Bushell, Rupert Simonian, Louise Rose rose bush, James Hayes, Alan Williams, Philip Arditti.Facing fatherhood for your second time, an immature guy tries to atone for past failures in "As well as Children," a so-so debut feature getting a sociological bent compiled by michael Leigh disciple Daniel Mitelpunkt. Created through improvisation, discussion and testing, the figures appear three-dimensional, nevertheless the protagonist is actually problematic it's confusing his plight while he lies his way much much deeper in to a hole. Domestic broadcast, ancillary and indie showcases might be best bets for additional viewing. When thirtysomething Midlands restaurant worker Joe (Mark Doyle) finds out that his girlfriend (Kirsty Bushell) is expecting, he confesses, to her shock, he already features a boy. After she kicks him out, he decides to visit 16-year-old Jeremy (Rupert Simonian), whom he's not seen in years. This has come about as an unpleasant surprise for the lad and Joe's ex, family and pals, who all believe he's resided in the united states. TV thesp Rosie Thompson comprises a powerful impression since the wife of Joe's onetime friend (Matthew Cullum). Israel-born, U.K.-based multihyphenate Mitelpunkt shows a wrist watch for composition, but his story wants for poignancy.Camera (color, HD, widescreen), Nicolas Desaintquentin editor, Haim Asaf Litani music, Mitelpunkt production designer/costume designer, Anna Oldham-Cooper. Examined at Chicago Film Festival (New Company company directors, competing), March. 12, 2012. Running time: 80 MIN. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

New 'Arthur Christmas' Clip: Take Gift Wrapping towards the Extreme

.publish-content img Halloween is not here yet, but that does not mean you cannot start considering Christmas. The tights hung through the chimney carefully the gifts carefully wrapped underneath an attractive Christmas tree. It's that latter holiday accoutrement the focus of the new exclusive clip from 'Arthur Christmas,' where Santa Claus's youngest boy attempts to apply certain newly found technology for any secret mission. If perhaps wrapping gifts was this fun. From Aardman Animation Galleries -- individuals who introduced you 'Wallace & Grommit' -- 'Arthur Christmas' comes to theaters on November. 23. Return to Moviefone for additional content out of this sure-to-be stellar family adventure. Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Mendelsohn sets development slate

Mendelsohn "CSI" showrunner Carol Mendelsohn has set her first development slate, including projects in place at CBS, the CW, FX and TNT. It's been a year since Carol Mendelsohn Prods. launched in a pod deal with CBS Television Studios. Former WME agent Julie Weitz signed on as president of production in August 2010. Earlier this month, Mendelsohn scored a pilot pickup from TNT for "Scent of the Missing," a drama hour starring Tricia Helfer and Gerald McRaney. Based on the book by Susannah Charleson, the pilot follows a detective and her canine companion. In keeping with her roots in crime drama, Mendelsohn has multiple projects representing the genre set up at the network where she's scored her biggest hit. CBS is also developing "Widow Detective." The script: After having three partners killed in the line of duty, a decorated police detective adopts their families becoming husband/lover/father. David Hubbard ("Noel") will write and executive produce.Another CBS script order is "Murder Room," the true story of a world famous profiler, forensic artist, and leading investigator for the FBI who form a team to investigate crimes that have stupefied law enforcement around the world. Based on the book by Michael Capuzzo, "Room" will be written and executive produced by George Nolfi ("The Adjustment Bureau"). As previously reported, a third CBS script order from Mendelsohn is "Two Badges," about a police detective with roots in the barrio she polices. Mendelsohn has a pair of hours in development at CW: "The Hollows," about a private-eye witch working with local law enforcement agencies to combat threats both mundane and supernatural, from Jordan Hawley ("Smallville"); and "Unearthly," about a girl who realizes that her destiny is to become an angel, from Kevin Murphy ("Caprica") and Robin Schorr ("Food, Inc."). Mendelsohn also has a drama in the running at FX: "Throwdown Gun" from "LA Confidential" author James Ellroy, who exec produces with Clark Peterson ("Monster"). The lives of a white cop and a black cop are forever intertwined after covering up a violent crime while on duty -- the consequences of which alter race relations in Los Angeles. Weitz is executive producer along with Mendelsohn on all projects. Weitz is repped by WME. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

A Virtual Detective 3 Will get Iron Guy 3 Film writer

Though A Virtual Detective: A Game Title of Shadows doesn’t emerge until December, the 3rd installment from the fancy Arthur Conan Doyle series already includes a film writer: Iron Guy 3 scribe Came Pearce. Pearce also authored a little on Off-shore Rim, Guillermo del Toro’s alien invasion movie he’ll start shooting soon in Toronto. I guess what this means is we won’t be coming back towards the simpler Tulsi Rathbone realm of ol’ Sherl in the near future. I would like quaintness! [Deadline]

Loretta Lynn Put in the hospital, Cancels Approaching Shows

A Kentucky theater states Loretta Lynn continues to be put in the hospital with pneumonia. The nation singer was scheduled to do Saturday in the Carrying out Arts Center in Ashland, Ky., however the center released a release saying she is incorporated in the hospital and will also be not able to complete the concert. The middle states the show is going to be rescheduled. Marketing director Jenny Holmes confirmed the statement to WOWK-TV. She didn't elaborate on Lynn's condition. Calls through the Connected Press to reps of Lynn weren't immediately came back Saturday. In August, Lynn canceled shows due to knee surgery. Before that, the 76-year-old came back to reside performances having a show in the Grand Ole Opry after having to cancel shows in Ohio and Connecticut because she was put in the hospital for warmth exhaustion. Related Subjects Loretta Lynn

Frederick Gordon-Levitt will get 'Unchained'

Gordon-LevittNearly per month after dining with director Quentin Tarantino, "50/50" star Frederick Gordon-Levitt is within foretells join the cast from the helmer's spaghetti Western "Django Unchained."Associates tell Variety that Gordon-Levitt expects to complete the film, though he'll have to work through several arranging problems that could prevent him from taking part.Tarantino intends to start shooting "Django" in New Orleans in The month of january.Should Gordon-Levitt close an offer for "Django," he'd join his "Beginning" co-star Leonardo DiCaprio, in addition to Jamie Foxx, Samuel L. Jackson, Christoph Waltz, Kurt Russell and Don Manley within the Weinstein Company pic, that is skedded for release on Christmas Day 2012.Tarantino will be the latest A-list helmer to utilize Gordon-Levitt, who co-stars in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Dark night Increases" and Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln subsequently." Thesp selects his collaborators carefully, as he's also lately labored with up-and-coming helmers for example Jonathan Levine ("50/50"), Rian Manley ("Looper") and Spencer Susser ("Hesher").Gordon-Levitt is repped by CAA. Contact Shaun Sneider at shaun.sneider@variety.com

Research Firm Ipsos OTX Seeking Industry Input On New Box Office Monitoring System

It’s never been theory, but Ipsos’ Worldwide Film Group stated today it has began development on the new, up-to-date box-office monitoring product, also it wants “leading major and independent film galleries, production companies and key people in the market” to collect to go over and refine the offering inside a collaborative workshop. Strangely enough, there’s no reference to possible participants (though Ipsos states many have previously signed on, even though no invites go out yet), however the meeting is placed for November 16 in the London Hotel in L.A. The study firm’s take appears just like a logical one. In the release: In the last year marketers, entrepreneurs and also the media have grown to be frustrated in the frequently seen instances where pre-release monitoring and box office anticipation are extremely diverse from the particular performance for any movie on opening weekend. These miscalculations can sometimes possess a ripple impact on the film industry by leading to marketers to regulate their proper direction and P&A spend assets according to results that don't precisely reflect moviegoer intentions. By enhancing the pre-release monitoring system, marketers will have the ability to better get ready for the outcomes of the films opening and ultimately help tha harsh truth profitability for every film. With Ipsos’ healthy client roster of industry pros, it’s possible the range might be prominent enough to really help fix a maturing system. Stay updated.

Bin Laden Film Moving After 2012 Election?

No decision has been made yet. But studio sources say it “looks likely” that Sony Pictures which had scheduled its hunt-for-Bin Laden film for release October 12th is moving it to later in 2012 or into 2013. That puts it after the 2012 election and ensures that the film won’t become a so-called “October surprise” and boost President Obama’s re-election chances by reminding voters his administration caught and killed the Al-Qaeda leader. Doubtful this will quiet all thepartisan political talk in Washington and Hollywood aboutthe Mark Boal-Kathryn Bigelow film.

Jerry Bruckheimer Breaks His Silence on Disney's $215 Million 'Lone Ranger' Compromise (Exclusive)

Jerry Bruckheimer states he did not have question the Lone Ranger would get produced using star The Actor-kaira Pitt. Nevertheless the project shown being most likely probably the most difficult settlement of his career after Disney stopped production in August since the budget apparently spiraled beyond $260 million. Disney Boss Robert Iger set a difficult number -- $215 million, according to an informed source -- and made the decision to proceed with Lone Ranger only if the filmmakers hit the mark. Inside an exclusive interview while using Hollywood Reporter, Bruckheimer describes how they showed up.our editor recommendsOfficial: Disney's 'Lone Ranger' Sets May 31, 2013 Release Date'Lone Ranger': Director, Producer Offer to Trim Costs as Budget Fight Rages'Lone Ranger': What's Next'Lone Ranger' Announcer Fred Foy Dies'Social Network' Actor Armie Hammer Eyes Title Role in 'Lone Ranger'Why Disney Can Make 'Lone Ranger' -- Unwillingly (Analysis) THR: How did discussions get so bad where Disney shut lower the film? Bruckheimer: We'd a script that individuals saved concentrating on. It absolutely was altering. You start searching at locations, you think about recption menus and say: "I really like every one of these desserts. I'd like 'em all." And you also hit several and so they say, "We could't afford that." Then you definitely certainly start carrying out back. Disney preferred to prevent the trading unless of course obviously they thought your financial allowance corresponded for the number the boss [Iger] wanted. They'd set a deadline [August. 12] for people to submit a low cost, which we didn't hit their number. They mentioned, "Is it possible to hit it?" We didn't have ample time for you to really vet your financial allowance, which we mentioned we couldn't hit it immediately. And so they mentioned, "We should stop the bleeding." We understood whatever they i did so, but we preferred to help keep working. PHOTOS: The Actor-kaira Pitt's Most Memorable Career Moments THR: Had you been shocked they shut it lower? Bruckheimer: It's always an unexpected after they really take action. However used to be very sure that we are able to get the picture made. It needed us about four to six days to learn to increase the risk for movie more economically. THR: How did you are doing this? Bruckheimer: We redid the expansion plan. We initially laid it to prevent winter. Every single location we'd, there's winter -- 30s throughout the evening, 50s throughout your entire day, best-situation scenario. I had been jumping around. California, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah. Once we stood a large crowd scene so the overnight i had been shooting just Tonto as well as the Lone Ranger, we still had the crew "on" because you request these phones weekly. And then we bunched the sequences that have been large together, as well as the smaller sized moments [we] release the additional supplies, the outcomes people, the makeup people. It's a lots of with 150 accessories round the set. It's not the additional supplies, it's individuals that provide the additional supplies. You're still moving all the wardrobe, makeup and hair people. We bunched together moments with Tonto as well as the Lone Ranger, and then we stood a a lot more compact crew. We handled in order to save about $ten million by simply doing that. PHOTOS: Inside 'Pirates in the Caribbean' You have to searched for out the most effective burglary tax incentives. We learned that Louisiana gave us a far greater tax incentive than New Mexico -- that was another $8 million. We're still shooting in New Mexico, which we may [also] visit Louisiana. We're asking New Mexico later on closer to the Louisiana incentive. We dropped our California location not since they didn't give a tax break consider it had been another production office that individuals required to open. Every time there is a new location, you should utilize crew time setting up it to suit your needs. You will discover plenty of expenses. THR: And there has been deferments on costs? Bruckheimer: Disney held back costs, which i setup numerous my development money. I've done that before. [Director] Gore [Verbinski] and myself and Johnny and several providers and artistic people made the decision to deferments. They'll get paid out inside a certain point that Disney talked about together, after i will. It's a "preferred nation" deal, and then we all get paid out within the same point when Disney recoups. That needed monthly or maybe more. Then [on March. 13] we are in a position to finally start trading again. Some below-the-line people gave us cuts. STORY: 'The Lone Ranger': A Period Of Time Disney may have much preferred us cutting stuff in the script. Nevertheless the competitors are fierce. You'll be able to't deal with The Hobbit, you'll be able to't deal with Transformers if you undertake that. Everyone else will stay home. THR: Did you have to lose sequences within the script? There's talk that some train sequences were reduce. Bruckheimer: We cut a sequence together with a coyote attack -- supernatural coyotes -- together with a little animated segment. The train [moments] are intact. We trimmed it a little. Gore made some sacrifices creatively, but nothing which will hurt the film. We required to settle your variations. The studio set several, plus it was always our responsibility to access the total amount. THR: Let us the image still covers budget? Bruckheimer: We're all talking about the duty on overages, including Disney. STORY: Official: Disney's 'Lone Ranger' Sets May 31, 2013 Release Date THR: Because you missed your original start date, how will you experience Disney moving the release from December 2012 to May 31, 2013? It's a far greater date. Before, i had been facing The Hobbit and World War Z. Now we're each week after Fast and Furious together with a few days before Superman. Your competitors is not badly. You will discover plenty of movies jammed in at Christmas. Inside the summer season, there is a longer run. You're stop following a first of year around the Christmas release. THR: Was this your toughest settlement ever? Bruckheimer: It's been very hard. It's just the occasions. It's tough available. The art galleries lost an authentic way to obtain revenue in Digital video disks. It's harder, harder. The art galleries are generating less movies. Formerly, there's been another factor [to produce up lost revenue] that's hopped inside. There's something, nevertheless it hasn't happened yet. STORY: Disney's 'Lone Ranger' Close to Riding Again Following The Actor-kaira Pitt, Jerry Bruckheimer, Gore Verbinski Keep Costs Down However've had lots of movies shut lower. The initial Pirates was shut lower. Jewel Harbor was stopped. So was Armageddon. Personally, that is normal. That is: "Seriously. Let's have the budget where we causes it to be.Inch THR: How important is movie to Verbinski? Bruckheimer: He's certainly motivated to produce the look in on budget. THR: Where are you currently presently with Pirates 5? Bruckheimer: We're inside the outline phase. We'll create a tale. There exists a script, but we made a decision we are in a position to fare best. THR: How are things selecting Disney overall? Bruckheimer: I'm there until 2014 or 2015. I'm happy with them, but they're happy with me. THE Changing Arrange For THE LONE RANGER Original: $260 million Modified: $215 million Savings: $45 million Related Subjects Jerry Bruckheimer The Actor-kaira Pitt The Wally Disney Company Gore Verbinski The Lone Ranger

'The Walking Dead' Season 2 Premiere Shatters Fundamental Cable Ratings Records

Gene Page/AMC"The Walking Dead" Sunday's Season 2 premiere of AMC's The Walking Dead shattered fundamental cable ratings records. The 90-minute episode came 7.3 million total audiences, becoming probably the most effective telecast for nearly any drama in fundamental cable history among two key demos. PHOTOS: Behind the curtain of 'The Walking Dead' Season Two The zombie drama based on Robert Kirkman's extended-running comics came 4.8 million audiences inside the internet marketer-coveted grownups 18-49 demographic, 4.2 million grownups 25-54 and registered a 4.8 household rating, breaking a nearly 10-year-old fundamental cable record among the demos for just about any single drama telecast. STORY: 'The Walking Dead' Season 2 Premiere: (Spoiler) Got Shot, What's Next? Some.8 household rating and 7.3 million total audiences represent a 36 percent and 38 percent increase, correspondingly, inside the drama's newcomer season ratings. "The Walking Dead is among people rare television programs which will achieve both a core genre fan additionally to broad audiences simply trying to find a great, character-based story," AMC leader Charlie Collier mentioned Monday. "We're so pleased with and greatful for your amazing team on sides from you who work so desperately which is so dedicated to creating this a unique programming event." STORY: 'The Walking Dead' Season 2: Just what the Experts Say "The Walking Dead is becoming most likely probably the most-seen drama inside the good status for fundamental cable is staggering, similar to our zombies," he added. The series' Halloween evening 2010 premiere came 5.3 million audiences together with a couple.7 rating in 18-49, the greatest demo audience for nearly any series premiere on cable a year ago. STORY: 'The Walking Dead': What Really Happened to Fired Showrunner Frank Darabont Walking Dead's first season averaged 3.5 million grownups 18-49, which causes it to be most likely probably the most-seen drama series in fundamental cable history for your demo. The initial season in the series, modified by former showrunner Frank Darabont, averaged 5.2 million total audiences. Combined with encore airings at 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., the premiere in the Andrew Lincoln subsequently subsequently starrer came 11 million audiences. Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com Twitter: @Snoodit RELATED: 'The Walking Dead': Glen Mazzara on Frank Darabont and also the Fears since the Drama's New Showrunner AMC TV Ratings The Walking Dead

AOL stox up on sale rumors

Armstrong AOL shares soared in a dull market on news that CEO Tim Armstrong has been pushing a sale to online rival Yahoo as the Internet world continues to be buffeted by deal speculation.AOL surged nearly 7% on hopes that it's seriously pursuing the combination. It closed up 6.54% at $14.01.Yahoo stock also rose, firming 1% to $15.93, with separate reports that buyout giants KKR and Blackstone Group are considering a bid. Both shares outperformed the overall market.Reps for the two companies weren't immediately available for comment. But it's par for the course in webland as major players see their stock rise and fall almost daily on merger talk.Armstrong came to AOL in 2009 from giant Google after a disastrous merger with Time Warner had left the former reeling and successive attempts to reinvent it had fallen short. He has expanded the business and pushed heavily into news. But competition is fierce. Like many Internet CEOs, he's said to be weighing all options, including a sale or breakup.Yahoo has also been testing the waters. Possible suitors range from private equity heavyweights to Microsoft to Chinese e-commerce group Alibaba, or some combination. The company dumped its CEO Carol Bartz recently and hasn't found anyone to take the helm yet. It's strong in sports and finance and recently inked a deal with ABC News and expanded its original programming.But life as a standalone is complicated. "It's hard to create products that customers really like. It's hard to distinguish yourself," said one fund manager, discussing AOL.Fidelity Management and Research, AOL's second largest shareholder as of June 30, cut its stake in the firm to 3.7% from 10.3%, according to an SEC filing earlier this week.The fund manager cited Yahoo's revolving door of executives. "And the stock's not that cheap. It's not at $6 -- it's at $16," he said.Some Wall Streeters have speculated that Netflix may be on the block after some recent strategic shifts. Netflix Thursday announced a hefty program licensing deal with the CW Network, owned by CBS and Warner Bros. Television. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Yellow Bird producer flies to Film London market

LONDON -- Marianne Gray, a producer from Sweden's Yellow Bird, will give the keynote address at the Film London Production Finance Market, which takes place Oct. 19-20 during the London Film Festival. Gray, who started her career in Los Angeles working for various major studios, produced Norwegian feature "Headhunters" and will also produce the U.S. remake with Summit Entertainment. Yellowbird is the company behind the original Swedish film adaptations of author Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy of books. The first, "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," has been remade by helmer David Fincher. Starring Daniel Craig, it opens in the U.S. on Dec. 21. Over 60 producers have signed up for this year's Production Finance Market, bringing development projects to discuss with 57 financiers, including private equity firms, sales companies, distributors, broadcasters and tax funds. Among the projects, with total production budgets of $330 million, are John Maybury's "Atomic Blonde," Sally Potter's "Elsewhere" and Gillian Armstrong's "The Great," to which Mia Wasikowska and Annette Bening are reportedly attached. Companies attending include Paramount Pictures Intl., Focus Features, Endgame Entertainment, Pinewood Films, Wild Bunch and Entertainment One. Several new territories will be represented, including Luxembourg, Macedonia and Poland. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Japan's Zazie takes FilmSharks' 'Evil'

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Pointing to renewed sales life on key durable titles, Buenos Aires-based FilmSharks Intl. has closed a slew of recent major territory sales on titles it brought onto the market as far back as 2008. Zombie caper "Evil in the Time of Heroes," featuring Billy Zane, first seen in Greece in 2009, was sold this week to Japan's Zazie Films. "Evil" has also closed Germany and Austria with Anolis Films. A U.S. deal is under negotiation, FilmShark's founder Guido Rud said Thursday at the Rio festival's Rio Market. Evergreen sales title "Letters to Father Jacob" was acquired last week by Australia's Rialto Distribution and Katholisches Filmwerk for Germany and Austria. France is now under negotiations, Rud said. Another long-running FilmSharks sales hit, "A Boyfriend for my Wife," produced by Argentina's Disney-backed Patogonik, has sealed Russia with Dalmatian Film. Meanwhile, psycho-thriller "American Venus," starring Rebecca De Mornay, was recently sold to U.K.'s High Fliers Films. In South Korea, Chris Lee Pics. Intl. has acquired Mexican melodrama "Tear This Heart Out," while Kim Media has taken Paula Hernandez's "Rain," which world preemed in 2008; Spain's Canal Plus has picked up Jonathan Parker's "Untitled," starring Adam Goldberg, which has already sold to more than 30 territories. Of newer titles, controversial Chinese toon pic "Piercing 1" has been bought by Portuguese pubcaster RTP Portugal and Tren Distribution for Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. "When there is not much at the market, buyers are coming back to films that they wanted to buy before, but -- due to the crisis -- were not able to do so," Rud said in Rio. Also, a recovering market is encouraging distributors to set up new shingles. Tren was launched this July by Manuel Garcia, former manager of Argentine distrib 791 Cine. Tren also bought German action-thriller "Snowman's Land" and Rotterdam Tiger winner "Finisterrae," both sold by FilmSharks. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Hayden Panettiere on Fireflies in the Garden, Battling Typecasting, and the Amanda Knox Aftermath

Opening this weekend in limited release, Fireflies in the Garden isn’t exactly Hayden Panettiere’s “new” film. It’s more like her embattled, shelved, revisited and re-revisited film — shot in 2007, a festival curio in early 2008 and thought lost to the indie-film ages until recently, when plans were finally made for its theatrical distribution. At least she’s in pretty phenomenal company, starring alongside Julia Roberts, Ryan Reynolds, Willem Dafoe and playing a young Emily Watson in the tale of a family grappling with generations of guilt, misunderstanding, tragedy and maybe — just maybe — a future. Panettiere co-stars as Jane, the teenage aunt to Michael Waecther (played in their ’80s era flashbacks by Cayden Boyd, who grows up into Reynolds’s disaffected present-day romance novelist). Gone to stay with her older sister Lisa (Roberts) and her domineering husband Charlie (Dafoe) one summer, she and Michael form a bond that carries over to the tense aftermath of Lisa’s sudden death. Movieline spoke with Panettiere recently about Fireflies’s scenic route to the screen, how both she and the film have changed along the way, plotting her own careful path forward, and her latest thoughts on Amanda Knox, the American student (and TV biopic subject, played by Panettiere) recently released from custody in Italy after her conviction for murdering her roommate. Wow, you look great. Are you off to somewhere after this? No, I just didn’t learn until I got here that it wasn’t going to be on camera! I see. I can totally get my camera if you’d like. Where’s my phone? I feel more relaxed not on camera. Do you really? I do! I do with these interviews. For some reason when the camera comes up, I’ve been doing it for so long that you have this internal instinct to “turn it on.” And when you’re just chatting with someone, you don’t feel as much of a need to do that. That’s interesting. You have spent most of your life working in front of the camera; it seems like it would be natural for you. But you’d say you feel more apprehensive? I have as I’ve gotten older. It’s not that I’m uncomfortable, but I noticed when I was younger that there such an innocence and freedom; you just don’t examine yourself quite as much. I didn’t have myself under quite as much of a microscope. I wasn’t concerned with the things that would come out of my mouth or the way they would sound or the expression on my face, which are all things that you’re not supposed to pay attention to when you’re acting. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found myself paying a little more attention to it and second-guessing myself and questioning myself. You just have this freedom when you’re younger — this lack of concern to fail or do anything wrong. It comes with an ease that I’ve found has kind of deteriorated over time. I have my moments where I feel really good about it, but it’s all a mindset. If I’m thinking of it that way, then I’m tripping myself out. Fireflies in the Garden has been in limbo for a while. How many times have you actually talked about this film before today? None. Well, you’re the fifth today, but it’s only been today. It shot over four years ago. What’s your remembrance of the film from those days, and how is talking about it today affecting your perspective of it? Well, I rewatched the film last night. It’s interesting, because while I was filming it, there are certain things my character was going through that the audience is not aware of. So it’s interesting to try to describe exactly what my character was going through and the problems she was having in overcoming this big obstacle in her life and why she was at her sister’s house when it’s not something that the audience can see in the film. And I was closer to a teenager back then as well; I was a lot closer to the actual age that this girl was, and that teenage angst, and that feeling of showing up to a house and being handed a list of rules and thinking, “Is this a joke? You’re not my parents. I’ve never had rules like this.” And there’s this odd relationship between her and the family because she holds the title, almost, of an adult, but she’s young. She’s the aunt of this kid and the sister of [Julia Roberts’s character], where it feels like she should be the cousin of, or the daughter of, or something like that. Was your character’s background actually shot, and it’s just not in there? That’s what I was trying to remember. I was trying to remember back to whether or not it was ever mentioned in the film, or whether it was just an underlying issue that the character was going through but the audience wasn’t ever supposed to really know. Or if they were supposed to know that something was going on but were not sure what, or the slim chance of somebody in the audience putting two and two together and going, “OK, I think I understand what’s going on.” Originally I was sent to my sister’s house because I had gotten pregnant. Ooohhhh. Now I get it. That’s what they did back then: send them away to a family member’s house so that they would get an abortion and take care of the kid. There are a couple scenes toward the end where you can see she’s kind of sitting tenderly in this kind of robe, and that’s the inner turmoil that’s going on with her. She’s not in a good place when she gets there, and frankly, neither is anybody else. She takes this kid under her wing — this nephew of hers, who’s more like a best friend — and comes to his rescue and promises that she won’t let anything happen to him.

The Playboy Club: What Went Wrong

The Playboy Club It required years for that Playboy Club to hop into primetime. It required NBC three days to kill it. Quick cancellations aren't anything new in TV, however the rapid demise from the Playboy Club might function as a cautionary tale for developers because they depend more about familiar franchises and symbols to draw in distracted audiences. With the much competition for that attention of audiences, network executives are searching for something that might provide them with an advantage in marketing and awareness - and that's why a lot of remakes with familiar game titles are striking the environment. The Playboy Club wasn't a reboot of the old show, but instead an authentic series searching to leverage a well known global brand. NBC loved the title "Playboy" would a minimum of cut with the clutter of fall TV's slew of recent series launches. "Many developers would view it and say, 'Here's an enormous brand which should have the ability to provide us with baked-in awareness," states one insider. However the brand might have ultimately avoided audiences from even sampling that which was ultimately an extremely tepid period crime drama. "It had been a essentially problematic concept," the insider adds. "It is a cleaning soap, which naturally attracts women. But it is a brandname so associated with males. I simply think it had been condemned from the beginning.Inch In early stages, the thought of creating a primetime series round the Playboy brand appeared just like a novel plan. In the end, E! Entertainment's The Women Nearby had assisted push Playboy and founder Hugh Hefner in to the mainstream - and six decades following the magazine first released, Playboy now appeared almost quaint and tame. Simultaneously, Playboy had just started to license its title to a different chain of Playboy Clubs (which in fact had been dormant for 25 years) in locations for example Macau and Vegas, which makes it a real, active business again. The show also boasted some pretty hefty auspices. If anybody would create a series occur the field of Playboy, it would be Imagine TV. Imagine Entertainment's John Grazer - who even includes a vintage Playboy pinball machine outdoors his Beverly Hillsides office - continues to be eager to make a feature film about Playboy founder Hugh Hefner since a minimum of 1999, when he first guaranteed the icon's existence privileges. 3 years later, Imagine also acquired the archival privileges to Playboy content for source material for projects. Oliver Stone was connected to the Hefner biopic at some point, and Brett Ratner later came aboard, with Robert Downey, Junior. rumored to star. But as the feature idea crept along, TV was going to dive in. Last Year, NBC first bought the script Bunny Tales, about sixties-era cocktail waitresses working in the Playboy Club, from Imagine and twentieth century Fox TV. But that project, from author Becky Mode, did not reach the pilot stage. Annually later, Imagine and 20th attempted again, this time around having a script by Chad Hodge. At that time, AMC's Mad Males - which even set a chapter in the Playboy Club - had managed to get awesome to create your show within the swinging '60s. And new NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt, searching to create a large splash inside a almost no time, was enamored enough with the thought of a Playboy-top quality series that in The month of january he gave the show, rechristened Playboy (and then amended towards the Playboy Club), his first pilot order in the network. In early stages, there have been a couple of hiccups: Newcomer Shaun Hephner was initially cast because the show's lead but days later changed by Eddie Cibrian following the show's first table read. But by May, it had been obvious that 4th-place NBC was wanting to put large names and large ideas on screen because it looked to show things around. A pre-offered title such as the Playboy Club was worth an attempt. Ought to be fact, when NBC greenlit the show to series, the network stipulated that "Playboy" needed to maintain the show's title. Associates stated an alternate title, for example dusting off Bunny Tales, wasn't even talked about. Executives at Imagine and twentieth century Fox TV, which always assumed the title could be transformed, were surprised. "That brand is really established in the meaning, so baked into the conciousness from the audience, permanently as well as for bad," states one insider. Then came the backlash, which revolved exclusively round the title, as NBC's Salt Lake City affiliate, possessed through the Mormon chapel, declined to air a show with Playboy in the title. Several groups known as for any boycott of NBC stations that broadcast the show, in addition to marketers that made an appearance throughout its commercial breaks. Even women's privileges leader Gloria Steinem, who notoriously authored within the sixties about going undercover in a Playboy Club, recommended a boycott. But many of individuals cultural experts had not really seen the show. The Television experts who had viewed the pilot were not impressed, possibly simply since the debate belied the truth that The Playboy Club was ultimately a run-of-the-mill drama. States an professional: "Nearly all women consider the show's title and say, 'It's not the show for me personally, it is a show for my hubby. Their husband examines it and sees there is no T-and-A, since it is on broadcast." Quite simply, audiences intrigued through the Playboy title were disappointed by the possible lack of titillation. Audiences who might want to consider the show's mainstream tales were switched off through the word "Playboy." Internet result? No audiences. Ultimately, saddled having a weak lead-in (The Sing-Off), bad reviews and an excessive amount of negative baggage, The Playboy Club never even opened up. The show first showed to five million audiences, shedding to three.4 million by Week 3. "I apologize NBC's The Playboy Club did not find its audience," Hefner authored on Twitter. "It will have been getting cable, targeted in a more adult audience." Hodge told Out magazine he thought The Playboy Club might fit better on another NBC Universal network like Bravo. But he will not have a chance to discover: 20th and Imagine don't have any intends to shop the show elsewhere. "When the show were greatly well-examined and there is a groundswell of support from the core number of audiences there maybe could be some potential," an professional states. "However it only broadcast a couple of occasions and dropped each week.Inch Adds another professional: "It had been a concept specific at one audience, but a brandname connection that regrettably was at odds with who that audience is." Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Roseanne Barr's Comeback Comedy 'Downwardly Mobile' Lands at NBC

In the bid for brands and broad comedy, NBC snapped up up Roseanne Barr's comeback sitcom, Downwardly Mobile. The multi-camera ensemble, which showed up a script plus penalty commitment within the network, is occur a rv community with former Roseanne author/executive producer Eric Gilliland aboard just like a co-creator, author and executive producer. The Twentieth Century Fox TV-produced project, which includes author, executive producer and longtime boyfriend Johnny Argent and non-writing executive producerSteven Eco-friendly (Roseanne's Nuts),was waiting around the showrunner just before being looked to systems. Scoring Gilliland, who offered becoming an executive producer and author on Roseanne's extended-running ABC comedy, was broadly regarded as like a coup. STORY: Roseanne Barr Preps Comedy Sitcom 'Downwardly Mobile' for 20th Television Furthermore to have an established rapport, WME-repped Gilliland brings significant comedy experience just like a author or producer on such series since the Question Years, That 70's Show and ABC'sMr. Sunshine. Attempting to his advantage: the completely new effort will mine similar territory as Roseanne, about blue-collar family and pals dwelling in tough economic occasions. While both material (lower class living) as well as the format (multi-cam) are something from the departure for NBC, the necessity to obtain running a business with one-time TV stars can be a strategy a few of the systems are implementing.Do-it-yourself'sTim Allenwill have his large TV return Tuesday while using premiere of his ABC sitcomLast Guy Standing, because the same network may also be circling a sitcom vehicle for formerCheersstarKirstie Alley.Due to its part, NBC attempted (unsuccessfully) gain some nostalgia points getting a platform forMad About YoustarPaul Reiserlast spring. STORY: Roseanne revisit TV in New Lifetime Reality Show If ultimately acquired to series,Mobile will probably be Barr's first sitcom sinceRoseanneended after nine seasons in 1997. Right after wrapping, the Emmy-winning actress dabbled inside the talk show space withThe Roseanne Show, however ongoing to become largely in the public eye inside the years that adopted. She tip-toed in the spotlight more recently withLifetime's short-were living docu-seriesRoseanne's Nuts, which adopted the comedian as she went a 40-acre macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. Email: Lacey.Rose@THR.com Twitter: @LaceyVRose Related Subjects NBC Roseanne Barr TV Development

Happy Being Exclusive: Have A Look At Dave's and Alex's Halloween Clothes

Zachary Knighton, Elisha Cuthbert Groovy, baby! Or possibly could it be "spooky, baby"?Happy Endings' much-anticipated Halloween episode - which i was told to "buckle up" - will hold the silly sextet in costumes, but you don't need to delay until March. 26 to acquire a glimpse their way.Eliza Coupe on egg babies and her Black Swan moment that might've saved Happy EndingsBehold Dork (Zachary Knighton) and Alex (Elisha Cuthbert) doing their utmost Austin Forces and Marilyn Monroe inside a warehouse party, where their get-ups don't review because they anticipated. It's also as of this party that Alex meets Henry (David Walton), a potential new love. Obtain a consider first the costumes below. Happy Being airs Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30c on ABC. Next week's episode features Megan Mullally as Penny's mother.

Kristin Cavallaris Dancing Blog: Dealing With The Samba!

First Released: October 3, 2011 5:14 PM EDT Credit: ABC Caption Kristin Cavallari and Mark Ballas execute a quickstep on Dwts, Season 13, Week 2, September 26, 2011LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- What about a week ago?! Mark and that i got the second greatest score from the evening with this quick step!! Couldnt be more happy about this, along with a little shocked simultaneously! Tonight marks Week 3 and used to do the SAMBA! Its a really sexy dance and certainly harder compared to first 2. Its probably the most technical dances and so i have mixed feelings about that one. In addition, it was the very first week we simply had 4 days to train which certainly adds more pressure. But, in most honestly, Im glad very well be setting it up over and done with tonight rather than saving it for later. None the less, needed! Very excited for tonight! I really like my costume and you will certainly expect more booty shakin, hair whipping, and mind moving! In the end, it is the SAMBA! Help you men around the party area! Election, Election, Election! Adore you! xx, Kristin Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Arrested Development' Stars Confirm Plans for Show's TV Return

Arrested Development fans might be getting what they've lengthy wanted.our editor recommends'Arrested Development' film will get closer'Arrested Development' meets 'Star Wars' fan art (pic)'Arrested Development' reunion stirring In a reunion for that beloved Fox comedy in the NYer Festival on Sunday, creator Mitch Hurwitzteased the potential of ongoing the 2003-06 series having a cut down nine- to 10-episode "small-season" prior to anArrested film.This news, that twentieth century Fox TV rejected comment, uses many years of rumblings of the large-screen follow up for that significantly acclaimed series starring Jason Bateman, Will Arnett,Portia p Rossi and Jeffrey Tambor. "It's true," Bateman confirmed on Twitter on Sunday mid-day. "We is going to do 10 episodes and also the movie. Most likely shoot them altogether next summer time for any release at the begining of ཉ." Added Arnett, "I'm urinating with @batemanjason right now..and that we will tell you that we will make new AD expanded polystyrene along with a movie." The intended plans raise a couple of red-colored flags, such as the packed agendas of their cast. Arnett, for example, has returned on television having a starring role in NBC's Up Through The Night, while Bateman and Michael Cera are inundated with film work. (Based on reviews in the festival, Hurwitz recommended each episode would concentrate on another character in the series in order to steer clear of the inevitable scheudling issues.) What's more, despite its acclaim -- the comedy gained six Emmy honours -- Arrested never handled to trap up with an extensive audience. It had been canceled after three seasons, departing you to definitely question whether network professionals could be as passionate concerning the series' return because the comedy's loyal fans. Related Subjects Jason Bateman Portia p Rossi Will Arnett Jeffrey Tambor Mitch Hurwitz

Harrelson materializes in 'Now The Truth Is Me'

HarrelsonHot round the heels of his buzzed-about turn just like a corrupt LAPD officer in Oren Moverman's "Rampart," Woodsy Harrelson has became a member of discussions for just about any role in Summit Entertainment's magician heist pic "At This Point You See Me." Louis Leterrier is pointing the film, which stars Mark Ruffalo, Jesse Eisenberg, Morgan Freeman, Isla Fisher and Melanie Laurent. Harrelson is at predicts play Merritt Osbourne, a mentalist and hypnotherapist recognized for his Jedi-style mind techniques. He familiar with perform overseas for your Filled with England, but a bloody incident forces him to depart to Vegas where he joins some Horsemen, a squad in the world's finest illusionists who accomplish numerous daring bank heists in their performances, then shower the income around the auds. Edward Ricourt ("The best way to Defeat Your Individual Clone") and Boaz Yakin written the first script that came Leterrier's interest, while "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol" scribes Andre Nemec and Josh Applebaum recently did a polish. Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci are coming up with via their shingle Kurtzman Orci Paper Products, whose Bobby Cohen will professional produce as well as Yakin. Harrelson next stars in "Rampart," which Millennium Entertainment acquired after its debut within the Toronto Worldwide Film Festival. Millennium, which will release the film later this year, will mount an honours campaign for Harrelson, who received an Oscar nom for Moverman's "The Messenger." Harrelson, repped by CAA, recently starred in "Pals With Benefits" and may soon be seen as Haymitch Abernathy in "The Hunger Games." Contact Rob Sneider at rob.sneider@variety.com

New Melancholia Character Ads

A sneak take a look at Von Trier's latestUsually, once we get our sticky at work some interesting character ads, they're for just about any large franchise picture featuring masters of magic or mutants. Well, not this time around around (unless of course obviously we now have seriously misunderstand the film), because this lot are for Lars VonTrier's Melancholia, that might really cover depression, broken families fighting for hooking up, and/or perhaps the finish around the world.It's all held plus a brilliant performance byKirstenDunst as Justine, a girl who may (or may not) be depressed (or she may be entirely rational). Also featured listed below are: her flighty father (John Hurt), faithful fiance(Alexander Skarsgard), hot-tempered (while not so bad) brother-in-law John (Keifer Sutherland) and sister Claire (Charlotte now now Rampling), who's type of second-lead inside the film. Director vonTrier also will receive a tribute, creating a strange type of sense since he's also almost a personality inside the film.Ad bannersMelancholia is going thisFriday, consider getting a front-row chair for your finish around the world within your local multiplex soon.