'Ghost Protocol' tops crowded Christmas frame

Paramount's ''Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol'' ongoing its Christmas B.O. domination, by having an up-to-date believed three-day gross of $26.5 million and four-day estimations at $40.3 million, pushing the film's Stateside cume to $72.six million by Monday.''Ghost Protocol'' capped a crowded frame, including five other wide releases a few days ago.Soph-sesh holdover ''Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title of Shadows'' handled to position second, by having an believed $17.8 million in 72 hours. Pic's cume through Sunday stands at $76.six million, positioning ''Sherlock'' like a solid contender to become among the holiday season's best-grossing domestic player.Sony's adult-specific new entry ''The Girl Using the Dragon Tattoo'' published a 3-day tally of $13 million for any domestic cume of $21.4 million. ''Tattoo'' opened up 12 ,. 21 for latenight tests.Although the weekend saw sluggish business with Christmas Eve falling on the Saturday, B.O. experts expect theater visitors to increase by mid-mid-day today which should complete towards the year.Most galleries intend to release four-day estimations early Monday.One of the weekend's some of the best gamers, Fox's family holdover ''Alvin and also the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked'' totalled an believed $13.3 million from Friday to Sunday, having a domestic cume of $50.3 million.''Chipwrecked'' handidly beat the market's other kidpic, Par's ''The Adventures of Tintin,'' which obtained a 3-day opening gross of $9.a million and $14.3 million in four days. ''Tintin'' released Wednesday for any Stateside tally of $22.3 million through Monday, including Canadian grosses.Fox's Cameron Crowe-helmed ''We Purchased a Zoo'' opened up Friday, posting in 72 hours an believed $7.8 million.In the niche B.O., the Weinstein Co. extended its pair, ''The Artist'' and ''My Week with Marilyn,'' using the latter pic playing at 602 locations, yielding an believed three-day gross just north of $500,000. ''The Artist,'' which performed at far less engagements (167), really did much better than ''Marilyn,'' tallying through Sunday an believed $857,000. ''Marilyn'' has cumed $6.9 million ''The Artist,'' $2.4 million.David Glasser, COO at Weinstein, credited that towards the studio's patient rollout technique for ''The Artist.''''People continue to be finding the film,'' Glasser stated. ''Now, what we are seeing within the exits is the fact that individuals are being released from it saying, 'That wasn't things i expected.'''Launching wide today are Disney-DreamWorks' ''War Horse'' and Summit's ''The Pitch-dark Hour.'' Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

'Napoleon Dynamite' Star Jon Heder Signs With Gersh

"Napoleon Dynamite" star Jon Heder has signed with Gersh. Heder is reprising the offbeat titular character from the 2004 Fox Searchlight film for an animated TV version of "Napoleon Dynamite" that will debut in January on Fox.He also stars opposite Paul Dano in the indie feature "For Ellen," which will be in competition at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Heder's film credits include"Blades of Glory" (2007), "Surf's Up" (2007) and "When in Rome" (2010).He was previously represented by CAA. The Hollywood Reporter

Recording Acad to fete Iovine

It Academy's Producers & Engineers Wing will recognition Interscope-Geffen-A&M chairman Jimmy Iovine in a 2012 Grammy Week event realizing his resolve for excellence in recorded music. Iovine started his music biz career being an engineer, dealing with functions like John Lennon and Bruce Springsteen. He moved into production, helming classic albums by functions including Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Patti Cruz and U2. He co-founded Interscope Records in 1990. Iovine can also be joined within the high-finish earphone and seem company Beats Electronics with Dr. Dre. NARAS prexy-Boss Neil Portnow stated inside a statement: "This season we pay tribute for an leader in the industry, Jimmy Iovine, that has made an indelible impact like a recording engineer, producer, founding father of Interscope Records, and today entrepreneur centered on audio quality. Once we still highlight individuals who work 'behind the glass,' we're extremely pleased this season to celebrate someone of Jimmy's stature who's so devoted for this important cause." P&E Wing fete will occur February. 8 in the Village Recording Galleries in West L.A. Bono and Dr. Dre are becoming honorary event co-chairs. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

MovieMantz: Top Christmas Movies Of-Time

First Launched: December 21, 2011 2:07 PM EST Credit: Composed by AccessHollywood.com Caption MovieMantz Top Christmas Movies Of-TimeLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Some Naughty, Some Nice So, the holidays got you lower, right? Frustrated with beating everybody else to purchase Christmas gifts that you just probably cant afford, only to get presents as a swap that you just dont even want (or have)? Annoyed the crappy economy put the kibosh inside your Christmas bonus, and perhaps even deep-sixed your projects completely? Fearing the options of trading what little free down-time you've with nosy family people that you just wouldnt even bother keeping in touch with alternatively 364 days of year? Well, don't worry, my movie-loving pals! This list of Holidays classics will definitely put the zing inside your Christmas spirit. Despite a couple of from the more apparent options that basically can not be overlooked, not every one is bona-fide Christmas movies inside the traditional sense. However when you would really like traditional, hey, go buy a Hallmark card. 10) Bad Santa (2003) Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Bernie Mac, Tony Cox Directed by: Terry Zwigoff The Story: Thornton plays an unsatisfied disadvantage guy who poses when you-know-who to tear off shops on Christmas Eve, but his ice-covered heart begins to thaw because he unwillingly befriends a troubled kid. Why its a classic: This raunchy, R-rated, mean-spirited dark comedy flies when faced with precisely what defines a classical Christmas movie, but thats the positive thing about this. But despite its incredibly sour tone, a person's heart in the movie ultimately rules to produce moviegoers happy in unforeseen ways. 9) Scrooged (1988) Starring: Bill Murray, Karen Allen, John Forsythe Directed by: Richard Donner The Story: Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol will receive a present day transformation, with Bill Murray playing a callous television executive who works his staff for the bone to be able to increase his systems ratings. Why its a classic: Though less dark badly Santa, its still very funny, and Bill Murray is clearly getting a lot of fun playing a modern day-day Scrooge who finds out the old familiar lesson painfully costly way. 8) Gremlins (1984) Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates Directed by: Joe Dante The Story: The folks from the attractive small town ignore three very important rules about these cute-and-fuzzy little creatures, only to watch them become trouble-making monsters that destroy all things in their path. Why its a classic: What starts off becoming an idealistic and endearing cousin to E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial turns into a chaotic nightmare thats twisted, mischievous and a lot of fun. And when you factor in correctly, Billy (Galligan) can get Gadget as watch for mtss is a Christmas present! 7) Die Hard (1988) Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman Directed by: John McTiernan The Story: Employees inside a Party inside an trendy La high-rise get taken hostage by callous terrorists, which is up to wise-cracking off-duty NY cop can offer relief. Why its a classic: One of the better action movies ever, and game-changer that created a sub-genre by itself (Die Very challenging to an plane, Die Very challenging to a speed boat, etc.). Moonlightings Bruce Willis acquired a then-record $5 million to star, which he acquired every cent from this. Yippee-kiy-yay Motherf****r, indeed! 6) Love Really (2003) Starring: Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson Directed by: Richard Curtis The Story: More than twelve figures around London weave interior and exterior one anothers lives (and hearts) throughout the time of 1 very eventful Christmas holiday. Why its a classic: The very best romantic comedy has something for everyone maybe too much, really nonetheless its so wonderful and touching that it's difficult to resist. 5) Home Alone (1990) Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci Directed by: Chris Columbus The Story: After accidentally being overlooked when his family leaves for a visit to France, a young boy finds out to take care of themselves and safeguard his home from two bumbling crooks. Why its a classic: Think Die Hard for kids. The slapstick humor can be somewhat much, but what youthful boy wouldnt imagine getting rid of the comfort in the family for just about any handful of wild and crazy nights through the holidays? 4) The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Directed by: Henry Selick (animated) The Story: Halloweentown resident Jack Skellington puts too much spirit inside the Christmas spirit. Why its a classic: Besides this excellent feature, produced by Tim Burton, boast incredible stop-motion animation, a Grammy-nominated soundtrack together with an imaginative, ingenious, heartwarming story, however, you cannot fail getting a film that covers two holidays for your price of 1. 3) Elf (2003) Starring: Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel Directed by: Jon Favreau The Story: An ordinary-sized guy elevated becoming an elf inside the North Pole visits NY City to locate his biological father. Why its a classic: A smart, clever and extremely funny script is fully recognized through Jon Favreaus assured direction and may Ferrells career-identifying performance since the idealistic, sweet-natured and irresistible title character. 2) A Christmas Story (1983) Starring: Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillion Directed by: Bob Clark The Story: A young boy tries to convince his pals, teachers and family the toy BB gun might be the best Christmas gift. Youll shoot your abilities out, kid. Why its a classic: Its wry, funny, touching, nostalgic and timeless. No real surprise cable tv channels run it around the continuous loop for 20-four several hours round the large day. 1) Its a great Existence (1946) Starring: Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed Directed by: Frank Capra The Story: A frustrated businessman sights suicide, until a protector angel attempting to earn his wings helps him start to see the light. Why its a classic: Like you need to request? Frank Capras classic is extremely this is actually the Citizen Kane of Holiday movies plus it just keeps enhancing every year. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Helen Mirren to Pay a Royal Visit to Glee

Helen Mirren Helen Mirren will guest-star on Glee - but you'll have to listen closely to catch her.The Oscar winner for The Queen will provide the inner voice of a character in what is potentially a recurring gig, TVLine reports. Mirren recorded the "long and hilarious monologues" two weeks ago and later surprised the cast on set, a source tells the site.Check out photos of Helen MirrenThe part was written for Mirren, and the show's producers asked Eric Stoltz, a frequent Glee director and Mirren's The Passion of Ayn Rand co-star, to pitch it to her.Mirren's episode will air Jan. 17 and will also feature The Real Housewives of Atlanta's NeNe Leakes as new swim coach Roz Washington.Are you excited to hear Helen Mirren? Whose inner dialogue would require the dame's efforts?

Winona Ryder To Experience Murders Wife In Indie The Iceman

EXCLUSIVE: Winona Ryder just dedicated to star with Michael Shannon and Chris Evans within the Iceman, the Ariel Vromen-directed drama in line with the Anthony Bruno book about Richard Kuklinski, a household guy who privately completed contract killings for that mob. Millennium Films/Nu Image is financing. Shannon is playing Kuklinski, also known as The Iceman, and Evans is playing his mentor, Robert Pronge. Ryder, most lately observed in Black Swan and also the Dilemma, will have Kuklinski’s wife, Deborah, who would never know he would be a contract killer. Gersh-repped Ryder just wrapped the indie The Stare opposite James Franco.

Dealmakers talk state of biz

Variety prexy Neil Stiles and Fox Searchlights Nancy Utley chat prior to the Dealmaker seshes at Soho House West Hollywood. Katherine Pope of Chernin Entertainment and Jimmy Horowitz of Universal Pictures attends Variety's Dealmakers Breakfast.Kelly Mullins of 42 West and Jesse Jacobs of Chernin Entertainment.Sean Kisker of Lionsgate (pictured left) and Scott Parrish of Alcon.WMEs Paul Haas and Ari Greenburg.Jean Luc Deante of Winchester Capital (pictured left) and Sky Moore of StroockUTAs Jeremy Zimmer and Loeb and Loebs Mickey Mayerson.Variety editor-in-chief Tim Gray and Peter Chernin opened the breakfast with a Q&A.Houlihan Lokeys Andrew Walter, IM Globals Stuart Ford, MGMs Gary Barber, OMelveny and Myers Christopher Breaton and Variety s Steven Gaydos talk film-finance trends and issues.When it comes to new media, Hollywood should be open to change but wary of getting boxed in by relying too much on a single distribution partner. So said Peter Chernin during his keynote convo Tuesday ayem at Variety's Dealmakers Breakfast gathering, held at Soho House West Hollywood.In a wide-ranging Q&A with Variety editor-in-chief Tim Gray, Chernin spoke of his areas of focus and investment (high-end film and TV, digital platforms and emerging Asian markets) since leaving News Corp. in mid-2009 to launch Chernin Entertainment and the Chernin Group. Following Chernin, a quartet of top players in the film-finance sector weighed in on the climate for pic coin deals and outlook for 2012 in a sesh moderated by Variety executive editor Steven Gaydos.Chernin was candid in offering his perspective to the crowd of about 130 industryites on the myriad challenges that showbiz execs face at a time when the business landscape is undergoing dramatic change."That's why these jobs are hard, and that's why the people in this room get paid a lot of money," he quipped. Both in the TV and film sector, "there's real tension between protecting your existing business models, particularly as it relates to the cable business model," and the need to be open to new revenue-generating opportunities, he said.Chernin observed that Hollywood has learned from the mistakes made a decade ago by the music business, which was first ravaged by piracy as digital file-swapping services became popular and then allowed Apple's iTunes to dictate the pricing and distribution terms for the legitimate online market.In Chernin's view, the rise of Netflix during the past year has been "remarkably positive for the business." He also remains bullish on the long-term prospects for Hulu, the Internet vid giant that he spearheaded for News Corp. in partnership with NBCUniversal in 2007. Although News Corp., NBCU and Disney (which bought into Hulu in 2009) tested the waters for selling Hulu earlier this year, Chernin called it "a phenomenal thing for these guys to own" and pegged its market value at around $3 billion.During the film-finance sesh, panelists zeroed in on two central issues: the overall drought of equity funding in the marketplace and the red ink that some investors saw from slate deals inked during the go-go years just before the global economic meltdown in 2008-09.Although the actual returns were more nuanced, the perception is that investors lost a fortune through those deals, and that hangover has definitely affected the flow of capital into Hollywood. "The myth is that everyone lost money," Christopher Brearton, O'Melveny & Myers managing partner, told the crowd. "And that's just not true." However, Andrew Walter, senior veep and head of the entertainment practice at Houlihan Lokey, countered: "There's a lot of money that feels like it's gotten burned."Panelists agreed that as financing options shift, Hollywood has to become more flexible in adopting new models. "The traditional independent financing model no longer serves 70% of the product that needs financing," IM Global CEO Stuart Ford said. "The presence of high net-worth individual money, which is less rigidly ROI focused, is what's keeping the cameras rolling for much of the industry." Gary Barber, MGM co-chairman and CEO, was blunt in discussing the pressure distribs face to deliver a big opening weekend B.O. number in order to set a pic on the path to profitability. "We're like parachutists," he said. "If we don't open, we're dead." Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

Pakistani Actress Veena Malik Sues Indian Men's Magazine For 'Doctored' Nude Photo

Getty Chelsea Clinton's first appearance as a NBC News correspondant is set for Dec. 12. The former first daughter will appear on Rock Center With Brian Williams during a segment about a nonprofit organization in her home state of Arkansas.our editor recommendsNBC News President Defends Hiring Chelsea ClintonMedia Analyst Slams NBC News for Hiring 'Impostor' Chelsea ClintonChelsea Clinton Joins IAC's Board of DirectorsTV's Shameful Love Affair with Political Daughters The report is part of the network's "Making a Difference" franchise and was spearheaded by Clinton, notes the NY Times. PHOTOS: Clinton Foundation Decade of Difference Fundraiser Clinton's profiles will be broadcast on Rock Center as well as the NBC Nightly News. Clinton joined the news organization in mid-November, at which time the network stressed that she will not be a traditional news correspondant, i.e., she won't be reporting on politics. Clinton said of her new position, "I hope telling stories through 'Making a Difference' -- as in my academic work and non-profit work -- will help me to live my grandmother's adage of 'Life is not about what happens to you, but about what you do with what happens to you'." Clinton, 31, also recently joing the board of Barry Diller's IAC and is the second daughter of a former president to work for the company. George W. Bush's daugher Jenna Bush Hager is a correspondant for the Today show, while Meghan McCain, the daughter of Arizona Senator and former presidential candidate John McCain, reports for MSNBC. Brian Williams NBC Rock Center

Verly looks beyond 3D to high-tech future

VerlyConfab co-founder Jacques Verly looks beyond 3D to high-tech future:"We appeal to lots of different people: artists, filmmakers, scientists, engineers people who think in terms of equations, and others in terms of pictures."The synergy between these various disciplines that the event aspires to promote may produce new products that the entertainment biz can exploit in the future."The stereoscopic movie is very exciting, but it is the first step in a long process," Verly says. "I was thinking a few days ago, 'Will we see the time when you have a kind of holographic movie theater?' One day it will filter out from the research labs, and everyone will rush to see the new 'Avatar' in a holographic theater. I'm probably dreaming, but there are plenty of things to do in 3D."One of the recent achievements of the professor, who formerly worked at Stanford and MIT, was to organize a live 3D transmission of neurosurgery last year at a health conference in Liege.The operation was carried out at the University Hospital of Liege and was watched by a mesmerized public in a movie theater downtown. One woman interviewed by the local pubcaster said, "This was better than 'Avatar.' "Not something you should expect to see in a multiplex near you, yet proof that the media biz, medicine and science can combine effectively.RELATED LINKS Mart aims to boost indie 3D Contact Leo Barraclough at leo.barraclough@variety.com

Kahn : 'Perfect' ending to classic Hollywood story

Lauryn KahnLast year, Lauryn Kahn was making her living as an assistant to multi-hyphenate Adam McKay of Gary Sanchez Prods., a shingle he co-owns with Will Ferrell. Last month, Kahn sold her comedy spec "He's Fuckin' Perfect" to Fox 2000 in a deal that is reportedly worth $1 million. Emma Stone is attached to star.Kahn's life is about to get a lot more interesting, but she admits the transition has taken some getting used to. "I'm still working out of the Gary Sanchez office and people keep saying things like, 'Stop ordering lunch for everyone!'?"After becoming McKay's assistant five years ago, it didn't take long for Kahn to realize that it was more than just a job; it was also a priceless opportunity to learn. "Every day was an improv lesson," says the WME client.If the office was her school, then McKay was her teacher. He saw a lot of comedic potential in the woman who was in charge of keeping his schedule, and encouraged her to enroll in improv classes at Upright Citizens Brigade. Soon after, Kahn found herself writing, directing and appearing in shorts on FunnyorDie.com, the website founded by McKay and Ferrell.After selling an untitled pilot a year and a half ago, Kahn began work on the outline for what would become "He's Fuckin' Perfect." McKay read it, gave her notes, and then suggested she write the spec herself. "He told me, 'The outline is really strong and you'll have more creative control, so just do it.' "He also gave her another piece of advice. "He said, 'When you pay your $13 and sit down in a movie theater, what do you want to see? That's what you write. Not what you think is gonna sell. Not what you think is gonna be big. Write what you want to see.' "In the end, Kahn took McKay's advice and wrote and sold the movie she wanted to see.Now if Kahn could just stop ordering food for the rest of the office.TEN SCREENWRITERS TO WATCH 2011:Josh Applebaum & Andrew Nemec | Jay Baruchel & Jesse Chabot | Justin Britt-Gibson | Neil Cross | Andrew Haigh | Kurt Johnstad | Lauryn Kahn | Paula Pell | Jon Spaihts | Brian Yorkey Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Schreiber on board for 'Ray Donovan'

Liev Schreiber has been cast as the lead in Showtime's drama pilot "Ray Donovan." Show, from "Southland" creator Ann Biderman, centers of a professional "fixer" for the rich and famous in contemporary Los Angeles. As the go-to guy in Hollywood, Schreiber's title character deftly solves the highly confidential problems of the city's most intriguing personalities and yet he can't quite escape the damage in his own troubled family. "Ray Donovan" is being produced by Showtime, with Biderman, Mark Gordon and Bryan Zuriff set as exec producers. Production is expected to begin early next year. The pay cabler, which recently reupped "Dexter" for two more seasons and is getting excellent traction on new skein "Homeland," also has pilots already ordered. "Masters of Sex," with Paul Bettany circling for the lead role, looks at the work of sex researchers William Masters and Virginia Johnson, and half-hour docuseries "Gurland on Gurland," which stars Andrew Gurland, begins shooting next week. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Dunder Mifflin Products Going to a power outlet In Your Town

Work Dunder Mifflin, the imaginary company featured at the office, has turned into a genuine-existence brand. The Staples-possessed Quill.com has signed a certification deal with NBC's parent company Comcast, in line with the Wall Street Journal. The Dunder Mifflin paper features slogans within the series for instance "Obtain A Scrant on" which is listed substantially above other private-label copy paper. Work, now within the eighth season, is occur Scranton, Pa. Will you buy Dunder Mifflin paper?

Falcon flies to Telemundo Media

NBCUniversal's The the spanish language language-language unit Telemundo Media has attracted on former Univision professional Alina Falcon as senior professional V . p . of news and alternative programming. Falcon, who has elevated the Hispanic media biz for 28 years, will take part in early December, verifying to Telemundo Media prexy Emilio Romano, who was simply used in September. "Alina provides the Telemundo executive team a good amount of experience and proven history in news management too as with leading large methods inside the The the spanish language language-language media world," Romano mentioned. Falcon's responsibilities at Telemundo includes controlling network and station news methods, on-air talent development and positioning additionally to alternative and reality programming including flagship courtshow "Caso cerrado disadvantage Ana Maria Polo" and daily morning program "Levantate." Falcon held various positions at Univision, plus a stint as news prexy from March to December 2010, when she was transformed by Isaac Lee. Most recently, she offered as senior agent to Univision Systems prexy Cesar Conde. Right before this role, Falcon offered from 2005-10 as professional V . p . and operating manager of Univision, controlling all of the network's methods together with the expansion and execution of domestic inhouse production. Formerly, she was professional V . p . and operating manager of Univision sister web TeleFutura from 2002-05 and was senior V . p . and director of Univision News from 1993-2002. Falcon was one of the handful of remaining top professionals from Univision's previous administration under former owner-chairman Jerrold Perenchio. She adopted Ray Rodriguez, then prexy and chief operating officer, who ankled not extended carrying out a consortium of equity traders, introduced by media baron Haim Saban, acquired Univision for $13.7 billion in 2006. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Nets too close for clear shot

A Penn State student participates in a candelight vigil on campus for victims of child abuse.December is associated with many things, but for sports fans, it's an especially bountiful period. Not only is the NFL building toward the playoffs, but there are dozens of college bowl games and the traditional Christmas-day showcase for NBA basketball.Only this year, those holiday stockings are looking frayed -- not that it's easy to trust the networks, as reliant as they are on televising sports, to adequately reflect the distastefulness surrounding the games people play.Pro basketball, obviously, is in danger of sitting out the holidays, as owners and players jockey over how to divide an annual $4 billion in revenue.The college bowls, meanwhile, have been sullied by scandals. Allegations of child sexual abuse at Penn State has eclipsed all others, but it took a story of that hideous magnitude to overshadow headlines involving potential rules violations by traditional powers like Miami, Ohio State and LSU."I honestly don't think the sport has ever had as tumultuous of an off-season as we had during this year," ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit told CNN.com in August -- and that was before Penn State was forced to oust legendary coach Joe Paterno.Suddenly, Southern California's forfeited national title and returned Heisman Trophy look almost quaint by comparison.In newspapers, sportswriters and editors appear almost giddy to have the opportunity to write about bigger stories than just wins and losses. Many have attacked the various scandals and labor discord -- first the NFL, now the NBA -- with gusto, anticipating the sort of front-page placement that normally eludes them.Television, by contrast, is in an especially tough position. After all, TV helps make all those big-money salaries and disputes possible by throwing billions in rights deals at owners and university presidents.If big money is a corrupting influence in spheres from politics to Hollywood, it can be especially corrosive in sports. And the payments only promise to keep growing.Whatever pleas of poverty they might make elsewhere, network fees for sports rights aren't going anywhere but up. That's been clear in a flurry of recent TV deals, including ESPN's renewal of "Monday Night Football" through 2021 for about $1.9 billion annually, an increase of more than 70% from the previous pact.In addition, various entities are in pitched bidding wars to ally themselves with major franchises by sweetening the pot with dedicated cable channels, from the U. of Texas to the Los Angeles Lakers, who split from Fox Sports and signed with Time Warner Cable in a 20-year deal valued at $3 billion. That left Fox scrambling to cement its relationship with the L.A. Dodgers, and being drawn into the legal woes of owner Frank McCourt, who tried to leverage TV rights to maintain his hold on the team. (Full disclosure: I'm a part-time contributor to Foxsports.com.)As the sports universe's biggest spender, ESPN winds up ignoring its role more often than most. Analysts spend untold hours wringing their hands over who belongs in the Bowl Championship Series title game, for example, but seldom mentions the $125 million their employer pays annually for BCS rights, which make a terribly flawed system an equally lucrative one. (Recent reports of a proposed overhaul don't elicit much hope, since the same university officials -- who have steadfastly resisted a playoff -- remain in charge.)In many instances, television accounts for more than half of a particular sport's revenues. With live sports one of the few DVR-proof commodities, it's no wonder those games have become so precious and vital to programmers.The corollary of that, though, is understandable skepticism as to whether those same networks will dare bite the hands they're feeding, and report on excesses when doing so risks damaging relationships with the very parties they need to sign on the dotted line.In terms of watching sports, modern TV innovations provide the best seat in the house -- often superior, notably, to the experience sitting in an arena or stadium. If you want to know what's going on within a sport, however, look elsewhere. Because for the networks, it's hard to honestly present a clear picture when you're in the middle of it, blemishes and all. Contact Brian Lowry at brian.lowry@variety.com

Michael Lohan Dealing with Heart Surgery

Michael Lohan Michael Lohan is certainly going through heart surgery Friday after being make the hospital with chest pains and blood stream pressure, Reuters reviews.Lohan, who was simply rushed to Florida's Gulf Coast Hospital Thursday evening, gets a stent placed together with a blood stream clot removed his bronchi, his repetition, Gina Rodriguez, mentioned. He's prone to recover each week.Erika Lohan jumps off third-floor balcony to leave arrestAccording to Rodriguez, Lohan, 51, had not received his blood stream pressure or heart medicine each week in the courtroom-bought treatment facility where he's remaining.Lohan, whose cardiovascular disease were documented on Celebrity Rehab last season, was arrested lately on suspicion of domestic violence on his ex-girlfriend Kate Major. He was sentenced to two years probation and bought to get the initial four several days inside a treatment facility in Fort Myers, Fla.Lohan had surgery in February to apparent a blockage inside an artery within the heart.

Wilson Phillips Capitalizes on Great Year with New TV Guide Special

Wilson Phillips For any band whose last hit charted a lot more than two decades ago, Wilson Phillips has already established a significant year. This guitar rock band figured largely within the plot of the summer's box office blockbuster movie Bridesmaids. Band member Chynna Phillips gained a little but devoted group of followers on Dwts this year. And today the trio gets its very own TV special. Carnie Wilson, her sister Wendy and Phillips are wishing to develop their recent momentum with a brand new album, the development of which is recorded on Wilson Phillips: Still Waiting On Hold (Sunday, 9/8c, TV Guide Network). "It is a method for individuals to observe how the dynamic between your three people works, as opposed to a sit-lower interview where we are responding to specific questions regarding our childhood or our parents or some of that [stuff] we are accustomed to speaking about," Carnie states. "[Bridesmaids] put our title back into the spotlight,Inch Wendy Wilson informs TVGuide.com. "Lots of more youthful everyone loves the film -- I do not know when they understood who i was in older days, not to mention being born then - and it is a revival from the music and, in ways, part of popular culture now." Their new album is an accumulation of cover versions of tunes made famous by their famous parents, The Beach Boys' John Wilson and John and Michelle Phillips from the Mamas and also the Papas. "[The procedure] is psychologically billed," Chynna states. "You've such large footwear to fill. You need to perform a congrats and also you know everybody is likely to be evaluating your version for your parents' version. You've just got forget about anticipation and individuals anticipation and say, 'We're likely to sing from your hearts, put our Wilson Phillips signature onto it, and it is going to turn view it is going to come out.Inch Audiences can anticipate seeing some quarrelling of these three long term buddies on the way. "It isn't like: We have been buddies forever things are great," Carnie states. "It's a lot more like: 'You're inside a negative mood you are flaky,' and it is all real. I am excited as well as scared for individuals to determine that yet," Chynna states. "We fight like siblings and that we have our arguments and also have to fight using that like every other relationship. I believe individuals will recognize might I am glad they'll will receive a window into how it is really enjoy being inside a group and also to have a friend for 43 years." Wilson Phillips: Still Waiting On Hold airs Sunday at 9/8c on television Guide Network. Watch a preview below: "Wilson Phillips: Still Waiting On HoldInch by TVGuide

Dennis Miller Ribs Jay Leno for Going Easy on President Obama (Video)

Conservatives have been beating up on Jay Leno ever since he conducted what they perceived as a softball interview of President Obama three weeks ago. If Leno wasn't aware of it, he probably is after Monday night's show with comedian/radio talk-show host Dennis Miller.our editor recommendsYoung Obama Video Goes ViralObama Sets All-Star Basketball Game to Raise Money for Re-Election CampaignObama Speechwriter-Turned Show Scribe Reveals '1600 Penn' Details (Q&A)Broadcast Taping Catches French President Sarkozy Telling Obama That Netanyahu is 'a Liar'Obama Dismisses Republican Rivals on 'Tonight Show' (Video)President Obama Holds Secret Meet-and-Greet With Hollywood Execs and Influencers (Exclusive) Miller wasted no time broaching the subject by laying into Leno, in a good-natured way, the moment he sat down as a guest on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. PHOTOS: Actors Who've Played Politicians "This is exciting. Is this the seat the president sits in?" Miller asked. "You guys have quite a bromance there." The audience got into the bit quickly, and Miller was off to the races. "I've even come up with one of those celebrity nicknames for you two: JayLoBama," Miller told Leno."I think if his sechedule ever opens up, say Jan. 21, 2013, he should become your Ed McMahon." [Watch the interview below.] "I sense some sarcasm in your tone," Leno says over applause for Miller. PHOTOS: Democrats and Republicans' Favorite Movies Leno kept with the political theme for most of the conversation, asking Miller if he thought Obama would be re-elected. Not if unemployment remains high, Miller said. "I think if it's 9 percent he's gonna get his ass handed to him like somebody who just got outpatient lyposuction surgery, quite frankly," says Miller. During the second segment [also below], Miller rescinded his endorsement of Herman Cain for Republican nominee for president. "They asked him a question about Libya and he appeared to have a mini stroke," Miller joked, before Leno completely cracked up his guest. PHOTOS: 10 Entertainers Democrats and Republicans Love to Hate "He said, 'What part of a woman is that? I never touched her there,'" said Leno. "I had to move on from Herman," Miller said after composing himself. Before leaving, Miller also took a shot at the now-national Occupy Wall Street movement. "I drove through the Occupy Beverly Hills thing on the way over here and it's absolutely brutal. A lot of kids sleeping outside in pre-owned 328i's with factory rims. You really hate to see it." PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Best Presidents in Movies and TV Barack Obama Jay Leno NBC The Tonight Show Occupy Politics Herman Cain

Netflix gets capital infusion

Netflix announced a pair of deals late Monday that will provide an infusion of $400 million in capital, punctuating a day that brought its stock to new lows. Netflix shareholder Technology Crossover Ventures bought $200 million in convertible debt. The deal grants TCV zero-coupon notes due in 2018. In addition, Netflix is selling 2.86 million in common stock to the mutual funds and accounts operated by T. Rowe Price Associates. The selloff is worth $200 million at the public offering price of $70 per share. Netflix stocked dropped as low as $73.26 on Monday, its lowest level since March 2010. It dropped an additional 6% in after-hours trading. The cash infusion should help Netflix afford its rising content costs, which are projected to reach $3.3 billion next year by the company's own estimation. The latest addition to those costs was a deal Netflix announced last Friday with 20th Century Fox TV and Imagine Television to produce new episodes of the defunct Fox series "Arrested Development." "With this additional capital from two long-term oriented investors, we have strengthened our balance sheet and remain focused on growing our streaming subscriptions and returning to global profitability after our launch of the U.K. in 2012," said Netflix CFO David Wells. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Idina Menzel on Parenthood, Being Pigeonholed and Her PBS TV Special

TORONTO - Stage and screen star Idina Menzel has originated the role of the green-skinned Elphaba in "Wicked" and Maureen in "Rent."And the Broadway belter has a recurring guest star role as Rachel's biological mother on Fox's "Glee."But nothing compares to when Menzel and husband and "Private Practice" star Taye Diggs had a baby son, Walker Diggs."To me, it was a gift to have this intense love for someone that I'd never felt before, for a child, that makes you feel better than anything else you've done," Menzel said backstage after performing over two nights for an upcoming PBS TV special recorded in Toronto at the Royal Conservatory of Music's Koerner Hall.She explained parenthood has changed her from a talented, yet self-absorbed artist bedeviled by doubts to enjoying first-time fulfillment."Ever since I had my son, I have more of a cup half-full perspective on life that he (Walker) has given me," Menzel said with a broad smile."If I screwed up a high note, I go easier on myself," she added, knowing as a mother she has a baby boy back home who loves her.Menzel marked another milestone in Toronto, taking the Kitchener-Waterloo Orchestra and legendary maestro Marvin Hamlisch through a medley of hit songs from "Glee," "Wicked" and "Rent," and stories from a career that took her from a wedding singer in Long Island, NY to arousing bravos on Broadway and screen appearances.For Menzel, a first-time TV special is about showing fans that connect her success with role-playing that she's far more than just a Belle of Broadway with an acting bug."Everyone wants to pigeon-hole you, in my case as a green witch for Wicked or a rock singer for Rent," she said."This (PBS special) gives you an opportunity to be myself and be genuine and to show a wide spectrum of talents," Menzel added.That proposition will be tested soon enough as Menzel's PBS TV special to air in March 2012 will be followed by a live album and a DVD release.The chance to be herself also follows Menzel and Hamlisch polishing her one-woman concert show performed with a host of orchestras in the U.S. and at Royal Albert Hall in London, England.Her solo numbers are intertwined with set-up stories that recall being told by a bandleader to carry on singing during a wedding gig as a man had a heart attack on the dance floor "because the band always plays on, like it's the Titanic," or embarrassing herself in university by singing Cole Porter's "Love For Sale" to impress a teacher she had a crush on who turned out to be gay.She also tells, and colorfully embellishes, a story about being ignored at a dinner table by Barbara Streisand after she performed for her at a Kennedy Center Honors concert, only to learn at the end of the meal that the Broadway legend forgot her glasses and didn't make out Menzel performing on stage.Menzel also told of meeting Taye Diggs in 1996 on the Broadway set of Rent "Did a little too much flirting back-stage, you know what I mean ladies?" and of landing a recurring role on "Glee" after doubting she'd ever get work again after her pregnancy."I was having a baby, I was really fat and I get a script for 'Glee,'" she recalled before the Gleeks in the Toronto audience erupted with cheers for her rendition of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face.""I think it's important to be vulnerable and intimate with an audience," Menzel says backstage as around her the PBS production crew packed up for the morning flight back home across the border.As if to underline that point, Menzel towards the end of her PBS special walked to the front of the acoustically perfect Koerner Hall stage, dropped her microphone, and filled the silent hall with an a cappella version of "For Good" from Wicked."'For Good,' that's my favorite part of the show. It's stripped down, there's no orchestra you can hide behind," she explained. The Hollywood Reporter

The 'Breaking Dawn' Boyfriend Survival Guide

It began last evening during the night some time and can continue a couple of days ago nationwide. Numerous Twilight fans will travel in groups to find out "Breaking Beginning - Part 1," and, inevitably, among people moviegoers will probably be thousands of reluctant males and husbands, drawn along to appease their eager significant vampire-obsessed other. Our pals at NextMovie develop a helpful "Twilight" guide for dudes that will assist you prep for your movie, however when you are inside the theater, it's a whole other monster. Listed here are a couple of survival methods that causes it to be through "Breaking Beginning - Part 1" alive. Accept Stuff No less than for me, a Twi-hard's stance on certain Twilight-related issues is a crucial part of who they may be as people and not open to discussion, as if your usual Chipotle order. Are you currently presently Team Edward or Team Jacob? Whoever else think about the gown? These could ultimately appear throughout and after any screening in the film, to ensure that your very best choice is always to agree. Loved clothing! Hated that dress! Jacob can be a better guy! Jacob is just too whiny! Any dissent will definitely awaken feelings and won't be worth your time and energy, even if you possess a viewpoint. Enjoy What Action There's You will discover moments to get rid of the glossed-over predict your vision and extremely take notice. A "Twilight" movie will almost always sneak up somewhat action, and "Breaking Beginning - Part 1" is not any exception. Keep an eye out for your chase scene involving the baby baby wolves as well as the Cullens as well as the fight scene they share later inside the film. It is not great action, but beggars cannot be choosers. Prepare For The Arm Grab The primary one factor you have to hands "Breaking Beginning" is it doesn't pull punches while using infamous birth scene, that's mostly appear effects which is pretty messed up. No matter how resolved your Twilight fan is, they will in all probability grab you for cover. Open yourself to this, and you'll function as large guy that saved your beloved within the disturbing images on the watch's screen. They'll Owe You One We still live in a democracy ultimately, too as with the U.S. from the., if you're expected to go to a "Twilight" movie, you select any absurdly testosterone-fueled epic because the next date movie. You need to choose properly though. Next season is stuffed with movies you wouldn't see just like a couple otherwise, from "Dark Dark evening Increases" and "Avengers" to "The Hobbit." Research before you buy, which makes it count. Exactly what are you methods for which makes it through "Breaking Beginning - Part 1"? Inform us inside the comments below and also on Twitter! Related Tales: » The Dude's Self-help Guide To "Twilight" » 5 Freaky 'Breaking Dawn' Face Swaps » Rachelle Lefervre Touches His Hair

Two More For I, Frankenstein

Yvonne Strahovski & Miranda Otto aboardOf all of the Frankenstein projects when preparing, it is the Kevin Grevioux comic adaptation that's lumbering ahead most abundant in energy. The most recent cast people to become listed on I, Frankenstein are Miranda Otto and Yvonne Strahovski, taking their places alongside Aaron Eckhart and Bill Nighy.As formerly reported, the storyline takes us far from Mary Shelley, having a monster, Adam, which has made it into present. Attempting to keep a minimal profile inside a sinister metropolis, he finds themself fighting to safeguard the harmful secret of his creation from rival clans of spooky immortals.Strahovski, most widely known on her role as Sarah in NBC's Chuck, will have "an attractive and gifted researcher" who appears to become the monster's love interest. Let us expect Adam's sake he has more luck together with her than he did with Elsa Lanchester.Otto meanwhile, is playing Adam's ally the Full from the Gargoyles. We are presuming the erstwhile Lady Eowyn is going to be putting on some prosthetics for your role, unless of course these gargoyles are a great deal more attractive compared to title indicates.Stuart Beattie (Tomorrow Once The War Started) is pointing from Grevioux's own script, and shooting will get going ahead around australia at the beginning of the coming year.

Regis Philbin Says Goodbye: A Movie Tribute

If youve ever watched daytime or late-night TV its very likely youve seen Regis Philbin in action hes been a constant presence there for the past several decades. This morning he made his final appearance as co-host of Live! With Regis and Kelly (formerly Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee); its a gig hes had for the past 28 years. Though Reeg is most closely associated with television (hes in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most hours logged on the air), hes also made many film appearances over the years. Here are five notable ones, in chronological order. 1. Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex (But Were Afraid To Ask) In this early Woody Allen film, Regis appears as a celebrity panelist in a hilarious game show spoof called Whats My Perversion?. 2. The Bad News Bears Go To Japan Regis had a small role in this third and final original Bears flick, memorable (to me anyway) only for the unbearably cheesy romance between Jackie Earle Haleys character and a demure local girl. 3. Little Nicky In this Adam Sandler vehicle, a hapless son of Satan and a talking dog watch an evil version of Regis on TV while eating Popeyes fried chicken. 4. Shrek The Third and Shrek Forever After In a somewhat brilliant casting move, Regis was chosen to voice Mabel the Ugly Stepsister. 5. Jack And Jill Another Sandler collaboration: in the opening moments of this flick, Regis is seen shooting a Pepto Bismol commercial - doubly ironic, given the movies dismal reviews. Leave your fond farewells to Regis in the comments section and on Twitter!

Matt Weiner: Mad Men Goes To 2011

Mad Men Creator Matthew Weiner Tells All (To His Big Sister) It’s been a long wait between Season 4 and Season 5 of AMC’s Mad Men thanks to the epic contract negotiations between creator Matt Weiner, AMC and Lionsgate TV. But that’s a blip compared to the ending Weiner has envisioned for the series. He told the website Grantland about his plan for how the three-time best drama Emmy winner will take its bow: “It came to me in the middle of last season. I always felt like it would be the experience of human life. And human life has a destination. It doesn’t mean Don’s gonna die. What I’m looking for, and how I hope to end the show, is like … It’s 2011. Don Draper would be 84 right now. I want to leave the show in a place where you have an idea of what it meant and how it’s related to you. … I was 35 when I wrote the Mad Men pilot, 42 when I got to make it, and I’ll be 50 when it goes off the air. So that’s what you’re gonna get. Do I know everything that’s gonna happen? No, I don’t. But I just want it to be entertaining and I want people to remember it fondly and not think it ended in a fart.” Weiner also disclosed in the interview that AMC’s first focus groups after Season 1 thought the show was lacking in some places. “They said, ‘Our focus group told us they think Pete and Peggy are boring, and they hate the advertising business parts … the show is boring, the pace is too slow, and you need more scenes …,’ ” he said. He added that the network lost its leverage to force changes when word got out before a crucial meeting that AMC had already renewed the show.

'Immortals' rules at weekend B.O.

'Immortals'Relativity Media's "Immortals" shipped a much better-than-expected believed debut perf at $32 million from three,112 domestic locations, which lands the film on the greater rung toward profitability, though you will find still additional factors at play.B.O. experts had predicted the vfx-driven three dimensional epic to create around $25 million through Sunday, which Relativity stated will be a solid begin to recovering its $75 million investment after tax savings. The studio has reduced that risk further by about two-thirds, because of foreign pre-sales. But just like virtually every film where exhibs be part of roughly 1 / 2 of the eventual domestic B.O., put into approximately $35 million P&A spend, Relativity will depend totally on a squishy ancillary sell to from the difference for "Immortals."Launched worldwide via local distribs, "Immortals" gained north of $36 million from 35 overseas areas, including China, Germany, Italia, Japan, Russia and also the U.K. (Pre-sales to foreign distribs may prevent Relativity from collecting much else in the overseas B.O., for the way the film works.)The approaching Stateside holiday play period should help, but numerous new records (as well as holdovers) will vie for aud attention.Also bowing a few days ago, Sony's PG-ranked Adam Sandler pic "Jack and Jill" first showed in an believed $26 million, narrowly beating Vital-DreamWorks Animation's stalwart toon holdover "Puss in Boots," which fell just 23% in the third frame for any forecasted weekend take of $25.5 million. "Puss" could find yourself edging out "Jack and Jill" with Monday's actuals.Clint Eastwood's latest directorial effort "J. Edgar" aligned squarely with pre-weekend forecasts, grossing in 72 hours an believed $11.5 million. Warner Bros. released the film limited on Wednesday before growing wide 2 days later pic's five-day cume arrived at $11.six million.In a classical platform release, Magnolia bowed Lars von Trier's Cannes champion "Melancholia" at 19 engagements, scoring $270,000 for that weekend, having a fine per-screen average of $14,210. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

Large Media 3Q Corporate Earnings Roundup: Are CEOs Really Worried About Recession? Or Just Trying To Find Convenient Excuse?

Three several days ago,when Large Media CEOs ended their 2Q earnings,they were still non-stop upbeat in regards to the business. Any worries in regards to the economy? Not then. Nevertheless the messages they shipped within the last day or two, simply because they spoken about 3Q, were different. Despite the fact that they’re still positive — remember, they’re paid out being sales people — from time to time frequency higher expressions of great interest about where the situation is headed. It separated itself when Viacom Boss Philippe Dauman noted thatad sales growth will face some headwinds. Other CEOs who are notable for speaking bluntlywarned that other shocks may bedevil the organization.For example, Dish Network Chairman Charlie Ergen mentioned that his satellite company — while others in pay TV — have to fight harder against rising programming costs because there's a restriction for the cost increases that might be passed onto clients. Time Warner Cable Boss Glenn Britt informed that premium channels for instance Cinemax, Showtime and Starz are clearly affected with the economy as clients try to lessen. Either they’re truly worried, or they require a scapegoat the reason behind stuff that are hooking up bad, or may soon accomplish this. No matter the problem, expect to hear a lot more in regards to the economy if the’s time for your publish-mortem round the all-important 4Q earnings. For industry performance matters,parents of movie art galleries had their usual mixed results in brag about or explain away: Time Warner tips from Harry Potter As Well As The Deathly Hallows Part 2. Viacom was on Transformers: Dark In The Moon. And News Corp beat its chest about Rise In The Planet In The Apes and X-Males: Top Quality. But Disneys Cars 2 wasn't any match for last years Toy Story 3. Comcasts Universal Pictures had nothing to rival last years Wretched Me. Lionsgate experienced from Conan The Barbarian and Warrior. And DreamWorks Animations Kung Fu Panda 2 didnt lead as much inside the quarter as Shrek Forever After did inside the same period a year ago. In the television systems, Comcasts NBC underperformed the Streets already modest anticipation. Professionals at a lot of the companies were attempting to discuss the cash they be ready to collect soon from political ads — additionally for their favorite new Automated teller machines: retransmission consent deals and digital streamers including Amazon . com . com, Hulu, and Netflix. Speaking about Netflix, Boss Reed Hastings once again tried to reassure traders that hes dedicated to building back our status and brand strength after his decision within this summer time to slap a 60% cost increase on clients who preferred to still rent Digital video disks and stream videos. In 3Q Netflix lost 57.7% of the market cost and 800,000 clients. As well as, since that customer loss was bigger than forecasted, Netflix shares ongoing to fall — they’renowdown 67.3% because this summer time 1. Listed here are a couple of other kinds within the latest earnings reviews: Ad sales: They’s good, but also for how extended? Most television systems think that scatter pricing is easily within the upfront market using this past summer season. CBS chief Ces Moonves states prices in 4Q are up by mid-teens around the percentage basis, while Discovery states it sees least high single digit rates. But Disneys Bob Iger noted that scatter prices have slowed down lower slightly these past few days. Kurt Hall of National CineMedia — the important thing seller of ads in movie theaters — was a lot more direct when he spoke to experts after ratcheting lower his companys financial forecasts. “I’m certain the broadcast and cable males are present now counting their lucky stars these were given their upfront done before August, he told experts. There’s plenty of uncertainty. Pay TV: Little evidence in 3Q for your argument that public of cable, satellite and telco TV clients you will need to cut the pay TV cord. Traditional pay TV companiescollectively lost 31,000 subs — a noteworthy difference within the 464,000 lost in 2Q — Wells Fargo analyst Marci Ryvicker computes. But pay TV has converted into a zero-sum game, Bernstein Research analyst Craig Moffett notes, to ensure that as video programming margins are non-stop mixing, customer growth is vital for the story. Furthermore, there's an beneficial recession in sales of cable-provided phone services — possibly because many clients are losing home phones and based on cell phones. Having a experts wondering when the industry could drum up business by supplying reduced Triple Play packages for TV, broadband, and speak to. Stock Buybacks: They were popular in 3Q in comparison as to the these were in 2Q. Sumner Redstones companies, Viacom and CBS, elevated their authorizations. Time Warner, Comcast, and Disney faster their buys through the quarter while News Corp and Comcast ongoing pace utilizing their previous plans. This is just what you must do when you're able to’t persuade stockholders you havesmarter techniques to get their. Movies: A smaller amount discuss the merits or liabilities of 3d this time around around around as theater entrepreneurs mostly exceeded anticipation:Potter and Transformers 3 aided to boost attendance in 3Q with people needing to pay greater prices for tickets and popcorn. Cinemark referred to as 3Q accurate documentation quarter. And participants are positive in regards to the next six days. Regal Boss Amy Miles noted that a year ago’s holiday box office season was disappointing, which gives a somewhat easy comparison for 4Q. Most mentioned that theyd be very glad to speak with art galleries about plans for premium VOD to be able to affect the payment schemes for 3 dimensional glasses — as extended as theaters don't have to suffer. But RealD, the business that supplies a lot of the glasses together with other 3d technology, is feeling some discomfort. Its market cost declined 12.2% since it introduced that Samsung attracted from deal to produce screens for 3 dimensional televisions using RealDs technology.

Prince William To Be Deployed To The Falklands

First Published: November 10, 2011 2:41 PM EST Credit: Getty Premium LONDON, UK -- Caption Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visit the UNICEF Supply Division centre to view the distribution of aid to East Africa, Copenhagen, Denmark, on November 2, 2011Prince William will be deployed to the politically sensitive Falkland Islands next year as an air force search and rescue pilot, Britains defense ministry said Thursday. The second in line to the British throne will spend six weeks in February and March at the British outpost 290 miles (460 kilometers) east of Argentinas coast in the Atlantic Ocean, the Defense Ministry said. He will be part of a crew of four Royal Air Force personnel on the deployment. The prince, known in the military as Flight Lt. William Wales, is an RAF helicopter pilot, currently based in Wales. The defense ministry said William, 29, would not undertake any ceremonial royal duties during the deployment. His wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, will remain in Britain. Britain has ruled the Falklands for more than 180 years, but Argentina claims sovereignty over the islands it calls Las Malvinas. Next year is a sensitive time the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War. Argentina invaded the islands in April 1982, and British forces retook them after a 10-week war that killed 650 Argentine troops, more than 250 British personnel and three islanders. Williams uncle, Prince Andrew, served in the conflict as a Sea King helicopter pilot. Britain still maintains about 1,000 troops in the territory, which is home to about 3,000 people. The residents overwhelmingly wish to remain British, but Argentine President Cristina Fernandez has insisted Argentina and Britain should negotiate over the future of the islands, as the U.N. General Assembly has urged. British Prime Minister David Cameron has refused. As long as the Falkland Islands want to be sovereign British territory, they should remain sovereign British territory full stop, end of story, Cameron said in June. In response, Fernandez accused Cameron of mediocrity bordering on stupidity. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'American Idol's' David Prepare Drops 19 Entertainment for Simon Fuller's XIX (Exclusive)

Getty Images The The American Idol Show Show Season 7 champion David Prepare leaves 19 Entertainment and signed with Simon Fuller's XIX Entertainment, The Hollywood Reporterhas confirmed. In May, Prepare's contract with 19's managementarm emerged for renewal. Using careful analysis re-sign with 19 or go elsewhere, the rocker made the move. He remains a 19 Tracks artist.our editor recommendsDavid Prepare Tour Diary: The 'American Idol' Champion Talks Existence on the road, Tv Program Stigma (Video)Adam Lambert Splits With 'Idol' Manager 19 Entertainment (Exclusive)'American Idol's' Stefano Langone Signs With 19 Management XIX, which Bigger founded this season, hosts more than twelve clients in music, television, sports and fashion, including Victoria and David Beckham, Lisa Marie Presley, Annie Lennox and Idols Barbara Underwood, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina. XIX Television is creating the arrival Jennifer Lopez-Marc Anthony talent search Q'Viva: The Chosen, that's presently acquiring lower broadcast partners for your 21 nations the show will air in. STORY: 'X Factor': Just what the 'American Idol' Alums Consider Simon Cowell's New Show 19 Entertainment is constantly manage The The American Idol Show Show individuals who win Kris Allen and Lee DeWyze along with season 10 runners up Haley Reinhart, James Durbin, Pia Toscano and Stefano Langone. In August, THR reported that season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert left 19 to sign with Direct Management Group, which counts Katy Perry among its clients. Also founded by Bigger, now run by leader Iain Pirie, 19 was bought by Robert Sillerman's cKX, Corporation. for $210 million in 2005 and again this season when Apollo Management scooped up cKX for $509 million. The Fox hit shows The The American Idol Show Show and that means you Think You'll Be Able To Dance remain a few its best characteristics. STORY: 'American Idol's' David Prepare, Gavin DeGraw Announce Fall Tour David Prepare is presently around the U.S. tour with Gavin Degraw with intends to accept trek to Europe in 2012. His latest album, This Noisy Morning, was released by RCA Records in June and first demonstrated at No. 7 round the Billboard 200. Twitter: @shirleyhalperin Adam Lambert Barbara Underwood The The American Idol Show Show David Prepare Simon Bigger Lee Dewyze Scotty McCreery

'Die Hard 5' Seeks 'Hunger Games,' 'Breaking Bad' Stars

It's "An Excellent Day to Die Hard" for just about any certain quantity of youthful stars. The search to discover John McClane's boy is formally on minimizing to three possible players, according to reviews: Aaron Paul of "Breaking Bad," Ben Promote of several creepy roles, and "Hunger Games" leading guy Liam Hemsworth. Beyond the jump, we're putting on lower all Bruce Willis' potential new co-stars. Aaron Paul Paul, most likely probably the most exciting choice of the three throughout my humble opinion, has carried out troubled youth switched seasoned meth maker Jesse Pinkman to Emmy-winning perfection throughout the time of "Breaking Bad's" fantastic four-year run (with another year to go to). Now it's time for Paul to destroy bad round the silver screen, and achieving an action-oriented turn alongside Willis in the "Die Hard" movie may be exactly what the physician bought. Ben Promote Another fantastic actor, Foster's already got a Willis collaboration under his belt along with his scene-stealing submit "Hostage." His last work for balance action star status in "Auto specialist" did less than exercise, but Foster's indisputable presence would infuse the "Die Hard" franchise getting an outrageous energy that could be greater than welcome from my finish. He'd be described as a great McClane Junior. Liam Hemsworth I've not yet been fully astounded by a number of Mr. Hemsworth's performances, but possibly that'll change when "Hunger Games" hits theaters in March. Still, he strikes me since the least exciting possibility of the three choicesPaul and Promote just bring more, deliberate forces for the table, for me personally. Nonetheless, THR notes the task is most likely Hemsworth's to eliminate, it is therefore very feasible for Thor's youthful brother will be the next McClane. Reveal who you have to see in "An Excellent Day to Die Hard" inside the comments section and also on Twitter!

Exclusive: Obtain a Start Looking at ABC Family's Jane By Design

Andie MacDowell and Erica Dasher The title character of ABC Family's Jane By Design, might be unaware in her own new fashion gig, but she certainly looks positive about our exclusive first consider the show's posters. The series stars newcomer Erica Dasher as Jane Quimby, a spunky teen who finds herself within the cutthroat realm of designer because of a situation of mistaken identity. Andie MacDowell plays Grey Chandler Murray, her no-nonsense, hard-headed boss. ABC Family orders new series Jane By Design Take a look at all the show's colorful posters below. Jane By Design debuts Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 9/8c. Are you going to stay tuned?

Rome mart verifies expansion

ROME -- The Rome Film Festival Business Street mart wrapped Sunday, trumpeting its future expansion in to the Eternal City's Maxxi art museum and announcing those who win of their New Cinema Network co-production component, as some deals appeared. Its now official that beginning in 2012 Rome's informal mart uses the city's new contempo art center, created by star architect Zaha Hadid, for tests, conferences and confabs, alongside its current Via Veneto locations. The Rome mart's dazzling new digs are 500 yards in the fest's primary hub, the Renzo Piano-designed Auditorium, in Rome's Flaminio hood. Riccardo Tozzi, prexy of Italy's film association, ANICA, praised the move as "very good news that can make both festival and also the market change gears," throughout a presser within the museum with Rome mayor Gianni Alemanno attending. 5-day largely Euro-centric mart this season was attended by 280 purchasers and 93 sales companies with 116 game titles unspooling, 32 which were market premieres. First deals to trickle through are buzzed black comedy "Hotel Lux," by Leander Haussmann, offered by Bavaria Film to Italy's Archibald, and "Noordzee Texas," by Belgium's Bavo Duferne, acquired by Italo niche label Atlantide from Wavelength Pictures. Meanwhile, NCN introduced its winning co-production projects with "Off Frame," a docu by Mohanad Yaqubi concerning the Palestinian Film Unit, which created photos championing the Palestinian cause within the seventies, using the Eurimages Co-production Development Award, worth Pounds 30,000 ($41,000). The NCN Focus Europe Award visited "Human Song" by Belgian helmers Benedicte Lienard and Mary Jimenez. Lienard's well-received first work, "A bit of Sky," unspooled in Not Certain Regard at Cannes. Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com

Game 7 around the globe Series Bumps Fringe, Disturbs NBC Premieres

David Giuntoli, Josh Jackson Peter Bishop's go back to Fringe will need to wait another week. Take a look at what's on television within our entries guide Game 6 around the globe Series was pressed back each day due to rain on Wednesday. On Thursday, the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Texas Rangers to pressure a tie-breaking game to become performed Friday evening. Consequently, Fox will push new instances of Fringe and Kitchen Bad dreams to November. 4.Fall TV: Obtain the lowdown on all of the new shows Game 7 will even disruptthe final season premiere of NBC's Chuck (8/7c) along with the series premiere from the network's new story book cop drama Grimm (9/8c). Over on CBS, A Gifted Guy, CSI: NY and Blue Bloods happen to be changed by repeats. Are you going to watch baseball or take a look at regularly scheduled television?

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi to Open Vegan Restaurant (Exclusive)

Now that Bill Clinton and Alec Baldwin have jumped on the celebrity vegan bandwagon, Hollywood needs more vegan restaurants to add to Real Food Daily and Hollywood hangout Cafe Gratitude.our editor recommendsEllen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossis House Well, vegans Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are investing with singer Chrissie Hynde and producer Steve Bing in a new vegan restaurant that will open on Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley. PHOTOS: Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's House In August, DeGeneres launched a new websiteGoing Vegan with Ellenthat includes recipes, frequently asked questions, resources and info on celebrities who have gone vegan (Mike Tyson, Lea Michele). Pre-eminent vegan chef Tal Ronnen will do the menu. Ronnen catered the couple's vegan wedding and also is known for preparing meals for a 21-day vegan cleanse undertaken by Oprah Winfrey in 2008. He's the author of the cookbook The Conscious Cook. VIDEO: Portia de Rossi Recalls Meeting Ellen DeGeneres on CBS Sunday Morning Designer Waldo Fernandez, who designed everything from interiors for Brad PItt and Anjelina Jolie and L.A.'s Soho House, will be creating the space, a rep for DeGeneres says. Related Topics Alec Baldwin Ellen DeGeneres Portia de Rossi Bill Clinton Chrissie Hynde Dining

Furious 'Sons of Anarchy' Creator Informs DirecTV Audiences 'You're Getting F---erectile dysfunction Over' Discloses Banned Script

Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter isn't someone to stay quiet for very lengthy and this time around, he's making his opinions heard around the carriage fight between satellite cable provider DirecTV and also the Fox Systems.our editor recommendsDirecTV Intends to drag Fox Systems Among Carriage DisputeFX Renews 'Sons of Anarchy' for Fifth Season'Sons of Anarchy' Record Rankings Prompt Kurt Sutters Go back to TwitterKurt Sutter Quits Twitter Days After Questionable Frank Darabont, 'Mad Men' Rant'The Walking Dead:' 'Sons of Anarchy's' Kurt Sutter Chimes on Frank Darabont's Firing'Sons of Anarchy' Kurt Sutter Talks Emmy Snubs and Season 4 Late a week ago, DirecTV told Fox Systems that it'll drop the channels Tuesday, November. 1 when the companies aren't able arrive at a contract within the ongoing carriage dispute. Later on that day, Fox stated it had offered extra time but that DirecTV "informed us as well as their clients that unless of course we accept their remainds, they 'will suspend our systems on November. 1.' " Based on DirecTV, Fox Systems is seeking a 40 % rise in its carriage costs. PHOTOS: Fall TV Dying Pool: Which New Shows Is Going To Be Axed? Sutter, whose Sons of Anarchy airs on Forex and it is in risk to be drawn in a few days should a contract 't be made, revealed on Monday he shot a promo he states "will air before Tuesday evening's episode" of his show. The purpose, he states, "would be to mobilize fans against DirecTV." But Sutter stated he "needed to follow an Forex legal script that felt like complete bullshit. I'm sure it'll serve it's purpose, however i feel compelled to allow SOA fans understand what I Needed to express.Inch VIDEOS: 'Sons of Anarchy' Red-colored Carpet Premiere Area of the script that Sutter claims he wasn't permitted to make use of, states, "Beginning November. 1, DirecTV is tugging Forex out of your box. Which means you'll miss the final five instances of Sons this year. Possibly five of the very critical instances of the series. I understand Fox includes a equine within this race, however they're attempting to negotiate in good belief. DirecTV is shutting lower all conversation and taking advantage of their clients as leverage. Along the way, you're getting f---erectile dysfunction over. They're running advertisements using their corporate shill suggesting just how much 'they worry about your company' that dude's got one sincere hands on his heart as the other greases your naive backside. Simply because they're going to switch you over and f--- you in the ass until you bleed. ... Let 'em know they are able to't f--- together with your Sons of Anarchy." VIDEOS: Emmy Roundtable: Drama Showrunners Sutter accepted that he's a cog inside a much bigger machine. "I'm knowledgeable that i'm working for the best-handed smoking guy," he authored. "The fact is, every large entertainment clients are extra time of some corporate behemoth. Forex isn't any exception. The one thing that keeps me there's they care just as much about creative process because they do their main point here. That's not just rare, it's virtually nonexistent otherwise in Hollywood. That bubble is sailed by [Forex chief] John Landgraf. Whether it weren't for your guy, I'd be selling star maps and handjobs while watching Motherlode." Fox's carriage agreement with DirecTV expired Sept. 30. Fox Systems includes Forex, National Geographic Funnel, 19 regional sport shows, Fox Movie Funnel, Speed, Fuel TV, Fox Soccer and Fox Deportes. Fox broadcast stations and Fox News Funnel aren't active in the discussions. Fox and it is parent company, News Corp., were involved with a dispute with Cablevision this past year and Fox channels were blacked on Dish Network in October 2010 among a dispute, throughout which Sutter known as Dish "whores" on Twitter. Related Subjects Sons of Anarchy Kurt Sutter

Netflix shares sink in early trading

Netflix shares plunged as the market opened Tuesday after being battered in pre-market trade following disappointing financial earnings and outlook on Monday afternoon.Shares of the once high-flying stock and Wall Street darling were down 35% at $76 as a handful of analysts cut their recommendations on the company. Janney Capital slapped a ''sell'' on the stock and slashed its price target to $51 from $102 saying Netflix' business model isn't sustainable given higher costs and a weakening subscriber base.In a QandA Monday, CEO Reed Hastings announced a halt to international expansion since it was eating into profits. He focused on content as the company's future but noted a competitive, shifting and fragmented landscape. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Moammar Gadhafi's 1989 Interview With Barbara Walters Released by ABC News (Video)

ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images Thinking about Moammar Gadhafi's March. 20 dying, ABC News has dipped into its vault to write one of the network's more unique interviews while using Libyan dictator. Within the height of his energy, within the month of the month of january 1989, Barbara Walters traveled to Tripoli for 25Or20 sit-lower interview Gadhafi. They met in the gaily-colored tent where the then 59-year-old broadcaster referred to as Gadhafi "crazy." STORY: Moammar Gadhafi's Dying: What Hollywood States "He was crazy as being a fox," Walters mentioned from the meeting, in the Thursday interview with George Stephanopoulos. "He thought he was the king in the whole Arab world." Inside the original clip, which ABC News has promoted heavily in the last 24 several hours, Walters known to her first impressions of Gadhafi. "The interview was carried out a tent he uses becoming an office," she mentioned. "He'd an interpreter, though he talks some British and made an appearance to understand my questions -- though he rarely looked me inside the eye." VIDEO: Gadhafi's Dying Predicted By 80s Sitcom Walters wound up getting fun from Gadhafi sooner or later, when she noted that his British was a lot better than his interpreter's. Still, the segment remains a largely uncomfortable window into Gadhafi's feelings towards America in those days, including his particular distaste for Leader Taxation. "Throughout my perspective, America includes two parts," he mentioned. "That's, the U . s . states people as well as the American administration ruling it... The U . s . states people, they are completely ignorant around the world completely plus other product comes near understanding in regards to the outdoors world. And sadly through the current years the American administration have an interest while using outdoors world in comparison towards the interior problems." STORY: CNN, MSNBC, Fox Air Nasty Cell Phone Video of Dead Gadhafi Gadhafi was adament he understood the U . s . states people "perfectly,Inch developing a special reason behind calling the media as "Zionists" set on showing an incorrect impression of him. "They'll show pictures of me alongside skulls, to dead physiques," he mentioned. "They are not reflecting the actual picture of me." video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player George Stephanopoulos ABC News Barbara Walters 20/20 Moammar Gadhafi

NBA Stars to Take Show on the Road During Lockout (Report)

Looking to make the most of a player lockout and as negotiations continue to save the NBA season, the league's top players may be taking their show on the road, with about 15 star players coming together for a four-stop world tour, ESPN reported Thursday.our editor recommends'Idol' winner to sing anthem at NBA FinalsLeBron James Defends Heat's NBA Championship Loss at Press Conference The players involved would include Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Derrick Rose, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Rajon Rondo, Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook, Carlos Boozer, Paul Pierce and Kevin Love, the report said quoting sources, possibly also joined by Kevin Durant, Kevin Garnett and Tyson Chandler. The four stops named would be Australia, London, Macau and Puerto Rico. Two games each would be played in Australia and London. Conducted outside of NBA auspices, the tour would be organized by Atlanta-based tycoon Calvin Darden, the report said. It would be the largest event of its kind ever put together during a lockout. Players stand to make up to $1 million each, although some plan to donate their proceeds to charity. The tour would be jeopardized by any resolution between the league and the players, with talks continuing this week. Related Topics International Asia NBA ESPN

The Caller

A Samuel Goldwyn Films (in U.S.) release of a Pimienta Film Co., the Salt Co., Alcove Entertainment in association with Head Gear Films, Metrol Technology presentation. (International sales: Bankside, London.) Produced by Amina Dasmal, Robin Fox, Piers Tempest, Luillo Ruiz. Executive producers, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Robert Bevan, Cyril Megret. Directed by Matthew Parkhill. Screenplay, Sergio Casci.With: Rachelle Lefevre, Stephen Moyer, Luis Guzman, Ed Quinn, Lorna Raver. (English, Spanish dialogue)A young woman answers a phone call from the past in "The Caller," a high-concept indie thriller that's low on budget but rich in atmosphere. Pic reps a belated follow-up to Brit helmer Matthew Parkhill's 2003 debut, "Dot the I," and feels like a calling card touting the potential of several cast and crew members, especially stars Rachelle Lefevre ("Twilight") and Stephen Moyer ("True Blood"), as well as Parkhill and d.p. Alexander Melman. Already booked at several fests, pic phoned it in theatrically with a limited Stateside release Aug. 26. Shot and set in Puerto Rico, the story opens with Mary Kee (Lefevre) moving into a shabby-chic apartment with her dog after having divorced her abusive husband, Steven (Ed Quinn), against whom she has a restraining order. Nevertheless, Steven menaces her with unexpected visits and other bits of stalkerish behavior, which Mary, annoyingly passive and wilting at first, seems powerless to stop. One night, Mary's old-fashioned rotary phone rings and she answers: The caller is Rose (Lorna Raver, "Drag Me to Hell"), a middle-aged-sounding woman looking for her cheating b.f., Bobby. Although Mary politely tells Rose he doesn't live there anymore, Rose keeps calling back, and the two develop a tentative phone friendship for a while, comparing notes on their man troubles. Only gradually does it dawn on Mary that Rose is calling from the year 1979; that she committed suicide not long after that, according to the building supervisor (the redoubtable Luis Guzman); and that the woman is a murderous nutjob. At least cute night school science teacher John (Moyer) is on hand to explain the nature of time and provide a love interest for Mary, but the poor guy is up against it with this many violent stalkers on the loose, lurking round the frequently dark corners of San Juan. Parkhill directs the scares in unexceptional textbook fashion, exploiting the use of sound with a particularly strong assist from an electro score by Unkle and Aidan Lavelle. But the helmer and lenser Melman do their best work with the swampy green visuals, which look creepily dank yet curiously pretty at the same time. Lefevre, a photogenic presence to start with, grows more compelling as her character develops some guts and goes through the wringer. Thanks largely to her perf and precise editing by Gabriel Coss, the ludicrously written finale has some emotional bite.Camera (color, HD), Alexander Melman; editor, Gabriel Coss; music, Unkle, Aidan Lavelle; production designer, Guifre Tort; art director, Wilhem Perez; sound (Dolby Digital), Diana Ortiz; re-recording mixer, Adam Severs; special effects coordinator, Charlie Bonilla; visual effects supervisor, Francisco Cueto; associate producer, Belly Torres; casting, Sharon Howard Field. Reviewed at Film4 Frightfest (Discovery), London, Aug. 27, 2011. (In Busan Film Festival -- Midnight Passion.) Running time: 88 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Pee-Wee, Potter, Vader Honored At Scream Awards

First Published: October 16, 2011 10:58 AM EDT Credit: Getty Images Caption Paul Reubens aka Pee-wee Herman arrive at Spike TVs SCREAM 2011 awards held at Universal Studios on October 15, 2011UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- What do Harry Potter, Darth Vader, Pee-Wee Herman, Nicolas Cage and Robert Downey, Jr. have in common? All were honored at the Scream Awards, Spike TVs annual celebration of horror, fantasy, sci-fi and superheroes, held Saturday night on the Universal Studios backlot. The eight-part Potter film franchise was named the Ultimate Scream, which awards presenter Chloe Grace Moretz described as the most awesome, most rocking thing that the universe has ever seen. Star Wars creator George Lucas presented Vader with the Ultimate Villain award and announced that fans could see the Sith Lord on screen in 3-D in February. Herman, created by actor Paul Reubens, won the Visionary award. Cage accepted the Maverick award and Downey won the Hero award. The Scream Awards will be shown Tuesday on Spike TV. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Oskar Eustis on Discovering a New Talent

Oskar Eustis on Discovering a New Talent October 12, 2011 Oska Eustis It must have been the fall of 1985. I was living in San Francisco, running the Eureka Theatre, and visiting NY. As always, I was trying to cram in as much theater as I could, and I was frustrated because I had arrived late at the Public Theater for some show (I don't remember which one) with an 8 o'clock curtain. There was a no-late-seating policy, and I thought I was out of luck."Actually," said my friend David Brisbin, "this is a great opportunity. Remember that kid, the NYU student I've been telling you about? He's got a show going up tonight in Chelseaand it's an 8:30 curtain."I grumbled all the way to 23rd Street, disgruntled at wasting one of my precious nights in NY on a play by a student writer-director. We arrived, sat down, and within half an hour I knew I was at a life-changing event. The play was "A Bright Room Called Day" the writer and director was Tony Kushner.Towards the end of the first act, several of the characters (including Husz, the one-eyed Hungarian cameraman) joined together in a spirited rendition of "The Internationale," the international communist anthem.Tony later told me that at intermission, the cast members were asking each other, "Who is that singing along in the audience?" It was me, of course. I had found a writer who not only was more brilliant and exciting than any I had ever encountered, but who shared my concerns, traditions, and values in a way that I had not thought possible.Many things have happened to Tony and me in the quarter-century since, but I have always been grateful for the Public's no-late-seating policy.Oskar Eustis is the artistic director of the Public Theater in NY and has worked as a director, dramaturge, and artistic director for theaters around the country. From 1981 through 1986, he was resident director and dramaturge at the Eureka Theatre Company in San Francisco, and artistic director until 1989, when he moved to L.A.'s Mark Taper Forum as associate artistic director until 1994. Eustis then served as artistic director at Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, R.I., for 11 years. In 2005, he took the helm at the Public Theater. Oskar Eustis on Discovering a New Talent October 12, 2011 Oska Eustis It must have been the fall of 1985. I was living in San Francisco, running the Eureka Theatre, and visiting NY. As always, I was trying to cram in as much theater as I could, and I was frustrated because I had arrived late at the Public Theater for some show (I don't remember which one) with an 8 o'clock curtain. There was a no-late-seating policy, and I thought I was out of luck."Actually," said my friend David Brisbin, "this is a great opportunity. Remember that kid, the NYU student I've been telling you about? He's got a show going up tonight in Chelseaand it's an 8:30 curtain."I grumbled all the way to 23rd Street, disgruntled at wasting one of my precious nights in NY on a play by a student writer-director. We arrived, sat down, and within half an hour I knew I was at a life-changing event. The play was "A Bright Room Called Day" the writer and director was Tony Kushner.Towards the end of the first act, several of the characters (including Husz, the one-eyed Hungarian cameraman) joined together in a spirited rendition of "The Internationale," the international communist anthem.Tony later told me that at intermission, the cast members were asking each other, "Who is that singing along in the audience?" It was me, of course. I had found a writer who not only was more brilliant and exciting than any I had ever encountered, but who shared my concerns, traditions, and values in a way that I had not thought possible.Many things have happened to Tony and me in the quarter-century since, but I have always been grateful for the Public's no-late-seating policy.Oskar Eustis is the artistic director of the Public Theater in NY and has worked as a director, dramaturge, and artistic director for theaters around the country. From 1981 through 1986, he was resident director and dramaturge at the Eureka Theatre Company in San Francisco, and artistic director until 1989, when he moved to L.A.'s Mark Taper Forum as associate artistic director until 1994. Eustis then served as artistic director at Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, R.I., for 11 years. In 2005, he took the helm at the Public Theater.

It's Like 'Sherlock Holmes' Meets 'Se7en': Watch the Trailer for 'The Raven'

You might not have thought a movie about a serial killer mimicking the works of Edgar Allen Poe would make for great cinema, but the trailer for 'The Raven' is here to prove otherwise. What initially seemed like a joke-y conceit -- John Cusack is Edgar Allen Poe -- looks kinda great. Or at least better than 'From Hell' and 'Sleepy Hollow.' Watch ahead. That's Luke Evans playing the Baltimore detective (you'll see him in 'Immortals' later this year) and Alice Eve as Poe's onscreen lady love. She's a long way from being Vince's arm-candy on 'Entourage.' 'The Raven' flies (ding!) into theaters on March 9, 2012. Watch the trailer in HD over at Apple. Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

UPDATE: Apple Introduces apple iphone 4S, Souped-Up Features Concentrate On Simplicity Of Use

UPDATE: Apple just ended its press conference announcing the upgraded apple iphone. Better hardware, new operating-system, and on Sprint in addition to AT&T and Verizon — although not the newest apple iphone 5that some predicted. Available March. 14, wireless customers will have the ability to score a 64 gig version from the apple iphone 4Sfor $399,a 32 GB model for$299, and 16 GB for$199. Butthe cost for that 8 GB iPhone4has been cut to $99 as the 3GS is free of charge. The 4S will appear nearly the same as previous apple iphones and often will possess a dual core processor that handles graphics about seven occasions faster — great news for players. It will likely be a global phone, able to handle wireless calls sent via GSM or CDMA technologies. Your camera continues to be upgraded: 8 mega pixels with increased sensitive light processing andface recognition. The organization also spoken in the speed only a half second lag between shots. It'll handle 1080p hd video with image stabilization. Apple’s also looking forward to a brand new feature known as Siri: It'll answer verbal queries about, say, the elements, stock values, and restaurant reviews — and handle tasks for example making visits inside your calendar. Not surprisingly, the organization stated that it'll launch its iCloud service on March. 12. No discuss Facebook integration. Traders apparently expected more: The need for Apple shares rejected throughout the presentation and therefore are lower about 4.7% around an hour prior to the finish from the buying and selling day. PREVIOUS 2:10 AM: Super-secretive Applee-mailed “Let’s Talk apple iphone” invites to some 10 AM PT media event at its headquarters in Cupertino today. However it’s the very first major product unveiling that won’t be created by Jobs. Rather,his successor Tim Prepare is anticipated to provide what might be the apple iphone 5 and/or even the apple iphone 4S and/orApple’s latest iOS mobile software –iOS 5.Based on the AP,the most recent iPhonewill includewireless device setup and content syncing, a much better 8-megapixel camera, in addition to email and Web-browsing applications. Butthe new smartphone isn’t likely to lookmuch not the same as the apple iphone 4, though it may be thinner and also have a bigger screen. Deadline’s brother or sister site BGR.com states some industry viewers had wished fora completely new teardrop-formed apple iphone 5 with bigger display, insanely thin design, and much more. Now its searching like Apple may be set introducing a better apple iphone 4 rather. Bummer, right?Not ifApples apple iphone 4S isa pretty substantial bump instead of just an incremental update, as numerous are taking a chance. Incidents where thinkAppleis set to unveil in regards to a dozen various apple iphone models now, varying from the modest update inexpensively to some teardrop-formed overhaul which will have a 4-inch display along with a unibody aluminum design. Many industry viewers are predictinga more effective nick: Apple’s dual-core A5 processor, the sameused in the current iPad for enhanced multitasking, opening applications, and gaming. A brand new service known as iMessage allows iOS 5 customers to transmit texts to one another over Wi-Fi or wireless service providers’ data systems. A folder known as Newsstand will corral newspaper and magazine application monthly subscriptions in one location to really make it simpler to locate them.The newiPhone can also be likely to include Apple’s forthcoming iCloud service, that will store content for example music, documents, applications and photos on Apple’s servers and allow you to access them easily on numerous products. AP saysanalysts believeApple couldtrot out new apple ipods and updates toiTunes music software, so it usually does within the fall anyway.Regardless, the brand new software willbe readily available for Apple’s iPad, apple iphone 4 and 3GS and two of the most recent decades from the ipod device Touch. Janney Capital Marketplaces analyst Bill Choi thinks Apples success using the apple iphone continues to sky rocket. Choi believed lately that Apple will ship 87 million apple iphone models this season and 107 million throughout 2012, a 27% increase year-over-year. Apples growing quantity of company partners would be the primary catalyst for that growth, Choi stated, observing that 228 wireless service providers offered the apple iphone inside a total of 105 nations throughout the 3rd quarter of the year. You will find still a number of major service providers worldwide that haven't yet carry the apple iphone. Potential handles Sprint (52.1M customers), T-Mobile (33.6M customers), China Mobile (628M customers) along with other large worldwide service providers pose a catalyst to fuel apple iphone sales, Choi authored inside a research note. Meanwhile,the Wall Street Journal is confirming that Sprint has anagreement with Apple to buy over $20 billion price of apple iphones within the next 4 years, oraround $ 30 million apple iphones.

Jolie Appears At UN Refugee Agency Awards

First Published: October 3, 2011 5:39 PM EDT Credit: UNHCR/Getty Images Caption United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie visits Somali refugees at Shousha Camp, near the Tunis-Libyan border in Ras Djir, Tunisia, on April 5, 2011 GENEVA, Switzerland -- Angelina Jolie was almost reduced to tears Monday as she honored a Yemeni aid group at an awards ceremony which also recognized her work over the past decade as a U.N. refugee agency goodwill ambassador. Jolie took the stage to praise the Geneva-based agency and Yemens Society for Humanitarian Solidarity, which won the agencys top annual award for helping thousands of Somali refugees and migrants who flee for Yemen in smugglers boats across the perilous Gulf of Aden. The desperation fueled by a vicious combination of drought, famine and conflict has driven tens of thousands of people from the Horn of Africa, Jolie said. And we must not forget what is happening in this part of the world, she said. We must try to imagine how desperate these people must be, when their only alternative is to risk death at sea and put their lives in the hands of ruthless smugglers. Somalia has had transitional administrations for the past seven years. But it has lacked a functioning central government since 1991, when warlords overthrew a longtime dictator and then turned on each other, plunging the impoverished country into chaos. The transitional government, backed by African Union troops, has been fighting against al-Shabab insurgents Islamic militants who abandoned Mogadishu in early August but still hold much of southern Somalia, where tens of thousands are believed to have starved to death and tens of thousands more have fled or tried to flee in the hope of finding food. Jolie said the 290 staff of the Society for Humanitarian Solidarity, as well as its founder Nasser Salim Ali Al-Hamairy, deserve much credit for risking their own lives to save thousands of others each year. She said she looked forward to representing the UNHCR and its staff for another 10 years. Most of all Im so grateful I dont want to cry to the refugee families that I have the honor and privilege to spend the last years with, she said. From them Ive learned so much. Ive learned to be a better person, a better mother. Theyve inspired me by showing me the unbreakable strength of the human spirit. (Copyright 2011 by Associated Press) Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Michael Jackson Judge Issues Gag Order After Attorney's 'Today' Show Appearance (Video)

Michael Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, told er staff he was coping with the singer for insufficient liquids and stated nothing in regards to the effective medications the King of Pop was while using evening he died, a witness mentioned Friday through the physician's wrongful dying trial in La.our editor recommendsMichael Jackson's Chef States Conrad Murray Was 'Flustered,' 'Screaming' After Singer DiedMichael Jackson's Assistant Testifies, States Conrad Murray Was 'Frantic' on Day Singer Died UCLA Clinic physician Richelle Cooper stated that Murray mentioned Jackson did not have health problems aside from "working extended several hours" and being "dehydrated," which Murray made no mention of the Jackson's standby time with the heavy sedative propofol. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Notable Deaths ABC News notes that paramedic Richard Senneff, who examined an inactive Jackson at his Holmby Slopes home, mentioned Murray frequently declined that Jackson was on heavy medications despite evidence on the other hand within the scene: "I asked for what his underlying health condition was. He [Conrad Murray] did not respond. ... I asked for again. ... He did not respond...The Next time he mentioned nothing, nothing, he's nothing." Senneff ongoing, "That did not comparable to me. I see an underweight patient, an IV here which i see medication vials round the nightstand." Furthermore for the testimony about Murray's nondisclosures Friday, Judge Michael Pastor launched a gag order for individuals lawyers concentrating on the problem, reviews Reuters. A purchase adopted a feel and look by defense attorney Matthew Alford round the Today show through which he mentioned his team would keep Murray in the witness stand as extended as you can, which Jackson was totally hooked on propofol. PHOTOS: "Billie Jean" and three decades of MTV Music Videos "The lawyers for your parties in this situation ... are bought not to comment to anybody outdoors from the particular teams either directly or otherwise directly regarding any areas of this case, whether orally or possibly on paper,Inch Pastor mentioned. Jackson died June 25, 2009 at half a century old. A 51-page coroner's report found the final outcome the artist died of "acute propofol intoxication." Propofol is usually given throughout surgery but Jackson was apparently deploying it just like a sleeping aide. Murray is on trial for involuntary wrongful dying the trial is predicted to last about 5 days. If he's billed, he could spend four years in the California prison and lose his medical license. Alford's interview with Today's Ann Curry begins within the 4:20 mark below: Related Subjects Michael Jackson Today Conrad Murray

SPC nabs rights to 'Where Can We Proceed Now?A

The brand new the new sony Pictures Classics has acquired all US rights to Nadine Labaki's "Which Side We Proceed Now?Inch from Path Worldwide. The pic, Lebanon's entry for your Oscars this year, is occur a web-based village where the chapel as well as the mosque stand alongside and follows the antics in the town's women to obtain their blowhard males from beginning a spiritual war. Produced by Anne-Dominque Toussaint of Ces Films des Tournelles, "Which Side We Proceed Now?Inch opened up inside the "Not Sure Regard" section at Cannes this year, then won the People Choice Award within the Toronto Worldwide Film Festival and greatest European Film within the San Sebastian Film Festival. Labaki's "Caramel" was Lebanon's entry for your 2007 Best Language Film Academy Award. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

The Submission

Eddie Kaye Thomas, left, Jonathan Groff, Rutina Wesley and can Rogers star within the Walter Bobbie-directed The Submission. An MCC presentation, by special arrangement using the Lucille Lortel Theater Foundation, of the play in a single act by Shaun Talbott. Directed by Walter Bobbie.Danny - Jonathan Groff Trevor - Will Rogers Pete - Eddie Kaye Thomas Emilie - Rutina WesleyWhite boys can't jump -- or do they really? Scribe Shaun Talbott reframes that question inside a provocative means by "The Submission," whenever a whitened playwright uses the pseudonym of the black lady to submit his play (about "an alcoholic black mother and her card-sharp boy trying to get away from the projects") to some exclusive theater festival. This subterfuge results in some inflammatory fights on race and gender between your scribe and the alter-ego. However the figures are caught between sitcom and emo-drama, missing the brains -- or, failing that, the fundamental vocabulary -- to create these calculated smackdowns more credible. What is more amusing? A whitened, middle-class playwright named Danny Larson (the appropriately disarming Jonathan Groff) recognizes that no a person's likely to read a play concerning the black experience compiled by "a whitened, whitened dude." So he submits his play, "Call a Spade," towards the Humana Festival underneath the made-up title of "Shaleeha G'ntamobi." This feminine (and "type of black") title does the secret, and "Call a Spade" is recognized for production. Which puts Danny within the tricky position of finding anyone to impersonate the bogus "Shaleeha" throughout the extended production process in the Festival's theater in Louisville, Ky. The task of "legitimizing the play" would go to Emilie Martin (inside a vibrant and breezy perf from Rutina Wesley), a black actress who concurs to do something as Danny's mouthpiece throughout rehearsals and reveal the play's true authorship on opening evening. No real surprise, Emilie falls deeply in love with the play, will get swept up within the production, and manages to lose herself in her own role. To date, everything is both funny and poignant, the method in which Walter Bobbie ("Chicago") has directed the general production. Such as the understated humor of David Zinn's set -- a turning number of self-purposely "original" Local cafe coffee shops, bookstores that look vaguely exactly the same -- the satire is clever without having to be cutting or cruel. Different color leaves, the supporting figures are performed with increased wit than bite by Will Rogers (very easily endearing as Danny's closest friend, Trevor) and Eddie Kaye Thomas (a certifiable saint as Danny's loyal lover, Pete). Should you met these folks inside a sitcom, you'd love them. The truth is, the play is not a real comedy, which poses problems when things get ugly between Danny and Emilie. To place it candidly, Danny's a racist -- a genuine one. His casual conversation is filled with racist comments which go far beyond any whitened man's legitimate beef about reverse prejudice. Although Groff lays around the charm (and such a stroke of casting which was), Danny's insensitivity boosts serious questions regarding his character. The primary question, obviously, is when this type of narrow-minded and callous person could write an "authentic" play about black people. (As well as survive 4 years in New Haven while being trained at Yale.) But you might also need to question the way a sweetie like Pete would endure him, or the way a nice guy like Trevor could stay buddies with him. The solutions can not be present in Danny's background, because Danny doesn't have personal history. However, neither has Emilie or, for your matter, other people within the play. All of them exist strictly within the moment, in a single universal, constantly turning Local cafe. Even sitcom figures receive more backstory than that.Sets, David Zinn costumes, Anita Yavich lighting, David Weiner seem, Ryan Rumery original music, Ryan Rumery and Christian Frederickson forecasts, Darrel Maloney production stage manager, Timothy R. Semon. Opened up Sept. 27, 2011. Examined Sept. 23. Running time: 1 Hour, 40 MIN. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com