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?