Can 'Bridesmaids' Earn a Best Picture Nomination?

It has been rumbling like the after-effects of some bad Brazilian barbecue for the last two weeks: a continued push and groundswell of support for 'Bridesmaids' to earn a Best Picture nomination at the 84th annual Academy Awards. Does the Paul Feig-directed comedy -- one of the few original films here in 2011 that connected with both audiences and critics alike -- have enough gas (sorry) in the tank to make it into the rarified air of Oscar nominees? It might! Over at GoldDerby.com, nine of the 29 Oscar experts (including, ahem, me) have placed 'Bridesmaids' on their top-ten list of potential nominees. That doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things -- and since there can be anywhere from five to ten nominees this year for Best Picture, the odds are good 'Bridesmaids' won't make the final cut -- but it does showcase a growing movement for the Kristen Wiig-led comedy. Reasons for the 'Bridesmaids' surge? Well, that SAG nomination for Best Ensemble didn't hurt. Neither does the the cast of beloved actresses, an industry-respected producer and one of the few performances everyone is still talking about in some regard: Melissa McCarthy. There could be another reason for the 'Bridesmaids' push, too. 'Bridesmaids' has the box-office clout to be the 'Inception' Exception, and -- unlike 'Harry Potter' -- has something extra: relevance in the current cultural landscape. In a year which will be remembered for funny women (from 'Bridesmaids' to 'Bad Teacher' to nearly every show on the NBC Thursday night comedy block), perhaps some Oscar voters will want to embrace the zeitgeist with both arms. Of course, that's also the biggest issue for 'Bridesmaids': comedy is generally a genre that the Academy has almost willfully overlooked. "I definitely think there is some sort of bias there," 'Bridesmaids' producer Judd Apatow told Variety. "Most people think a really intense devastating sad movie about a tragic subject is more difficult to make than 'Blazing Saddles.' And the truth is, it's just as hard to make 'Blazing Saddles.' My days would be much shorter if I didn't have to add jokes." Which is probably why a guy like Stephen Daldry has never made a comedy. For more on the Oscars, head over to GoldDerby.com [Photo: Universal] The Best 11 Movie Quotes From 2011 11. <a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/midnight-in-paris/10036438/main"> 'Midnight in Paris' </a>10. <a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/tower-heist/52240/main">'Tower Heist'</a>9. <a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/attack-the-block/10056611/main">'Attack the Block' </a>8. <a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-hangover-2/38948/main">'The Hanogver Part 2' </a>7. <a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/5050/1417783/main">'50/50' </a>6. 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II'5. <a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/hobo-with-a-shotgun/10038378/main">'Hobo With a Shotgun' </a>4. <a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/horrible-bosses/10038375/main">'Horrible Bosses' </a>3. <a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/crazy-stupid-love/10052074/main">'Crazy, Stupid, Love.' </a>2. <a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-muppets/1390395/main">'The Muppets' </a>1. <a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/bridesmaids/10035125/main">'Bridesmaids' </a> See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Kobe Bryants Wife Files For Divorce

First Published: December 17, 2011 10:45 AM EST Credit: Getty Images ORANGE, Calif. -- Caption Kobe Bryant and wife Vanessa Bryant arrive at the Los Angeles Lakers official championship victory party on June 18, 2009Kobe Bryants wife, who stood by her husband when he was charged with sexual assault in 2003, filed for divorce on Friday from the Los Angeles Lakers star, citing irreconcilable differences after a decade of marriage. Vanessa Bryant signed the papers on Dec. 1. Kobe Bryant signed his response on Dec. 7 and it was filed Friday, according to the documents. The Bryants have resolved all issues incident to their divorce privately with the assistance of counsel and a judgment dissolving their marital status will be entered in 2012, according to a statement from a representative for the couple. In the filing, Vanessa Bryant asked for joint legal and physical custody of the couples two daughters, Natalia, 8, and Gianna, 5. Kobe Bryant asked for the same in his response. Vanessa Bryant also requested spousal support. The Bryants ask that in the interest of our young children and in light of the upcoming holiday season the public respect our privacy during this difficult time, according to the statement. Bryant met his future wife in 1999 on a music video shoot when Vanessa Laine was 18 years old. Six months later, she and the then-21-year-old Bryant became engaged. They married on April 18, 2001. The Bryants have been through trying times together. Vanessa Bryant appeared at a news conference with her husband when he was charged with sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman who worked at the exclusive Lodge & Spa at Cordillera near Vail, Colo., in 2003. She held his hand and stroked it tenderly as the NBA star admitted he was guilty of adultery - but nothing else. Earlier she had issued her own statement to the media, vowing to stand by her husband. I know that my husband has made a mistake - the mistake of adultery, she said in the statement at the time. He and I will have to deal with that within our marriage, and we will do so. He is not a criminal. A year later, prosecutors dropped the criminal charge against Kobe Bryant because the woman did not want to go ahead with a trial. Last year, Kobe and Vanessa Bryant settled litigation with a former maid who accused the NBA stars wife of harassment. The Bryants countersued Maria Jimenez for violating a confidentiality agreement by talking to reporters about the family. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Warrior' Star Nick Nolte Scores a Knockout in a Role Close to Home

'Warrior' Star Nick Nolte Scores a Knockout in a Role Close to Home By Jenelle Riley December 16, 2011 Photo by AP Photo/Matt Sayles Nick Nolte At 70, Nick Nolte cuts an impressive figure. Though the actor is standing in a hotel room ensconced in a shapeless ensemble of oversize shirt and pants and smoking an e-cigarette, he manages to still look manly. He's here to talk about his latest film, "Warrior," in which he is earning raves as Paddy Conlon, the alcoholic father of two sons who end up facing each other in a winner-takes-all Mixed Martial Arts championship. The elder son, Brendan, played by Joel Edgerton, is a teacher and family man who has distanced himself from Paddy after a recent unspecified incident. The younger son, Tommy, portrayed by Tom Hardy, resents his father even as he asks Paddy to help him train. The role was written with Nolte in mind by director Gavin O'Connor, who lives in the same Malibu neighborhood as the actor. So it's probably not a coincidence that Paddy and Nolte share struggles. A lifelong battle with alcohol resulted in Nolte's arrest in 2002 for driving under the influence, producing perhaps the most famous mug shot in history. Nolte talks openly about his troublesin fact, he talks openly about everything. With a career spanning five decades on stage and screen and including such seminal projects as "Rich Man, Poor Man" and his Oscar-nominated role in "The Prince of Tides," Nolte is full of stories. For a half hour, he holds court on such topics as Marlon Brando being miscast in "A Streetcar Named Desire," Nolte's years in regional theater, and his latestand perhaps greatestrole.Back Stage: Paddy Conlon is a fantastic role; did you know when you read the script you had something special? Nick Nolte: I knew it was excellent material right away. And I was excited to do it because I knew Gavin well. I was supposed to do a film with him before, "Pride and Glory," and I walked on that. Back Stage: I thought you left due to needing knee surgery. Nolte: No. I walked two weeks before we started. Back Stage: And he still wanted to work with you? Nolte: Yeah. There were very specific reasons I left. He has the message on his phone explaining why I can't go on. And I told him I had to get my knee transplant done, which then obligated me to do that. So I did. I had some difficulties, but not with Gavin. There was some communication amongst the actors that wasn't quite right. And at my age, I won't do things chaotically anymoreI walk away. I used to sit through them, but it's just not worth it. Life is too short. Back Stage: At what point did he tell you he was writing a role for you? Nolte: When he was writing it, there was communication, but nothing specifically about the character. Then came the day he brought the script over, and I read it, and it was just brilliant. His writing is excellent. I wasn't thrilled with the MMA fighting. I wasn't a fan, I didn't watch too much of it, and it looked awful brutal to me. I called him and said, "I love this, it's really great, butdo we have to go down the MMA road?" He said, "I know it's ugly and violent, but you've really got to find out what it's about. Go to some of the matches, meet some fighters, meet their parents, meet their girlfriends, see their life. And you'll see it's not about violence." And I did. And it isn't about violence. I watch it now.Back Stage: The character of Paddy has some struggles that reflect your own life. Did that make you hesitate to take the part? Nolte: No, I embraced it. Because I have a drunk driving record and I have not been silent about my own addictions, it was a perfect vehicle. I understand addictions; I understand how destructive they are and how difficult they are to break. I was 48 before I got sober. I just didn't know you didn't drink. Brian James, an actor, said to me one day, "You know, if you ever feel like you don't want to, there's a little meeting up here at the school; you can come up." About two weeks later I was through a bottle or two and knew I should go. I walked into that meeting, and there were about 10 people who I had wondered where the hell they had gone to. I sat down next to a wet drunk, somebody who's been in the hospital hallucinating. This guy still had the willies; he was moaning and shouting. It was a quite frightening experience, when you catch on to yourself and you really know you got a problem. Because you know it's got to change, but you don't have the slightest idea how to do it. So I got through that meeting, and at the very end I was trying to get to the door and get the hell out of there, and this wet drunk grabbed me and said, "If you don't believe it right now, just pretend as if you do, and you'll be all right."Back Stage: Sort of like with acting. Nolte: Exactly. And I think that moment helped me more than anything else. I don't even know who he was.Back Stage: The audience has a lot of sympathy for Paddy, but we understand he's done some bad things in his past. Did you discuss that history with Gavin? Nolte: Yeah, we pretty much created the backstory. Living with an alcoholic just cannot be a happy experience, because you neglect everybody and everything. Brendan won't let Paddy come into his house, and I can tell you specifically the backstory I came up with there. Three Christmases ago, Paddy got a load on and went over there for Christmas and ran the car right through the living room, almost killing the kids. That's why he won't let me back in. I heard that story from an old guy I used to see at a bar. Back Stage: Was there anything you took away from playing Paddy? Nolte: Asking for forgiveness is just one of the most painful kind of experiences. It was very cathartic. If you know you've done something wrong and fess up to it, it's always a relief. To carry around that weight of knowing you've done something wrong; it's just emotional weight you can't get past. Outtakes Will next be seen opposite Dustin Hoffman on the HBO series "Luck"Other films include "Tropic Thunder," "North Dallas Forty," "Cape Fear," and "Affliction," for which he received his second Oscar nominationStudied at the Pasadena Playhouse and the Stella Adler Academy in Los AngelesPlaying the combative sons of Nick Nolte's character are rising stars Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, who revealed to Back Stage how they landed their roles. Tom Hardy: I had a lengthy process of begging. I knew if I auditioned for it, there was no way I would get it. I'd talked to Gavin on the phone about process and how I could get there and transform myself. A lot of my audition process was me saying, "Trust me! Just trust me!" And Gavin really did trust me. He invited me out to come talk to him, and I flew out and stayed with him for a week. Joel Edgerton: I showed up at Gavin's house as well, but I didn't stay. I was a little different from Tom because I had a history of martial arts; I had a black belt as a kid, and I've played a lot of sports. Then he called me in India to offer me the part. They wanted to send some people to me to put me through the Krav Maga class, too, and I also kept telling him to trust me. Then I snuck away and tried to lift as many weights as possible. 'Warrior' Star Nick Nolte Scores a Knockout in a Role Close to Home By Jenelle Riley December 16, 2011 Nick Nolte PHOTO CREDIT AP Photo/Matt Sayles At 70, Nick Nolte cuts an impressive figure. Though the actor is standing in a hotel room ensconced in a shapeless ensemble of oversize shirt and pants and smoking an e-cigarette, he manages to still look manly. He's here to talk about his latest film, "Warrior," in which he is earning raves as Paddy Conlon, the alcoholic father of two sons who end up facing each other in a winner-takes-all Mixed Martial Arts championship. The elder son, Brendan, played by Joel Edgerton, is a teacher and family man who has distanced himself from Paddy after a recent unspecified incident. The younger son, Tommy, portrayed by Tom Hardy, resents his father even as he asks Paddy to help him train. The role was written with Nolte in mind by director Gavin O'Connor, who lives in the same Malibu neighborhood as the actor. So it's probably not a coincidence that Paddy and Nolte share struggles. A lifelong battle with alcohol resulted in Nolte's arrest in 2002 for driving under the influence, producing perhaps the most famous mug shot in history. Nolte talks openly about his troublesin fact, he talks openly about everything. With a career spanning five decades on stage and screen and including such seminal projects as "Rich Man, Poor Man" and his Oscar-nominated role in "The Prince of Tides," Nolte is full of stories. For a half hour, he holds court on such topics as Marlon Brando being miscast in "A Streetcar Named Desire," Nolte's years in regional theater, and his latestand perhaps greatestrole.Back Stage: Paddy Conlon is a fantastic role; did you know when you read the script you had something special? Nick Nolte: I knew it was excellent material right away. And I was excited to do it because I knew Gavin well. I was supposed to do a film with him before, "Pride and Glory," and I walked on that. Back Stage: I thought you left due to needing knee surgery. Nolte: No. I walked two weeks before we started. Back Stage: And he still wanted to work with you? Nolte: Yeah. There were very specific reasons I left. He has the message on his phone explaining why I can't go on. And I told him I had to get my knee transplant done, which then obligated me to do that. So I did. I had some difficulties, but not with Gavin. There was some communication amongst the actors that wasn't quite right. And at my age, I won't do things chaotically anymoreI walk away. I used to sit through them, but it's just not worth it. Life is too short. Back Stage: At what point did he tell you he was writing a role for you? Nolte: When he was writing it, there was communication, but nothing specifically about the character. Then came the day he brought the script over, and I read it, and it was just brilliant. His writing is excellent. I wasn't thrilled with the MMA fighting. I wasn't a fan, I didn't watch too much of it, and it looked awful brutal to me. I called him and said, "I love this, it's really great, butdo we have to go down the MMA road?" He said, "I know it's ugly and violent, but you've really got to find out what it's about. Go to some of the matches, meet some fighters, meet their parents, meet their girlfriends, see their life. And you'll see it's not about violence." And I did. And it isn't about violence. I watch it now.Back Stage: The character of Paddy has some struggles that reflect your own life. Did that make you hesitate to take the part? Nolte: No, I embraced it. Because I have a drunk driving record and I have not been silent about my own addictions, it was a perfect vehicle. I understand addictions; I understand how destructive they are and how difficult they are to break. I was 48 before I got sober. I just didn't know you didn't drink. Brian James, an actor, said to me one day, "You know, if you ever feel like you don't want to, there's a little meeting up here at the school; you can come up." About two weeks later I was through a bottle or two and knew I should go. I walked into that meeting, and there were about 10 people who I had wondered where the hell they had gone to. I sat down next to a wet drunk, somebody who's been in the hospital hallucinating. This guy still had the willies; he was moaning and shouting. It was a quite frightening experience, when you catch on to yourself and you really know you got a problem. Because you know it's got to change, but you don't have the slightest idea how to do it. So I got through that meeting, and at the very end I was trying to get to the door and get the hell out of there, and this wet drunk grabbed me and said, "If you don't believe it right now, just pretend as if you do, and you'll be all right."Back Stage: Sort of like with acting. Nolte: Exactly. And I think that moment helped me more than anything else. I don't even know who he was.Back Stage: The audience has a lot of sympathy for Paddy, but we understand he's done some bad things in his past. Did you discuss that history with Gavin? Nolte: Yeah, we pretty much created the backstory. Living with an alcoholic just cannot be a happy experience, because you neglect everybody and everything. Brendan won't let Paddy come into his house, and I can tell you specifically the backstory I came up with there. Three Christmases ago, Paddy got a load on and went over there for Christmas and ran the car right through the living room, almost killing the kids. That's why he won't let me back in. I heard that story from an old guy I used to see at a bar. Back Stage: Was there anything you took away from playing Paddy? Nolte: Asking for forgiveness is just one of the most painful kind of experiences. It was very cathartic. If you know you've done something wrong and fess up to it, it's always a relief. To carry around that weight of knowing you've done something wrong; it's just emotional weight you can't get past. Outtakes Will next be seen opposite Dustin Hoffman on the HBO series "Luck"Other films include "Tropic Thunder," "North Dallas Forty," "Cape Fear," and "Affliction," for which he received his second Oscar nominationStudied at the Pasadena Playhouse and the Stella Adler Academy in Los AngelesPlaying the combative sons of Nick Nolte's character are rising stars Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, who revealed to Back Stage how they landed their roles. Tom Hardy: I had a lengthy process of begging. I knew if I auditioned for it, there was no way I would get it. I'd talked to Gavin on the phone about process and how I could get there and transform myself. A lot of my audition process was me saying, "Trust me! Just trust me!" And Gavin really did trust me. He invited me out to come talk to him, and I flew out and stayed with him for a week. Joel Edgerton: I showed up at Gavin's house as well, but I didn't stay. I was a little different from Tom because I had a history of martial arts; I had a black belt as a kid, and I've played a lot of sports. Then he called me in India to offer me the part. They wanted to send some people to me to put me through the Krav Maga class, too, and I also kept telling him to trust me. Then I snuck away and tried to lift as many weights as possible.

'Nate Berkus Show' Will End After Season 2

As the Glee cast sends five songs onto this week's Billboard Hot 100, the most dramatic reinvention of its quintet of debuting remakes is its transformation of Cyndi Lauper's uptempo No. 2 1984 party anthem "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" as a ballad. Sung by Corey Monteith (aka, "Finn Hudson"), the song starts at No. 59.our editor recommends'Glee': Watch Two Songs From Tuesday's Christmas Episode (Video)Dianna Agron to Launch 'Art-Based' Website; Reveals That Her 'Glee' Character Was Nearly 'Scrapped' (Photos)Queen's Roger Taylor on 'Glee' Cover, Freddie Mercury's Death and the Band's Future With... Adam Lambert? PHOTOS: 'Glee's' Unforgettable Guest Stars (Additional "Fun" fact: the Glee cast looks in line for a lofty debut on next week's Hot 100, as its cover of "We Are Young," by alterative act Fun., is, at press time, the No. 1 song in the iTunes Store). "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" was previously stripped down, however, four years ago by singer/songwriter Greg Laswell. Released as a single, his take was later included on the Confessions of a Shopaholic movie soundtrack. Why make "Fun" sound so sad? "I've always loved Cyndi Lauper," Laswell tells Billboard. "I must have heard 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' hundreds of times before I actually listened to the lyrics. (Once I did), I remember thinking, 'Wait a second, that might be a sad song!' " ("My mother says, 'When you gonna live your life right?!'," read Robert Hazard's lyrics. "Oh, mother dear, we're not the fortunate ones"). "So, I slowed it way down," says Laswell, "changed the melody so that people wouldn't recognize it right away and played it only on piano, in hopes of shining a spotlight on the lyrics." PHOTOS: Glee's 300th Musical Performance Celebration While Laswell has not yet heard what Lauper thinks of his version, fan responses "have always been polarizing," he says. "Some people love it. Others really hate it, which is going to be the case anytime that you cover a well-known song in a completely different way." Laswell is frank in stating that he wishes that Glee would've referenced that his creative vision paved the way for its version of "Fun." (In the show's first season, Glee similarly shook up Billy Idol's "Dancing With Myself" in the spirit of Nouvelle Vague's more obscure, less rock-leaning version). "Of the Glee version, I think they have enough talent over there that they shouldn't need to go rummaging through other artists' work. "Public acknowledgement of their note-for-note rendition would have gone a long way." Listen to both versions below. Does Laswell deserve credit? In addition to Touchstone's Shopaholic, his rendition has also appeared on MTV's The Hills in 2007, FX's Damages in 2008, and New Line's My Sister's Keeper in 2009. As the Glee cast charts with its (uncredited) ode to his creativity, what better opportunity to note that Laswell has enjoyed his own share of Billboard chart success. His most recent album, Take a Bow, debuted at No. 3 on Heatseekers Albums last year and yielded the No. 5-peaking Triple A single "Take Everything." Laswell also scaled Heatseekers Albums with Three Flights From Alto Nido (No. 13) and his Covers EP (No. 38) in 2009. The makeover of "Fun" into a ballad isn't the only such current reinterpretation. Michael Buble's slower version of Mariah Carey's jangly "All I Want for Christmas Is You" spends a second week atop Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart. Buble credits his bass player, Craig Polasko, for the idea of reworking the carol as a ballad. Beyond the Glee cast's version of "Fun" and Buble's new leader, Adele's "Someone Like You" this year become the first ballad to top the Hot 100 since 2008, as well as the first-ever No. 1 featuring only vocals and piano accompaniment. After many months of hi-NRG dance/pop dominated by the likes of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Usher, perhaps a trend is shifting toward a more welcoming acceptance of slower-paced songs. I.e., not only can "Fun" be a ballad, but ballads can be fun, too. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'Glee' Season 3: The Episodics Related Topics Glee Cory Monteith Cyndi Lauper

Brian Edwards Is the Latest Executive to Exit Relativity Media

The Nate Berkus Show will end its run in the spring.our editor recommendsKatie Couric's Syndie Talker Earns Key ClearancesQueen Latifah Tapped to Host A Daytime Talk ShowSteve Harvey's New Syndicated Talker Picked Up by 10 NBC-Owned Stations While production on the show's current second season will continue as scheduled, producers Sony Pictures Television and Harpo Studios have opted not to move forward with the daytime talker, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. "After careful consideration, we have decided that The Nate Berkus Show will not return for a third season in the fall," Harpo Studios and Sony Pictures Television said in a joint statement. "We are grateful for the hard work and heart that Nate, [executive producer] Corin Nelson and their entire team have poured into the show, and we're very proud of what they've delivered." As first reported by Broadcasting & Cable, Nate Berkus has struggled to connect with viewers since its September 2010 bow when it registered a 1.0 rating. More recently, Nate Berkus averaged a 1.1 rating (1.4 million viewers) during the November sweep, making it the 126th-rated syndicated show and the lowest among established talk shows. One of three spinoffs from Oprah, Nate Berkus is cleared in 95 percent of the country, including NBC-owned stations. Other Oprah spinoffs Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz perform considerably better in comparison. "I'm incredibly proud of my hard working and talented staff, and proud of the show we were able to produce every day," Berkus said in a statement. Nate Berkus, distributed by Sony, will air its final episode in May. The news comes amid a changing daytime landscape will feature daytime talk shows hosted by Survivor's Jeff Probst (from CBS Television Distribution) and Ricki Lake (Twentieth Television) join the offerings next year. Meanwhile, Sony Pictures Television has teamed with Will Smith's Overbrook Entertainment and Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit for a syndicated daytime talk show to be hosted by Latifah. In addition, Steve Harvey is developing a "comedy show with talk show elements" with Endemol USA that would be distributed by NBCUniversal Domestic Television Distribution. Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution also recently renewed Anderson Cooper's daytime talk show for a second season. Katie Couric will also host a syndicated talk show for Disney/ABC Television Group. Alex Ben Block contributed to this report. Related Topics Sony Pictures Television

Paul Haggar, Former Postproduction Exec at Paramount, Dies

Ex-Pen State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky was arrested at his home in State College, PA and taken to jail again Wednesday on new charges of child sex abuse. This brings the total count of victims alleging abuse from Sandusky to 10.our editor recommendsJerry Sandusky Denies Abuse Allegations Again (Video)Bob Costas on Jerry Sandusky's Sex Scandal: 'There Will Be More' to Come Out of the Investigation (Video)Howard Stern on Jerry Sandusky: 'They Should Cut His B---- Off' (Video)Sarah Palin Calls For Hanging of Jerry Sandusky During Fox News Appearance (VIDEO)Jerry Sandusky's Lawyer Appears On 'Today' To Argue His Innocence (Video) Two new male accusers (Victim 9 and Victim 10) came forward, with one (Victim 9) claiming Sandusky molested him numerous times in a basement bedroom when he was a child according to the grand jury, NBC News reports. VIDEO: Ex-Penn State Coach Jerry Sandusky Breaks Silence on Sex Scandal Four unmarked police cars arrived to take the former football coach into custody. Bail on the new charges was set at $250,000, which Sandusky was not able to pay in cash. "As in many of the other cases identified to date, the contact with Sandusky allegedly fit a pattern of 'grooming' victims," Attorney General Linda Kelly said, reports NBC, "beginning with outings to football games and gifts; they later included physical contact that escalated to sexual assaults." VIDEO: Jerry Sandusky Denies Abuse Allegations Again According to Victim 9, he first met Sandusky while attending his The Second Mile summer camp and was eventually invited to sleepovers at the coach's home. The man testified in the grand jury report that Sandusky forced him into oral and anal sex while he was staying in the basement. On at least one occasion, the victim testified, he screamed for help, knowing that Sandusky's wife was upstairs, but no one ever came to help him. VIDEO: Even Satan Offended by Penn State Scandal on 'SNL' "Additional sex acts were allegedly performed in the swimming pool and Jacuzzi of a hotel in the State College area, at times when the pool area was not occupied," said the report. "I'm very disappointed by the latest tactics of the Attorney General's Office by going to Jerry's house unannounced without so much as giving me a courtesy phone call as his attorney,"Sandusky's attorney,Joe Amendola, said in a statement."I had to hear about it from the media. We've always offered to turn him in if there were new charges." He later announced that they were "working on posting bail and anticipate the necessary documents and materials will be brought to the judge in the morning," adding that they hoped to free Sandusky by Thursday. Watch video of the arrest below. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Hollywood's Biggest Fantasy Football Fans Related Topics Sports Jerry Sandusky

Happy Birthday, Britney Spears! Celebrate by Watching This Ridiculous Clip from 'Crossroads'

As if you needed more proof that Britney Spears is not a girl anymore, there's this: the mother of two turns 30 today. 30! On Dec. 2, 1981 in McComb, Miss., Spears was born, presumably making similar sounds to the ones she makes on 'I Wanna Go' and her other pop staples. (Girl has a thing for robotic baby cooing.) While Spears is best known as a pop superstar -- and tabloid train wreck -- she was once considered a movie star. Sorta! To celebrate Spears's 30th birthday, let's enjoy a clip from the cinematic classic 'Crossroads,' with future 'Avatar' star Zoe Saldana! Happy birthday, Brit-brit! [Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

New 'John Carter' Ad banners Have 'Star Wars' Vibe

Now continues to be absolutely loaded with new material from "John Carter," and present day obligatory release has showed up -- and they're both vaguely similar to "The Exorcist." Yesterday, the 2nd trailer opened, and photos and posters happen to be sent in a dizzying pace in the last week. Now, three new ad banners for that sci-fi epic showcase a few of the moments in the just-launched trailer. We have seen John Carter facing served by not just one, but two whitened apes within the the remarkably "Attack from the Clones"-esque Colosseum. Taylor Kitsch because the legendary Civil War captain moved to Mars removes among the apes throughout a clip, but another ape might be another question. The 2 other images concentrate on Carter and the two primary buddies throughout the film, each alien Thark from Mars and also the other, a princess performed by Lynn Collins. Within the second two images from the three, the buddies ride over the desert on animals that appear to be strikingly such as the dewbacks from "A Brand New Hope." The initial Edgar Grain Burroughs books produced numerous images that sci-fi movies of later decades drawn from, and today the film adaptation appears to gain access to from individuals movies. We have already seen imagery that appears nearly the same as different moments from both "The Exorcist" trilogies and echoes of publish-"Avatar" Hollywood. Exactly what do you think about the brand new ad banners from "John Carter"? Tell us within the comments below as well as on Twitter!

The Human Centipede II Banned in Australia

Consider it another notch in Tom Six’s cinematic bedpost: The barf-inducing horror sequel The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) has been banned in Australia following review by the Classification Review Board, the nation’s three-person governing body. Too extreme even for an R 18+ rating, the film was deemed to contain “gratuitous, exploitative, or offensive depictions of violence with a very high degree of impact and cruelty which has a high impact;” hit with a RC (Refused Classification) label, it can’t be “sold, hired, or advertised” in Australia. This, despite the Australian teaser for the film back in September suggesting that Australia would get an uncut version. Don’t worry, Aussies: Censors in U.K. also banned The Human Centipede II via a refusal to certify (albeit with much more colorful, entertaining language) and the film eventually passed muster after Six edited out the more horrifying content. And you don’t want to end up like Movieline’s poor Fantastic Fest seatmate, do you? Of course, there’s the whole censorship business to be outraged by, but trust me: If you truly want the full, uncut Human Centipede II experience it’ll be available eventually in Six’s Director’s Cut on DVD. At least then you can curl up into the fetal position in the comfort of your own home. [Classification Review Board via Movie City News]

Charlize Theron Desires To Kill Billy Burke... In 'Snow White'

FROM MTV MOVIES: Since a clip turned up for Kristen Stewart's next likely blockbuster, "Snow White-colored as well as the Huntsman" -- a.k.a. her first large publish-"Twilight" movie -- we've been chomping within the bit to learn more in regards to the film. Fortunately, MTV News stood a fun-filled chat recently with Stewart's "Huntsman" co-star Charlize Theron, throughout the South African-born beauty states she and Stewart are likely to shoot the film's climactic fight sequence. "I'm still shooting ['Huntsman'], I'm coming back by 50 percent days," Theron told us as she promoted the comedy "Youthful Adult." "I have not necessarily labored with [Kristen]. I've done some small things along with her, but we will shoot our large showdown, and fingers joined personally. It's the large fight. I'm just really, really, really wanting I buy to kill her," she mentioned getting a grin. "That's how a story eventually eventually ends up, right?" See the full story at MTV Movies!

'John Carter' Poster: Lost Within Our World

The most recent poster for Disney's "John Carter" will not provide you with a obvious take a look at Mars or even the animals living in the world. That being stated, it's certainly the best marketing material I have seen so far for that approaching sci-fi flick. Anybody you never know the fundamental premise of "John Carter" recognizes that its titular hero, performed by Taylor Kitsch, is really a stranger within the strange land of Mars. This poster really underlines that by getting him tinted in blue, as the relaxation of Mars and it is citizens are deep oranges and yellows. It is rather simple, however it works. The brand new poster comes hot around the heels of the completely new image in the film that does give fans a great take a look at Mars. And, better still, a brand new trailer will sandwich now of "John Carter" sneak peeks if this premieres tomorrow on "Due To Jimmy Kimmel Live." In line with the classic novel by Edgar Grain Burroughs, "John Carter" informs the storyline of former military captain John Carter who strangely will get moved to Mars and becomes unwillingly active in the war between your planet's people. He soon finds out the survival of Barsoom (Mars) and it is people rests exclusively in the hands. "It's this type of grand movie, and John is within every shot of the film, so obviously it is a large gap," Kitsch stated inside a recent interview with MTV News. "You decide to go on film, and also you read for him a few occasions and you arrive at the screen make sure you are beginning to fight through this." Are you currently searching toward "John Carter"? Inform us within the comments section below or on Twitter!

SeeFlik launches video clip competitions

Striving use a showcase for emerging filmmakers, recently minted SeeFlik is starting a set of online video clip competitions. The contests -- a Judge's Award along with a Fans Favorite -- is going to be open simply to students who attend or are within 5 years of graduation from accredited undergraduate or graduate film programs. SeeFlik, headed by longtime industry Ray Meli, recommended the contests like a "farm system" for that entertainment industry. "Hundreds of 1000's of emerging artists and filmmakers finish college every year and also have couple of options apart from the standard film festivals to obtain their voices heard," Meli stated. The very first round from the contests will conclude on February. 29 with those who win receiving $50,000 along with a showcase for talent agencies and galleries. The organization is starting with operating capital of $a million, funded by Wall Street executives Adam Wachter and Shaun Parket along with other executives. Wachter is chief operating officer, and Parket is chief financial officer. David Greenblatt, who co-founded Endeavor, assists being an agent to contest those who win and mentor them through the entire process of meeting agents, managers and studio executives. SeeFlik has drawn on six industry veterinarians for everyone on its Judge's Honours panel -- Michael London, Shane Black, Angelo Pizzo, Keir Pearson, Robert Kamen and Suzanne p Passe. The Fans Favorite competition will employ "The American Idol ShowInch-style voting, where the winning short is dependent upon the amount of votes received. "SeeFlik puts in one location an excellent forum for emerging filmmakers to become discovered," Greenblatt stated. SeeFlik has additionally registered nearly 20 film schools as affiliate marketers to pay for many forms are marketing including schools at Florida Condition U., NYU, Syracuse U., UCLA and USC. The competitions aren't restricted to students and alumni in the affiliated schools, and SeeFlik intends to expand the network of film schools. To become qualified, films should be original and no more than 25 minutes. Participants enter by uploading films electronically towards the SeeFlik site. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

The Scene: Within the 21st Annual Gotham Honours

Lawyers representing the charged assassin of Robert F. Kennedy aspire to prove their client's innocence... 43 years later. In recently filed court papers acquired through the AP, Sirhan Sirhan's legal team allege that the bullet was switched in evidence at his trial, which Sirhan was hypnotized to fireplace shots like a diversion in the actual killer. The lawyers, William F. Pepper and Laurie Dusek, also declare that new audio tests in the 1968 murder prove that there have been 13 shots fired from multiple guns -- five a lot more than Sirhan might have fired from his pistol. Within the original trial, eight bullets were counted. Three hit Kennedy, and also the relaxation struck five other sufferers who could recover. PHOTOS: 12 of Hollywood's Most Mysterious Deaths The shooting happened at L.A.'s Ambassador hotel on June 5, 1968, because the Senator was honoring his victory within the California and South Dakota primary elections for that Democratic nomination of Leader. Kennedy was fatally wounded because he walked with the hotel's kitchen on his method to the exit. He made it nearly 26 hrs following the incident, dying on June 6 in the Good Samaritan hospital, where he'd been given surgery. With Kennedy that evening was friend and actor/author George Plimpton (Nixon, Good Will Hunting), who assisted wrestle Sirhan down and disarm him. Plimpton was assisted by Olympic gold medalist, Rafer Manley and professional football player, Rosey Grier. Rosemary oil Clooney, a powerful Kennedy supporter, seemed to be available your evening. PHOTOS: Stars Who've Performed Political figures The fateful evening was immortalized within the 2006 film Bobby, written and directed by Emilio Estevez. The 62-page federal court brief may be the latest in many appeals filed on Sirhan's account, which were formerly switched lower. The Palestinian immigrant hopes to become deported to Jordan and "silently live the relaxation of his existence with family and buddies," the filing states. "But finally he'd, a minimum of, have obtained lengthy postponed justice." Throughout his trial, Sirhan accepted he had wiped out the Senator "with two decades of malice aforethought." He later rescinded his confession. The lawyers have requested the judge set an evidentiary hearing to reexamine the situation, proclaiming that Sirhan didn't have sufficient aid of counsel throughout his trial. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 12 of Hollywood's Most Mysterious Deaths Related Subjects Politics

'Walking Dead' systems season large for AMC

Sunday evening saw AMC's "The Walking Dead" wrap its short fall season with considerable amounts while audiences ongoing to cling for the Kardashian clan. Also of note within the finish in the extended holiday weekend will be a sluggish start for "Hallmark Hall of Fame" on its new network home, ABC, that is one net's "Not such a long time ago" dipped since it returned undertaking a 1-week hiatus but nevertheless remains potent. Searching within the preliminary Nielsen estimations, "The Walking Dead" averaged 6.6 000 0000 audiences, including 4.5 million among the demo-friendly grownups 18-49 crowd. It absolutely was up week to week and drenched the sophomore skein's the 2nd best scores so far -- behind only its season premiere lately. While "Walking Dead" has emerged as fundamental cable's top-rated original drama series ever in grownups 18-49, the completely new drama airing behind it, "Hell on Wheels," has lost ground after its sturdy start and really should now proceed for an additional 72 hours without its customarily strong lead-in. "Hell" came 4.4 million due to its premiere on November. 6 combined with fallen to 3.5 million due to its third episode AMC did not problem ratings for your show's fourth episode on Sunday. Elsewhere, it appears the short-were living marriage of Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries didn't alienate audiences, that are still keen to follow along with together with the household's reality exploits. Sunday's second-season premiere of E!'s "Kourtney and Kim Take NY" came 3.2 million audiences, slightly a lot better than the amounts for your series launch within the month of the month of january. Inside the 18-49 demo, "NY" received 2.3 million. Beginning the summer season preem, it absolutely was tough to forecast set up divorce brouhaha brings more audiences for the "Kardashian" series or turn them in the cabler's franchise. The 3.2 million number was good sixth-season finale of "Maintaining While using Kardashians," which broadcast in September. October's two-part wedding special averaged 4.2 million audiences. Following "NY," "After Lately" came a collection-high 1.2 million for your internet. Round the broadcast side Sunday, the low-trending "Hallmark Hall of Fame" franchise opened up up progressively for ABC, as "Mitch Albom's Have a very Little Belief" settled for just about any preliminary 1.1 rating/2 participate grownups 18-49 and 6.5 million audiences overall from 9 to 11 p.m., lower an impressive 48% within the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" original presentation of "November Christmas" this past year on CBS. The Interest internet had broadcast the franchise exclusively from 1995 until taken before relinquishing it due to lowering ratings. Also for ABC, "America's Funniest Home Videos" (1.8/4 in 18-49, 7.6 000 0000 audiences overall) was up just a little versus. its latest airing, and "Not such a long time ago" (3.4/8 in 18-49, 10.7 million audiences overall), sidelined the other day with the American Music Honours, was lower but did draw its greatest audience so far among the under-18 crowd (1.5 million). The holiday weekend also saw "Tyler Perry's For Better of Worse" draw 3.4 million audiences (including 1.8 million grownups 18-49) due to its Friday premiere around the best spinner's. The sitcom, good "Why Did I Acquired Married?" movies, might be the most recent from multihyphenate Perry, whose "House of Payne" broadcast greater than 200 episodes round the cabler. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Amazing Race's Bill and Cathi: I Had Been Too Careful on the road

Bill and Cathi After you have having the ability to escape elimination two occasions round the Amazing Race, Bill and Cathi Alden understood their there is a period up after they lost an hour or so approximately searching for the homing pigeon location in Belgium. "We'd a great deal trouble searching for the wall which we're able to not suppose another team had too many problems after they situated the pigeons," Cathi notifies TVGuide.com. "I had been confident i had been last. It absolutely was so dark and late in those days.In . But losing your way wasn't really the only aspect in their elimination. See what else they feel brought for his or her demise and the way they remain in this fit condition.Incredible Race's Laurence and Zac: The U-Turn and achieving lost "pressed us inside the edge"Perhaps you have perform pigeon task? They didn't demonstrate carrying it out.Cathi: We have arrived plus it am dark they didn't release the pigeons. They just gave us a card in the address of where the pigeon might be. That was just [more confirmation] that individuals were last.Do you realize the amount of time you lost searching for the pigeons?Bill: Probably an hour or so approximately. We have arrived very late. The twelve signs near to the town - I am unsure if an individual switched the sign slightly or what - but that needed us nearly half an hour, running forward and backward. We visited the wrong perfect the wall, so some nice youthful kids directed us right finish in the wall. It absolutely was so dark that individuals ended up available the wall and finally we found the clues lower below, that your couple of from the teams drove up and spotted immediately. It aided to experience a little sunlight. It needed us quite a while. As we had that, we're able to mind towards the city pretty fast. We lost the required time. We'd not seen almost every other team. We figured it absolutely was in regards to the finish.Why maybe it had been so difficult to get the region?Cathi: It absolutely was a very small place, nevertheless the actual wall can be a fence kind of component that circles just a little peak. It really meanders which is apparent around the rear from the city. People would say, "You're going here, you're going here, you're going here," but, you possessed to go to precisely the best place.Expenses: Also the roads don't go straight, so soon you're headed back the way you just came and you're simply in trouble. Individuals are nice be familiar with terrain virtually, however they don't realize that after it is said this, it doesn't appear sensible for you personally. You're while using first street that turns off and so they mean the main street that turns off in position the hill.You made an appearance to have trouble with self-navigation. You lost time likely to Legoland the other day now this.Cathi: I wouldn't condition which i was bad at navigation because we never went the wrong method round the freeway ever. I had been careful, maybe too careful. We stopped and asked for probably more perhaps a couple of from the other teams. Another factor is, searching back, i was less aggressive inside our driving after we probably must have been. Basically, we really did bring them at their word after they mentioned to go to the published posted speed limit. In my opinion a couple of from the other teams were more aggressive inside their driving and could constitute any error time. We just kind of saved it within the published posted speed limit the whole time. Maybe once we had driven faster, we could've taken track of someone. We'd great luck in Copenhagen while using directions as well as the driving, but no such luck here.Amazing Race's Justin and Jennifer: It absolutely was a "huge mistake" not biking backWhy weren't you more aggressive?Cathi: We're pretty rule-bound. After they say "go the published posted speed limit," we go the published posted speed limit. Once we were to make it happen again, we wouldn't go the published posted speed limit. [Laughs] We'd speed so when we have a ten-minute penalty, whoopee! Since you have composed people 10 mins.Costs: In general, it absolutely was almost 1,000 kilometers of driving. We'd experienced Europe numerous occasions, but we always used mass transit, so to date because the driving goes, I wasn't acquainted with it, therefore i didn't push it. We could've composed lots of time because manner. We have got directions which were not easily understood, when you went from everything you understood, you stopped and asked for again. After being almost goners the initial leg, how managed to get happen feel to produce the best five? Cathi: I had been grateful for every moment. To own [been saved by] two non-elimination legs? I had been very grateful for your first non-elimination because we'd this type of difficult time finding the board. So next, it absolutely was like, "Perform best you'll be able to, enjoy every minute" which we did. Just before the race began, the philosophy was "nearly all you will be removed," and that means you use knowning that and knowing you're going for any huge risk submitting yourself. Nevertheless it was certainly useful.How will you retain in this fit condition? In my opinion everyone desires to look much like everybody do inside their 60s.Cathi: [Laughs] Perhaps you have like how a bodybuilder observed that?Amazing Race's Liz and Marie: Our cabbie ripped us offThey paid out you more compliments in comparison as to the they did almost every other team.Cathi: I realize! We exercise, probably four to six occasions each week. We now have attempted it for several years. It is not something we did two or three several days [just before the race]. It's a lifestyle for people. Perform it because you need to live as extended to ensure that as happily to ensure that as healthy as you possibly can.Cathi, you saved falling lower. The amount of bruises perhaps you have get? Cathi: I used to be engrossed in bruises following a grain patty. There has been no real injuries whatsoever. My balance isn't excellent to begin with which we didn't remember to consider our backpacks off, and so the weight would change which i'd fall.Bill: She also handled to acquire some kind of special gems hanging towards the elephant. You saved rising minimizing on that, and he or she got her arms bruised up trying to keep on.Cathi: After, I asked for the cameraman if he'd put the falls together [in the montage] personally because it only decided to be amusing!Exactly what are you to date?Cathi: We'll Nz in two and a half days. Our daughter's husband originates from Nz, so our whole household is certainly going there for Christmas. It's summer season there, to depart Or and also to visit Nz will probably be great.

Casting Standout: 'Midnight in Paris'

Juliet Taylor has been casting movies for Woody Allen since the early 1970s, yet she still finds a special kind of thrill in embarking on a new project for the celebrated auteur. In the case of "Midnight in Paris," Allen's time-hopping love letter to the City of Lights, Taylor immediately recognized that it was a different sort of project for the filmmaker. "I thought it was unique, for sure," she says. "It was very exciting; it's a movie he's been trying to make for a few years and was very eager to do, and all of the ingredients fell together perfectly this time."The firstand perhaps greatestchallenge was finding an actor who could properly inhabit the central role of mild-mannered screenwriter Gil. Taylor says she and Allen talked for a month about many possible actors and angles for the part. "We really wanted to set the tone of the film in a particular way," she recalls. "Sometimes people tend to think that the male protagonists in Woody's movies are so much Woody's voice that it becomes complicated for the actor. I think what worked so beautifully with Owen Wilson is that Owen Wilson has his own voice, and his own voice was a really interesting way of expressing Woody's thoughts and feelings and getting underneath his humor. He's not typical of what a Woody guy would be."Luckily, Wilson responded immediately to the scripteven though he had a limited amount of time to read it. Sending the script "is always a bit of a challenge with Woody," says Taylor. "Basically, someone had to drive it to Owen Wilson's house and pick it up a few hours later."After that initial challenge, casting Wilson's leading ladiesRachel McAdams as prickly fiance Inez and Marion Cotillard as sultry muse Adrianawas a no-brainer. "Woody has always wanted to work with Rachel McAdams and it's never worked out," Taylor says. "And then of course Marion Cotillard was sort of our ideal for that part."Another massive casting feat soon presented itself, however: populating the vibrant 1920s Paris to which Wilson finds himself transported and that features a number of well-known historical figures. "It was a huge research undertaking," says Taylor. "Everything had to be done accurately to the year. You had to know how old, say, Ernest Hemingway was in that year. It was done quite meticulously with photographs and in some cases with old footage."Though Taylor wasn't necessarily looking for well-known faces, certain A-list actors were obvious choices, such as Kathy Bates as Gertrude Stein or Adrien Brody as Salvador Dal. "You couldn't not think of him for that," the CD says of Brody.In other cases, less-established performers proved to be perfect fits. Taylor spotted Corey Stoll, who cuts a charismatic, scene-stealing figure as Hemingway, in a Broadway revival of "A View From the Bridge" opposite Liev Schreiber and Scarlett Johansson. "He played their Italian immigrant cousin who comes to the United States, and it's a really difficult part, 'cause it's an old-fashioned, kind of cumbersome role," Taylor says. "He was so fantastic, and he just brought it to life. Woody went to see it too, and then [Stoll] came in and read, and he just knocked us out. That was a fun find."Taylor proudly notes that Stoll and Tom Hiddleston, who was cast as F. Scott Fitzgerald, have gone on to higher-profile roles: Stoll as one of the lead detectives in "Law & Order: LA" and Hiddleston as vengeful Loki in "Thor" and the upcoming "The Avengers."Back in the realm of present-day Paris, Taylor cast beloved character players Mimi Kennedy and Kurt Fuller as Inez's very American parents. "I've known both of them for quite a long time," the CD says of the actors. "I knew Mimi Kennedy years ago when she was in NY, and when I saw her in [the film 'In the Loop'], I thought, 'Oh, my gosh, she's grown up to be this really interesting persona.' They both felt so real. They didn't feel actory."The casting team rounded out the ensemble with an interesting mix of well-knowns (Michael Sheen as a know-it-all friend), up-and-comers ("Inglourious Basterds" supporting player Lea Seydoux as a charming antiques dealer), and offbeat choices (French first lady and recording star Carla Bruni as a museum guide) to give the entire film a fresh, unique feel.Says Taylor, "From a casting director's standpoint, it was very satisfying because we used a wonderful combination of new people and people who are quite well-known but were doing things that people haven't seen them do before. It was a fun balance."Casting Directors: Juliet Taylor, Patricia DiCerto, and Stphane Foenkinos Director: Woody AllenWriter: Woody AllenStarring: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, Kathy Bates, Adrien Brody, Michael Sheen, Carla Bruni, Kurt Fuller, Mimi Kennedy, Corey StollThe Pitch: A young writer (Wilson) re-evaluates the state of his life when he's transported back in time to the 1920s while vacationing in the most romantic city in the world: Paris, France. To read Back Stage's complete coverage of Awards Season, please get our FREE SAG Nomination Committee Guide. Or follow all our daily coverage with Back Stage's new online Awards Season section.

Live! With Kelly Books More Co-Hosts

Is these males the primary one? Live! With Kelly has attracted on several more guest co-hosts since the show continues to locate a lasting alternative for Regis Philbin. Joining co-host Kelly Ripa the first time will beDancing while using Stars ballerina and Season 13 finalist Derek Hough on 12 ,. 5 and actor Jonah Hill on 12 ,. 6. In addition previous guest co-hosts Jerry O’Connell and Josh Groban will return with an encore on November. 25 and from 12 ,. 7-9, correspondingly.

Britdoc, Bertha team on docus

"The Interrupters" has won the very first grant in the Connect Fund. The Funnel 4 Britdoc Foundation has became a member of forces using the Nigeria-based Bertha Foundation to produce two funds for documentary features amassing 1.5 million ($2.4 million) over 3 years.The Bertha Britdoc Connect Fund and also the Bertha Britdoc Documentary Journalism Fund will each hands out $400,000 annually to aid social activist filmmaking."The Interrupters," by Steve James, has won the very first grant in the Connect Fund, which is supposed to back "outreach and engagement" campaigns for completed films. Soniya Kirpalani's "We the folksInch may be the first project to obtain backing in the Documentary Journalism Fund, that will support producing investigative paperwork.Included in the partnership, an agent of Bertha, a household foundation devoted to marketing social activism, will join the board of Britdoc, a nonprofit org released through the U.K.'s Funnel 4 in 2005."The Bertha Foundation is really a visionary organization having a history in supporting social justice causes through documentary film," stated Britdoc Boss Jess Search. "We feel that by joining forces, we are able to enable documentary filmmakers globally."Rebecca Lichtenfeld, an agent to Bertha, stated, "The Bertha Foundation supports passionate people, strong leadership and activism to produce telecomutting saves gas. The building blocks thinks in the significance of documentary film and capability to have an optimistic social impact." Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

New DVD & Blu-ray Releases, Week of Nov. 22: 'Super 8,' 'Sarah's Key,' 'Conan the Barbarian'

Things are beginning to pick up on the home entertainment front this week: There's two best bets for your viewing enjoyment -- 'Super 8' and 'Sarah's Key' -- as well as a handful of interesting titles that should keep you busy every night this week -- until next Tuesday's onslaught of new releases. Read on. 'Super 8' What It's About: This homage of sorts to the kids-coming-of-age movies of the 1980s (think 'Stand by Me,' 'Goonies') concerns a group of small-town kids in 1979 who witness a catastrophic train crash while making a Super 8 zombie movie. They then discover that the train was carrying a cargo more terrifying than any of them could have imagined -- and it's been let loose on the countryside. It turns out that an extraterrestrial had been captured by the U.S. government and was being transported to a new location -- and the train crash wasn't accidental. With people and animals disappearing at an alarming rate, the kids pool their resources to aid the local deputy in preventing a major disaster. It's Kinda Like: 'E.T.' meets 'Predator' What We Say: 'Super 8' is the latest in a long line of films in which a bunch of kids get together to solve a problem adults can't understand or handle properly (they're either too mean or too stupid) -- it honors a tradition extending from 'The Blob' and 'Invasion of the Saucer Men' to 'E.T.' and 'The Monster Squad.' Director J.J. Abrams, of course, sides with the kids, clearly taking a page from producer Steven Spielberg's never-want-to-grow-up notebook. He understands the dynamics of kids growing pains, blossoming young love and alienation, and here mixes those ingredients with the sci-fi motifs of a rampaging alien (he's one nasty E.T.) for an enjoyable action-thriller. The train crash alone is worth the price of home admission. • Extras: Commentary by J.J. Abrams, deleted scenes and a host of interesting featurettes. Rotten Tomatoes Reviews | Buy DVD | Save DVD to your Netflix queue Watch a trailer: 'Sarah's Key' What It's About: In this drama centered on the tragedy of the Holocaust, Kristin Scott Thomas plays an American journalist who, 67 years after the war ended, uncovers one more missing piece of the story. As she and her family plan to move into an apartment in Paris, she learns the history of the building -- not only its connection to a tragic event that occurred during the Nazi occupation of Paris, but also her husband's family's possible connection to the event as well. The film bounces back and forth in time -- from the incarceration of Jews during WWII, including 10-year-old Sarah and her family, to the present, as Scott Thomas investigates what happened to the former occupants of the apartment. It's Kinda Like: 'Schindler's List' meets 'Tell No One' What We Say: There's always room for more stories about the Holocaust, particularly if they're well-written, directed and acted. 'Sarah's Key' scores only on one of these three points, however: the acting is top notch, but the storyline and direction at times lacks the dramatic punch that befits a film that's basically a tragic mystery. When Scott Thomas slowly works her way toward solving the story's central conceit, the film's pace almost slows to a halt. Though almost low-key to a fault, we'll forgive its sins to get to the involving, poignant Holocaust tale. • Extras: A behind-the-scenes featurette. Rotten Tomatoes Reviews | Buy DVD | Save DVD to your Netflix queue Watch a trailer: Other New November 22 Releases: 'The Adventures of Tintin: Season One': (2011) To prepare for Steven Spielberg's 'The Adventures of Tintin,' due Dec. 23, you might want to take a look at the precursor, 'The Adventures of Tintin,' adapted from the long-running French comic strip and graphic novels (begun in the 1920s) by the late cartoon artist Herge (a.k.a. Georges Remi) that chronicles the young and intrepid investigative reporter Tintin and his faithful dog Snowy, as they embark on incredible globe-trotting adventures full of excitement, mystery and fun. The first season of the 1991 animated TV series has just been released as a two-disc set with 13 episodes. 'Becoming Santa': (2011) A humorous documentary that follows one man's journey to regain his Christmas spirit. After Jack Sanderson's parents died, he realized he wasn't looking forward to the holidays and, in a dominant commercial culture, avoiding Christmas seemed impossible. So with that, Jack decided that the best way to get through the Christmas Season was to become Santa Claus. Director Jeff Myers followed Jack on his journey, which entailed getting a custom Santa suit from Adele Saidy of Adele's of Hollywood, attending the American Events Santa School taught by Susen Mesco in Denver, Col., and ultimately booking Santa jobs. 'Carjacked': (2011) During a routine stop at a gas station, Lorraine (Maria Bello), a vulnerable single mom, and her 5-year-old son (Connor Hill), are carjacked by Roy (Stephen Dorff), a vicious bank robber on the run who forces her to drive him to meet up with his accomplice. 'Conan the Barbarian': (2011) Hey Conan fans: The legendary Barbarian is back -- big time. Spiffy special effects (and lots of blood and guts) makes the Cimmerian warrior come alive on the big screen as he grows from a killer-of-a-boy to a grown-up killer-of-a-warrior who has to save the world from a power hungry warlord who slaughters all in his path -- including Conan's family and village. Not for the queasy. Watch an exclusive clip: 'The Devil's Double': (2011) Dominic Cooper gives a tour-de-force performance as both Uday Hussein, Saddam Hussein's reckless, sadistic party-boy son who has a rabid hunger for sex and brutality; and Latif Yahia, an Iraqi army lieutenant ordered to become the 'fiday' -- or body double -- to the notorious "Black Prince" in 1987. It's kinda like 'Scarface' set in Iraq with Cooper as a Middle-Eastern Tony Montana. It's based on a true story -- and is brutally violent. 'The Family Tree': (2011) When a bizarre accident leaves desperate housewife Bunnie with a case of amnesia, her dysfunctional family -- consisting of husband, Jack and twin 17-year-olds Eric and Kelly -- gets an unexpected second chance at happiness in this offbeat comedy. Stars Hope Davis, Dermot Mulroney, Max Thieriot, Brittany Robertson. 'Helldriver': (2010) After a meteorite crashes into Japan, releasing a toxic ash that turns inhabitants in the northern half of the country into bloodthirsty zombies, a stunning high school girl armed with an artificial heart-powered chainsaw sword leads a motley crew of desperadoes into the zombie-infected wilds to exterminate the zombie queen. This low-budget flick has more ambition than smarts; after the first foray into zombieland, the killings become an endless loop of bloodshed with no rhyme nor reason nor story line. 'Spy Kids: All the Time in the World': (2011) What do you do when a franchise has run its course? Reboot it by bringing in new blood. That's what Robert Rodriguez did with this entry in the once-popular Spy Kid series. But where the previous sequels were giddy with self-referential musings and outlandish villains, this one is downright stupid. Even the presence of Jessica Alba as the spy mom can't enliven the proceedings, which is about an evil villain who is speeding up and destroying all the time in the world. Check out more November 22 DVD releases at OnVideo.

Kidpic trio will have trouble toppling 'Dawn'

"The Muppets" "Arthur Christmas" A wealth of choices for family auds over Thanksgiving weekend could result in kidpic cannibalization.Disney's "The Muppets" is expected to top Aardman Animation's 3D CGI "Arthur Christmas" and Martin Scorsese's 3D f/x-laden "Hugo." But B.O. observers aren't expecting Kermit and the gang to beat Summit's "Twilight" crew, as holdover "Breaking Dawn -- Part 1" is projected to gross in the $60 millions in five days."The Muppets," which bows today at 3,440 locations, should earn somewhere north of $40 million through Sunday, according to pre-weekend tracking services.B.O. pundits expect Sony's "Arthur Christmas," which cost a reported $98 million, to earn between $15 million and $17 million in five days at 3,376 locations, while Paramount's "Hugo," made by GK Films for a pricey $170 million, is tracking on the soft side in the low double digits, though it opens at just 1,277 locations. All three wide openers are seeing more positive reviews than the average family pic, which could add to wider appeal.Overseas B.O. won't see a similar holiday boost, and "Breaking Dawn" should win again after last weekend's $152.9 million international bow."Arthur Christmas" bows day-and-date in Australia, France and Japan, while "The Muppets" launches only in Mexico.Disney has a steady track record at the Thanksgiving box office.Last year, Disney's "Tangled" started out strong with a five-day take of $53.7 million. But that wasn't enough to beat "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," which collected $75 million in its second outing.Given the multi-generational appeal for "The Muppets," budgeted at a relatively inexpensive $45 million, some bizzers say the film could outdo expectations and appeal to both kids and their parents who grew up with the property. Disney has flexed considerable marketing muscle in promoting the live action/puppet film, which stars Amy Adams and Jason Segel, to older teens and college-age students. For instance, the Muppets, who became popular through their "Sesame Street" appearances before getting their own show in 1976 -- recently appeared on such late-night shows as "Saturday Night Live" and "Chelsea Lately."The Mouse is being more modest with its predictions in the high $30 millions.Thanksgiving B.O. usually starts strong on Wednesday, tapers off slightly on the holiday itself, and then picks up again over the weekend."Breaking Dawn" should see a similar three-day week-to-week drop as "New Moon," which fell 72% this weekend in 2009. "New Moon" debuted with $143 million; "Breaking Dawn" collected $138 million opening weekend and has tallied so far almost $148 million.The penultimate "Twilight" pic has little competition among teen girls. That's not the case with family films -- in addition to the trio of new entries, holdovers like "Happy Feet Two" and "Puss in Boots" will also look to lure tots. The former pic bowed last weekend to a soft $21 million in three days, but should hold steady, with a projected five-day take in the mid-$20 millions."Happy Feet Two" has cumed nearly $23 million through Tuesday; "Puss in Boots" approaches $125 million domestically.Both "Arthur Christmas" and "Hugo" are tracking best with families, though "Hugo" could also pick up adult Scorsese fans.3D likely will have a marginal effect on both films. Last weekend, "Happy Feet" earned just 50% of its opening from 3D -- similar to "Puss in Boots" at 51%. That's better than some of the summer's 3D toons (i.e. "Cars 2"), but down significantly from this time last year with films like "Megamind" and "Tangled.""Arthur Christmas" bows at 2,378 3D locations; "Hugo" has approximately 1,000 3D locations. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

Woodsy Woodpecker Movie Developing at Universal

Guess who? Based on the Hollywood Reporter, Universal and Illumination Entertainment -- the animation hub behind 'Despicable Me' and 'Hop' amongst others -- will synergy again to make a large-screen version of Woodsy Woodpecker. Debuting in 1940 (using the voice of Mel Blanc), the Woodsy Woodpecker cartoons rose to prominence through the next two decades. Plenty of which had related to the cartoon's legendary theme, the only real song ever from the video clip to obtain nominated to have an Academy Award. Arrived at for comment, the film-less Porky Pig stated, "That's all, folks," before storming away. [via THR/Warmth Vision] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Pamela Anderson to Play Virgin Mary in Christmas TV Show

TORONTO - Yes, that Virgin Mary.our editor recommendsPamela Anderson returns to TVPamela Anderson's marriage annulled Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson, famed for nude photo shoots and a homemade porn video with Tommy Lee, is to play mother Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms on Canadian TV this Christmas. PHOTOS: Models Turned Movie Stars Anderson, a native of Canada, will headline A Russell Peters Christmas Special for CTV and The Comedy Network, where she will appear in a sketch comedy scene set in a Christmas manger with Canadian funnyman Russell Peters, who is hosting the one-hour special to bow here on December 1. STORY: Pamela Anderson Gets Indian Makeover for TV Turn A Russell Peters Christmas Special will also star Michael Bublé, Ted Lange (The Love Boat), Saturday Night Live alumnus Jon Lovitz and Scott Thompson (The Kids in the Hall). STORY: Pamela Anderson And Russell Peters In Xmas Sketch Comedy Routine The Canadian show will feature a mix of stand-up and sketch comedy, stop-motion animation and musical performances. A Russell Peters Christmas Special is produced by Round 2 It Entertainment, Peters' production shingle, CPI Pictures and Insight Productions. Related Topics Pamela Anderson International Michael Buble CTV

Fake 'Jack and Jill' Twitter Account: Funnier Than the Movie? [UPDATE]

Because the day wouldn't be complete without another 'Jack and Jill' post: some merry pranksters have set up a fake account for the critically-destroyed film on Twitter. "NO SPOILERS, but there's a HUGE athlete cameo in 'Jack & Jill,'" reads the feed. "His name rhymes with Paquille So Real, but that's all we're saying!!!! Pls RT." Funny, or as @JackNJillMovie would say, "LOL. Just thinking about something from #JackAndJill LOL!!!" No word who is controlling the fake Twitter account (unfortunately, it probably isn't Armond White), but, well played all involved. You can follow the fake account for all your snarky 'Jack and Jill' needs by clicking here. 'Jack and Jill' is in theaters now. UPDATE: The account has been shut down, so don't bother following that link unless you find error screens hilarious. EARLIER: The only positive reviews for 'Jack and Jill' [Photo: Sony] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

R.I.P. Hal Kanter

Veteran film writer, producer and directort Hal Kanter died Sunday of complications of pneumonia in Encino, his daughter Donna Kanter told the La Occasions. He was 92. “He was one among the wits of the profession,” stated Carl Reiner, upon learning of Kanter’s dying.”He would be a funny elder statesman, there’s nothing better.”In work that spanned several decades, Kanter labored in radio, TV and films. He authored for Bob Hope and Bing Crosby as well as for Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. Kanter directed Elvis in Loving You which ones he co-authored and that he authored the screenplaly for Blue Hawaii. He even worked with with Tennessee Williams around the 1955 movie version from the Rose Tatoo. Among other movie credits wereGeorge Cukor’s Let’s Have Sex, with Marilyn Monroe and Yves Montand and Frank Capra’s Pocketful of Miracles. His numerous TV credits incorporated development of the landmark sitcom Julia, that DiahannCarroll grew to become the very first black actress to star in their sitcom whose character would be a professional lady as opposed to a maid. Younger crowd labored briefly on All in the household and would be a author and produceer on Chico and also the Guy.His connection to the Academy awards like a author around the ceremony started in 1952 if this still on radio and ongoing in excess of 3 decades. In 1991 and 󈨠 he shared Emmys for writing responsibilities around the Oscar show telecast. His other Emmy was for that George Gobel Show. Kanter seemed to be very mixed up in Authors Guild of America which honored him multiple occasions for his plan to the guild, the and also the community. The WGA West recognized Kanter for lifetime achievement wtih the Paddy ChayevskyLaurel Award for Television (an eternity achievement jerk) in 1989. Reiner noted thatKanter also offered as master of events for that Company directors Guild of America’s honours dinner for several years. “Any age of known as upon, he always might make the crowd laugh.”He located numerous Authors Guild events too. He's made it by his longtime wife Doris, kids Donna Kanter, Lisa Kanter Shafer and Abigail Kanter Jaye, a sister along with a daughter.

Adele Has Vocal Cord Surgery In Boston

First Published: November 7, 2011 3:34 PM EST Credit: FilmMagic BOSTON, Mass. -- Caption Adele arrives at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre, L.A. Live, Los Angeles, Aug. 28, 2011Adele has undergone throat surgery to stop a recurrent condition that caused her to cancel tour dates and promotional appearances for the rest of the year. A spokesman for Massachusetts General Hospital says the British singer underwent vocal cord microsurgery to stop recurrent bleeding from a benign polyp. The condition is usually the result of unstable blood vessels in the vocal cord that can rupture. The hospital says the 23-year-old Grammy winner came to Boston to undergo the surgery with Dr. Steven Zeitels, director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Voice Center. Thehospital says Zeitels expects Adele to make a full recovery from the laser microsurgery. Columbia Records announced last month that the Rolling in the Deep singer would have throat surgery. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Phase 4 Builds up All U . s . States Rights to 'Hick'

Phase 4 Films has acquired all U.S. and Canadian rights to director Derick Martini's Toronto Film Festival entry Hick, starring Chloe Sophistication Moretz, Blake Lively, Eddie Redmayne, Juliette Lewis and Alec Baldwin.our editor recommendsHick: Toronto Review Phase 4 leader-Boss Berry Meyerowitz introduced the sale with Hick Picture Productions leader Charles P Portes. A spring 2012 release is planned. Good book of same title by Andrea Portes, Hick is about a 13-year-old girl (Moretz) who, frustrated with fending for herself and her mother's penchant for hard-consuming males, hits the road expecting as being a celebrity. In route, she meets a drifter getting a nick on his shoulder (Redmayne) together with a troubled but spirited lady (Lively) who takes the woman under her wing. "We've had Derek Martini on our radar since he became a member of the scene along with his edgy film Lymelife," Meyerowitz mentioned. "Hick is certainly an incredible, pull no punches adventure which we could not request anymore gifted cast." The sale was talked about by Phase 4 senior v . p . of acquistions Ray Greenberg, Cassian Elwes of CAA and Graham Taylor at WME regarding the filmmakers. Related Subjects Blake Lively Chloe Moretz

Google Eyes Potential Method To Deliver Cable Tv Services To Clients

Google Corporation. is concentrating on a means to provide paid out cable tv services to clients, the Wall Street Journal reviews, incorporated inside a formerly introduced project to create a great high-speed fiber optic service in metropolitan Might. The procedure would involve combinging Internet, video and speak to services similar to cable and telecom companies, and Google has received exploratory talks with Wally Disney Co., Time Warner Corporation. and Discovery Communications about delivering Television stations inside the video service. In September Google hired former cable tv executive Jeremy Stern, who's leading people discussions. Google’s actions could accelerate your competitors for just about any share in the greater than $150 billion every year that traditional TV inside the U.S. receives from entrepreneurs and clients needing to pay monthly costs. Already the finest seller of Web ads, Google wants numerous people TV dollars. Telephone and satellite companies way back when began competingagainst cable systemswith bundled up up communications and TV funnel options. Amazon . com . com.com is bulking up its content along with Dish, and Netflix remains formidable despite disastrous problems. Apple is another good competitor through iTunes and potentially, Apple TV furthermore for the already very popular iPad that shows no signs and signs and symptoms of slowing down lower. Comcast together with other cable companies are moving to solidify their hold by creating their unique programs and obtaining Internet rights to content. Though this latest plan,Google could undercut its rivals where it could really hurt — their subscription costs. Might was among 1,100 cities that lobbied being the initial test industry for Google Fiber — which since the title indicates would use fiber optic cables that have greatly more data capacity than coaxial cable or telephone lines, the Might Star notes responding for the Journal report. That project props up promise of1 gigabit per second uploads and downloads. Yahoo is talking about handful of nuances of their plans for Might on both sides in the Missouri River, which separates the larger city round the Missouri side in the Kansas neighbor. Google has only mentioned itsInternet service might be listed similar to much reduced speed traditional delivery, so it would most likely be accessible in a few areas of Might, Kansas, noisy . 2012.

At Actorfest LA, Uncover the key to Success in Voice-Over

At Actorfest LA, Uncover the key to Success in Voice-Over November 2, 2011 Inside the Succeeding in Voice-over panel at Actorfest LA, six industry professionals offer the insider's take a look at the required steps to achieve success just like a voice-over actor. Learn how to get cast just like a Voice-Over Actor in Ads and also on Radio and TV.Voicebank's Boss Rob Hixon leads this panel of top casting company company directors, voice-over artists, and agents, and so they shares their finest advice on entering this lucrative area, including the best way to create a career in voice-over.Sound system include: -- Rob Hixon, Boss, Voicebank-- David Stieve, Voice-over Agent, Also called Talent Agency-- Terry Berland, Casting Director, Terry Berland Casting-- Ron Zieff, Producer, Director, Casting Director, Voice-over Talent and Coach-- Bill Ratner, Actor-- Ashley Russo, ActorTo subscribe to this dynamic workshop, visit actorfestla2011.eventbrite.com.Actorfest LA, that's introduced for you personally by Back Stage, the Actor's Resource, will occur on Saturday, November fifth within the California Market Center in downtown La. To help kickstart your work, Actorfest provides a lot more than 24 exclusive Courses Casting Calls Meet & Drops with Top Casting Company company directors a Networking Caf plus an enormous Exhibit Hall, where you'll talk to acting teachers, coaches, schools, headshot photography fanatics, plus much more providers who will help you achieve your work.To link up for Actorfest LA, take a look at actorfestla2011.eventbrite.com. For more information, visit internet.ActorfestLA.com. When you register, take full advantage of our special limited-time subscription offers.Enjoy every day at Actorfest! At Actorfest LA, Uncover the key to Success in Voice-Over November 2, 2011 Inside the Succeeding in Voice-over panel at Actorfest LA, six industry professionals offer the insider's take a look at the required steps to be successful just like a voice-over actor. Learn how to get cast just like a Voice-Over Actor in Ads and also on Radio and TV.Voicebank's Boss Rob Hixon leads this panel of top casting company company directors, voice-over artists, and agents, and so they shares their utmost advice on entering this lucrative area, including building operate in voice-over.Sound system include: -- Rob Hixon, Boss, Voicebank-- David Stieve, Voice-over Agent, Also called Talent Agency-- Terry Berland, Casting Director, Terry Berland Casting-- Ron Zieff, Producer, Director, Casting Director, Voice-over Talent and Coach-- Bill Ratner, Actor-- Ashley Russo, ActorTo subscribe to this dynamic workshop, visit actorfestla2011.eventbrite.com.Actorfest LA, that's introduced for you personally by Back Stage, the Actor's Resource, will occur on Saturday, November fifth within the California Market Center in downtown La. To help kickstart your work, Actorfest provides a lot more than 24 exclusive Courses Casting Calls Meet & Drops with Top Casting Company company directors a Networking Caf plus an enormous Exhibit Hall, where you'll talk to acting teachers, coaches, schools, headshot photography fanatics, plus much more providers who will help you achieve your work.To link up for Actorfest LA, take a look at actorfestla2011.eventbrite.com. For more information, visit internet.ActorfestLA.com. When you register, take full advantage of our special limited-time subscription offers.Enjoy every day at Actorfest!

Imax 3Q revenue jumps 32%

Giant screen maker Imax Corp. Thursday said a strong performance at its growing network of theaters led to an earnings uptick last quarter. Revenue jumped 32 percent to $67.5 million for the three months ended in September. Net income rose to $8.4 million from $6.7 million. Imax CEO Richard Gelfond cited a ''combination of strong film performance, a growing theater network and prudent expense management'' and said the quarter ''demonstrates the operating leverage that will propel our growth going forward.'' Total film revenue rose to $26.6 million from $21.0 million. Production and Imax DMR revenues increased 50 percent to $18.6 million, primarily reflecting the growth of the Imax theater network from the year earlier. Gelfond said it was the highest-grossing box office quarter since the first quarter of 2010 (which included Avatar) driven by ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' and the last ''Harry Potter'' installment. Gross box office from DMR titles increased 53 percent to $149 million. The average DMR box office per screen in the third quarter was $356,200 ($257,200 domestic, $560,000 international). Coming lineup includes a five-day preview of ''Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol The Imax Experience,'' ''The Amazing Spider-Man,'' ''The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'' and ''The Dark Knight Rises,'' which is currently being filmed using Imax cameras.'' Sales from joint revenue sharing arrangements increased 54 percent to $10. During the quarter, the company installed 14 new theaters under joint revenue sharing arrangements, versus 18 in the year-ago period. As of Sept. 30, 2011, there were 218 Imax theaters operating under joint revenue sharing arrangements, versus 144 the year before. Imax said it expects to have between 490 and 500 commercial multiplex theaters in operation by year-end, implying commercial network growth in 2011 of over 30 percent. Imax said it has a record backlog of orders for 295 theater systems at the end of the quarter. Some 80 percent of the backlog is international. Company said international theaters generate twice the box office of domestic theaters. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

News Corp.'s HarperCollins Acquires Film Books Publisher Newmarket Press (Exclusive)

HarperCollins Publishers, a division of News Corp., has acquired the rights to the majority of titles published by Newmarket Press, the respected independent publisher of film-related books, including its Shooting Script series and illustrated movie tie-in books. our editor recommendsSammy Hagar: 4 Discoveries From his Uncensored Autobiography Esther Margolis, the founder and publisher of Newmarket Press, is joining It Books, HarperCollins' entertainment-focused division. She is the executive editor in charge of the newly established Newmarket Press for It Books imprint. The acquisition punctuates the rapid rise of 2-year-old It Books in the world of pop culture and entertainment publishing and signals HarperCollins' continued commitment to expand its entertainment offerings. Cal Morgan, senior vp and publisher of It Books, praised the acquisition. "For years, Newmarket Press has been the industry's leading publisher of film-related books," he said. "Its list of screenplays, making-of books, tie-ins, and other titles on cinema is second to none." He called Margolis a "highly respected veteran of both the publishing and the film industries," and said her experience would be "an invaluable asset" for It Books. For her part, Margolis said joining HarperCollins would allow Newmarket to flourish. "The resources of HarperCollins and the It Books team will allow the Newmarket backlist to flourish in all channels and formats while enabling me to add to the list going forward," she said. In the three decades since Margolis founded Newmarket in 1981, it has published more than 200 books in the areas of film, theater and performing arts, including official tie-in books for such films asMilk,The Matrix,Moulin Rouge,Chicago,Sense and Sensibility andSaving Private Ryan. It also published the Newmarket Shooting ScriptSeries, including screenplays forThe King's Speech,The Hurt Locker, Slumdog Millionaire,Juno,Sideways,Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless MindandAmerican Beauty. Newmarket Press' general nonfiction back catalog will be issued under the William Morrow Trade Paperbacks imprint. It includes such bestsellers asWhat's Happening to My Body?by Lynda MadarasandYou've Earned It, Don't Lose Itby Suze Orman.It also published Gene Hackman's first novel (co-written with Daniel Lenihan),Wake of the Perdido. Launched in September 2009, It Books has established itself as a major player in pop culture and entertainment publishing. It turned Justin Halpern's twitter feed "Sh*t My Dad Says" into a No. 1 NY Timesbest seller and a CBS TV show. This year alone, It Books releasedRedby Sammy Hagar,Getting the Pretty Backby Molly Ringwald,Being Kendraby Kendra Wilkinson,All My Lifeby Susan Lucci andDear Caryby Dyan Cannon.It also just scored a National Book Award nomination forRadioactive: Marie and Pierre Curie: A Story of Love and Fallout,by Lauren Redniss -- the first graphic novel ever to get a fiction nomination. Margolis brings a wealth of valuable experience to It Books. She originated Bantam Books' publicity operation in the 1960's, later becoming Bantam's first division head for marketing, publicity and communications worldwide and worked closely with such authors as Jacqueline Susann, Maya Angelou, Louis L'Amour, Gail Sheehy and E.L. Doctorow.In 2008, she won the Poor Richard Award from the NY Center for Independent Publishing, given to a publisher who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of independent publishing. Related Topics M&A News Corp.

Taylor Armstrong Planning First Major Appearance Since Russell Armstrong Suicide

First Published: October 19, 2011 9:56 PM EDT Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Taylor Armstrong speaks with Access Hollywood, Oct. 28, 2011 LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Taylor Armstrong is putting her life back together after the tragic suicide of her estranged husband, Russell Armstrong. Day by day things are getting easier, Taylor told Access Hollywoods Shaun Robinson on Wednesday during a visit to the set of Ciroc and Bravos New Years Eve commercial, promoting an upcoming December 31 event involving various Real Housewives franchise stars in Houston, Miami, NY, Los Angeles and Chicago. Taylor will actually make one of her first major appearances since the August tragedy, over New Years Eve at the Ciroc/Bravo event. It was something that I had decided to do a while before the tragedy occurred, Taylor explained of how her participation in the event came about. I wanted to honor that commitment; it was important to me. I do have to get on with my life at some point, she continued. At that point, it will have been quite some time. I feel like New Years Eve is a time for new beginnings, and a time to set goals for the future. I think thats a good landmark for me. For more of our exclusive interview with Taylor Armstrong, including how she told her daughter the tragic news about Russell, tune into Access Hollywood on Thursday night. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Dark Shadows' Is Vintage The Actor-brad Pitt & Tim Burton, States Chloe Moretz

Anybody who follows us at Movies Blog and MTV News, for your matter, is knowledgeable that we are somewhat looking forward to "Dark Shadows," Tim Burton and Johnny Depp's next collaboration. Additionally to the gushing total the launched photos, Depp considered in about them themself, calling his Barnabas Collins a "classic monster character," and also the film's composer Danny Elfman guaranteed a "fun" and "wild" film. Today we now have more warm fuzzy words concerning the film via co-star Chloe Moretz, who we went into at Spike's Scream Honours, where she spoken about her experience making the film and why the film is really special. It had been incredible. I am talking about dealing with Tim Burton happens to be an aspiration for me personally, to really access it set and use Tim, and become inside it with The Actor-brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter and Michelle Pfeiffer, it had been an aspiration become a reality since they're my idols," she stated. "To operate people like this that understand how to get it done, and just how to have it. It had been really special I many userful stuff here. Regarding what separates the film from Burton and Depp's newest collaborations, Moretz stated "Shadows" harkens to Burton's most legendary, classic films. I believe its special since it dates back to Tims roots. It dates back to 'Beetlejuice,' and 'Edward Scissorhands' also it dates back towards the true Tim," she described. "I really like it while he will get inside it, and he's for the reason that little circle with Michelle, and Helena and Johnny, also it just, it takes place. Everything goes lower within the movie. Exactly what do you think about Moretz's ideas around the film? Inform us within the comments or on Twitter!

Scripters on 'Zombie' trail

Smash Media Films has attracted on Lior Chefetz and Joe Swanson to script the horror pic "Zombie Blondes."Harry Winer and Shelley Hack will produce.Pic is founded on it by John James and follows a lady inside a new secondary school who hopes to find acceptance while using cheerleader crowd only to uncover there can be something existence-threatening inside the activity.Winer can be a producer on "The Expatriate" starring Aaron Eckhart, which will premiere at AFM.Chefetz is repped with the Bauer Co. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

Selena Gomez Granted Temporary Constraint Order

First Launched: October 17, 2011 10:41 PM EDT Credit: WireImage BURBANK, Calif. -- Caption Selena GomezA judge grants or loans Selena Gomez a short constraint order in the guy with past mental illness who shop dead threatened the singer-actress. Court public record information show the Masters of magic of Waverly Place star was granted a purchase Thursday in Burbank, that's north of downtown La. Thomas Brodnicki is required to remain 100 yards (90 meters) from Gomez and her workplace until a November. 4 hearing, when the order may be extended for three years. Gomez written in the sworn declaration they is at extreme concern with Brodnicki. The filings, first reported Monday by celebrity website TMZ, say condition police were informed by mental health employees the 46-year-old had threatened to harm or eliminate the actress throughout a mental hold. Attempts to achieve Brodnicki weren't effective. Copyright 2011 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Hasbro 3Q Earnings Fall Short Of Expectations Despite Transformers

Hasbro 3Q earnings were lighter than Wall Street expected, in spite of a healthy upturn at its entertainment and licensing segment which benefited from Paramount’s Transformers: Dark Of The Moon and a onetime payment from Universal Studios.The toy company reported net income of $171.0M for the quarter, up 10% vs the same period last year, on revenues of $1.38B, up 5%. Earnings at $1.27 a share missed analysts’ target of $1.30.They also expected revenues tohit $1.45B. The drag came from U.S. and Canadian sales of games and puzzles, and products targeted to boys and girls — all of the categories declined. But entertainment and licensing revenues soared 69% to $46.3M while the unit’s operating income was up 159.3% to $15.3M. The company didn’t break out financials for The Hub, the cable channel for children it operates with Discovery. CEO Brian Goldner says Hasbro has “a great line up of innovative, sought-after toys and games for the holiday, many of which are only recently hitting retail shelves” and expects strong sales overseas. The company’s share price has fallen about 25% over the last 12 months, closing Friday at $34.75 — and CFO Deborah Thomas says Hasbro repurchased 5.6M shares in 3Q at an average price of $37.74.

Paul Master could play John McClane's boy in the Good Day To Die Hard

It might hold the worst title since Judy Moody As Well As The Not Bummer Summer season, but finally we have got a bit of very good news regarding An Excellent Day To Die Hard.The always awesome Paul Master remains named one of the competitors to see John McClane's boy, alongside more leftfield options.Ben Promote, Paul Dano, Aaron Paul and Milo Ventimiglia are mentioned being winding up in Bruce Willis inside a couple of days to check for your part.That report on stars causes us to think that John's relationship along with his boy will most likely be, how shall we put it, 'complicated.'Aaron Paul is much better recognized for playing a drug dealer in Breaking Bad, Paul Dano's character explanations are often then your term 'weaselly,' Ben Foster's produced out work playing edgy anti-heroes and Milo Ventimiglia carried out someone referred to as Ron Rape in Gamer.The worst character title since... Well, ever. Possibly it's how he gained the candidate.Of the lot, Paul Master might be the odd one out - most notoriously because he's the first - and surely our favourite.But as extended because it is not Shia LaBeouf (sorry Shia, we still haven't quite pardoned you for Very Skull), we'll be happy.

New York Times Sues Obama Administration Over Denied Information Request

NY - The NY Times has sued the Obama administration over the Justice Department's denial of a Freedom of Information Act request, Yahoo's Cutline blog reported. The paper had filed the request in June to get an explanation of the federal government's interpretation of a part of the Patriot Act. The issue in question was a proposed amendment to legislation to extend some expiring provisions in the Patriot Act, which has been in effect since 2001. The amendment, proposed by two senators, would have required the Justice Department to publicly explain its interpretation of a surveillance law modified by the Patriot Act. The Act, a response to the 9/11 attacks, loosened restrictions on law enforcement agencies' ability to search records and take other actions. The Times filed its FOIA request demanding the release of a secret report by Attorney General Eric Holder and director of national intelligence James Clapper that included the government's position on the law. The Justice Department denied the request, arguing that the report was classified. The Times appealed that decision in August. The Justice Department has yet to respond, according to Cutline. In its lawsuit, filed last week, the Times argues that the "DOJ has an obligation to redact non-public portions of the report and release those portions that are public," according to the news report. Related Topics