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

'The Avengers' Trailer: Start Looking at Marvel's Super hero Supergroup Arrives

Praise the super hero Gods: the state trailer for 'The Avengers' has showed up -- and it doesn't dissatisfy. In the end the hoopla and magazine previews and Comic-Disadvantage sections, we finally obtain a substantial take a look at a movie which was first taunted 3 years ago in the finish of 'Iron Guy.' A clip does not offer a great deal when it comes to story -- apart from that plenty of stuff is coming up in NY and also the Avengers have to save everyone. Another factor a clip does not inform us: who the criminals are. Yes Loki, may be the primary villain, but he certainly gets the help of another group. We assume director Joss Whedon and Marvel want to have their details a secret as lengthy as you possibly can. Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Summit nabs rights to 'Headhunters'

Summit Entertainment has acquired feature rights to produce the British language adaptation of crime novel "Headhunters" by Norwegian author Jo Nesbo.Summit introduced Monday the Project's been set with Marianne Gray, Ole Sondberg, and Berna Levin, who'll produce through their Yellow Bird production banner.The novel, recently launched within the united states . States by Doubleday, concentrates on a business headhunter who steals valuable artwork within the houses of his candidates. After his latest heist goes awry, he finds themselves in over his mind and taken up in the murderous plan.Nesb has won the Glass Key, the Riverton Prize, as well as the Booksellers Prize. He's the author in the Harry Hole and Doktor Proctor quantity of books."Headhunters" will probably be overseen by Erik Feig, Summit's Leader of Production Michael Schaefer, Summit's Senior V . p . of Purchases and Co-Productions, and Jeyun Choi, Summit's creative executive. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Do Lars Von Trier's Nazi Comments Deserve Indefinite Self-Imposed Silence -- or Worse?

Well, now: Lars Von Trier’s notorious Nazi comments last May have haunted him all the way home to Denmark, where he says local cops questioned him in connection to charges leveled at him by French officials, post-Cannes. In a statement released today, the Melancholia director issued a promise of his own following the media and legal shit storm caused by his ill-conceived joking, announcing that he’ll no longer speak publicly or to press. At all. Von Trier’s statement (courtesy of Awards Daily): “Today at 2 pm I was questioned by the Police of North Zealand in connection with charges made by the prosecution of Grasse in France from August 2011 regarding a possible violation of prohibition in French law against justification of war crimes. The investigation covers comments made during the press conference in Cannes in May 2011. Due to these serious accusations I have realized that I do not possess the skills to express myself unequivocally and I have therefore decided from this day forth to refrain from all public statements and interviews.” Here’s what von Trier is up against: The Gayssot Act of 1990 made it illegal in France to question the existence of certain crimes against humanity, with a focus on the Holocaust. It also restricts making public statements that either justify or are sympathetic to said crimes, punishable with prison time or a fine. Back in May, Movieline’s Stephanie Zacharek reported on von Trier’s comments from the Cannes press conference for Melancholia: “I think I was a Jew for a long time,” he said. “I was very happy being a Jew.” Then, after making a sly reference to fellow Dane filmmaker Susanne Bier, who often speaks candidly about her Jewish identity in interviews, von Trier announced that even though he always really wanted to be a Jew, he discovered that he’s really a Nazi. “Which also gave me some pleasure,” he added.“What can I say? I understand Hitler,” he continued. “I think he did some wrong things, absolutely, but — I can see him in his bunker in the end.”The roomful of journalists sat, stunned. It appeared that von Trier, who seemed to be in jolly good spirits for a notoriously depressive Dane, intended this as an joke, albeit an ill-advised one. But how was he going to dig himself out? He added that Hitler was “not what you would call a good guy” and babbled further, explaining that he’s very much “for” Jews. “All Jews. Well, Israel is a pain the ass.”Von Trier knew he was in a pickle, and asked aloud, “How do I get out of this sentence?” But there was more: When one last journalist asked von Trier if he considered Melancholia to be his Hollywood blockbuster, he replied, “We Nazis tend to do things on a great scale.” Whether or not you believe that the incident has truly scared von Trier straight (and I do), one thing’s clear: In no way could he have imagined that his terrible joke would wreak such havoc on his public image, let alone lead to legal repercussions. But then he’s an artist, and a known provocateur at that, and besides: Why has France taken such lengths to enforce its anti-free speech laws on someone who was clearly just talking out of his ass?

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Creating duo are 'Numba One'

Production duo David Brookwell and Sean McNamara have signed onto co-produce "Numba One," Michael Attardi's approaching romantic comedy set among contempo Mafia types in Gotham and Miami. Brookwell/McNamara Entertainment, which produced this years indie success "Soul Surfer" (helmed by McNamara), offers signed onto co-produce another Attardi project, the musical "Hawaiian Love," with various script Attardi co-written with Andy Van Roon. Paul Sorvino and Federico Castelluccio ("The Sopranos") star in "Numba One," a great insurance sales rep who all of a sudden finds themselves entangled in mob matters. Peter Greene and Wayne Newton are also most likely the cast. Attardi, under his banner Italian Guilt Excursions, also co-produces, together with Castelluccio. Feature is positioned to begin filming in Miami within the month of the month of january. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com