Guaraldi heirs sue Concord Music

The children of the late jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi, creator of the enduring holiday album "A Charlie Brown Christmas," have sued Concord Music Group, claiming the label has shortchanged them on more than $2 million in royalties. David and Dia Guaraldi's breach of contract action filed Dec. 23 in Alameda County Superior Court -- alleges that Concord and Fantasy Records, which was purchased by Concord in 2004, underpaid royalties "for years and perhaps decades." Echoing allegations of several recent actions -- the most recent of them filed last week by Peter Frampton and the heir of the Knack's drummer Bruce Gary (Daily Variety, Dec. 27) -- the suit also claims Concord "has impermissibly and without justification reduced the royalty paid on sales of digital downloadsby third parties." The filing states, "Particularly with regard to the 'Charlie Brown Christmas' albumFantasy Records issued statements containing false or deceptive representations and underpaid plaintiffs based on those inaccurate and incomplete accountings." "A Charlie Brown Christmas," which contains the yuletide hit "Christmas Time is Here" and several recurring "Peanuts" cartoon themes, remains among the perennial holiday bestsellers. It stands at No. 37 on this week's U.S. album chart; according to Nielsen SoundScan, the collection has sold more than 3.1 million copies since the company began tracking sales in 1991. San Francisco native Vince Guaraldi, who died in 1976, spent his career at Berkeley-based Fantasy. His 1962 trio recording "Cast Your Fate to the Wind" was a top 25 pop hit and won a 1963 Grammy for best original jazz composition. Producer Lee Mendelson heard the hit song on a San Francisco radio station and hired Guaraldi in 1965 to score the first animated special based on Charles Schulz's "Peanuts" comic strip, a Christmas-themed program. Guaraldi went on to score an additional 17 "Peanuts" specials and a theatrical feature. Guaraldi and his children received ongoing royalty statements from Fantasy and Concord over the years. The suit claims that the statements "presented information in a manner which made it impossible for a reader, even on experienced in analyzing record company royalty accounting (which plaintiff were and are not), to determine from the face of the statements that they were false or deceptive." Action claims that royalty rates on record sales were "inaccurately low (at times, by as much as 70%)." Guaraldi was typically paid 50% of label receipts from third-party licensees. But, the suit says, "In calculating royalty rates on third party digital downloads, (Concord) has reduced by an additional 25% the already much lower royalty rate that would be payable on records sold by Concord Music's distributors." Action says Guaraldi's children were alerted to the alleged "unlawful" underpayments by a newly formatted royalty statement in 2008, and in November 2010 they undertook an audit of Concord's records. The label did not fully cooperate with the audit, according to the suit. Nonetheless, the suit claims that the audit uncovered underreported sales of physical goods, unreported digital sales, and drastically reduced royalty payments. The auditor concluded that Guaraldi's children were owed approximately $2 million, before interest. A Concord spokesman could not be reached for comment. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

It's OK to love 'The Artist'

It's OK to love 'The Artist.' Really. Odds are, you have not even seen 'The Artist' yet, however the general consensus in the Oscar cognoscenti (lately marketed from Colonel Consensus) has switched sour around the film. In the beginning, General Consensus praised 'The Artist' because the bees' knees. "Hooray, 'The Artist,' you are so different. We love to you!" But, alas, General Consensus is really a finicky fellow. Because, lately -- despite the fact that will still be the favourite to consider home an Oscar for the best Picture -- acknowledging that you want 'The Artist' will enable you to get comparable reaction as acknowledging that you simply think the Gin Blossoms' 'New Miserable Experience' is among the best albums from the early 1990's. Yes, 'The Artist' offers quite a bit more that is similar to the Gin Blossoms than you may think. Last evening I had been speaking on the telephone to some friend, Steve, who lives in St. Louis. Steve has two youthful kids, so he needs to be, let us say, selective together with his movie choices, given all of the spare time he does not have. After I told him he'd like 'The Artist,' his less-than-thrilled reaction was, "The black and whitened quiet movie? Unsure that's my bag.Inch There lies the issue with 'The Artist': there is a perception it's highbrow fare. It isn't. 'The Artist' could have a highbrow concept, nevertheless its story is decidedly middlebrow. The expectation that's leading to Steve to not need to see 'The Artist' is possibly exactly the same expectation that's fueling the backlash against 'The Artist.' Individuals who critique movies as a living really are a passionate bunch. Whenever a movie like 'The Artist' arrives -- a film that apparently promises highbrow pleasures -- these folks get excited. But 'The Artist' is really a regular old story in regards to a quiet film actor attempting to remain relevant inside a altering world. Oh, and that he includes a cute dog. Place it by doing this: The man who performed Dauber on 'Coach' is within 'The Artist.' This is the way backlash happens. I have now heard people of honours-voting organizations apologizing for 'The Artist' winning, that is strange because ale 'The Artist' to provide this type of mainstream, middlebrow story, despite its highfalutin concept, is what I admire a lot about this. You will find four albums that defined my newcomer year attending college: Gem Jam's 'Ten' (despite the fact that it had been launched annually before), R.E.M's 'Automatic for anyone,A U2's 'Achtung Baby' and Gin Blossoms' 'New Miserable Experience.' Typically 'New Miserable Experience' found critical success too, in the beginning, receiving solid reviews from shops like Moving Stone. I have 'New Miserable Experience' on my small ipod device and, almost two decades later, every song on that album continues to be good. (Some much better than others, obviously I actually do find myself hearing '29,' 'Cajun Song,' 'Cheatin'' and, yes, 'Hey Jealousy,' a lot more than I actually do 'Hold Me Down'.) This Year, Gin Blossoms are forgotten with no you might ever consider them being an influential band in the the nineteen nineties. If there's a middlebrow blemish somewhere around the Earth's crust, its oozing puss is certain to at some point erupt towards the tune of 'Found out In Regards To You.A The Gin Blossoms define middlebrow success and, really, individuals don't have trouble with that -- but, obviously, the Gin Blossoms were rapidly thrown away. 'The Artist' is pretending to become highbrow using its concept when, the truth is, its just like middlebrow because the Gin Blossoms. Only 'The Artist' does not desire to be thrown away, it really wants to be appreciated forever because the best movie of 2011. For this reason individuals are angry. Our Planet is really a cynical place nowadays. I'm cynical and that is one reason I've this task. I have a problem with this quite frequently. I watch a film like 'War Equine,' 'Hugo' or 'The Artist,' and that i feel this knee-jerk response to in some way attempt to discredit the earnestness I see before me. It's similar to we have been designed like a society to become skeptical of something that seems to become serious -- and 'The Artist' is actually serious. But individuals are predisposed to keep in mind stuff that have a little much more of an advantage. The Gin Blossoms had zero edge. The earnestness of 'The Artist' is its edge. And it is OK to love that. One common argument is the fact that 'The Artist' just does not seem like a Best Picture champion that people will not be speaking about 'The Artist' in 10 years. I do not accept this sentiment, but I am available to the chance. My real trouble with the argument is the fact that there is no realistic alternative offered. The argument against 'The Artist' is beginning to seem such as the argument against virtually something that Obama does. Quite simply: "That plan sucks, however i do not have a much better one. However it still sucks." The truth is, searching back, very couple of Best Picture those who win really deserve the title of "Best Picture." In the last two decades, there's, maybe, six films which have that-important "Best Picture" feel for them. I'd argue outdoors of 'Unforgiven,' 'Schindler's List,' 'Braveheart,' 'Titanic,' 'The The almighty from the Rings: Return from the King' and 'No Country For Old Males,' the relaxation just been launched throughout an inadequate year or got incredibly lucky. Yes, I'm going to be the first one to admit that 2011 is really a relatively weak year for movies -- good, but... -- but that is definitely not the responsibility of 'The Artist.' Yet, because the current leader, it's using the blame. 'The Artist' is not the very first film to disguise itself as highbrow, it is simply the first one to make its intentions this apparent and open. That is precisely why it's brilliant. According to past those who win, 'The Artist' is unquestionably a deserving candidate. (You are saying 'The Artist' does not meet the "excellent" standards of 'American Beauty'? Oh, puh-leeze.) But that is not necessarily even my point. I am not particularly quarrelling that 'The Artist' should win the Oscar for the best Picture any longer than I am quarrelling that 'New Miserable Experience' must have won a Grammy (U2's Auchtung Baby ought to have won over Eric Clapton Unplugged). I'm stating that I completely loved 'The Artist' and, yes, the correct answer is OK to believe way without having to be ashamed for liking something that's serious and middlebrow -- cynics like myself be damned. You are able to contact Mike Ryan on Twitter [Photo: TWC] The Very Best Movies of 2011 The Very Best Movies of 201150. 'Breaking Beginning཭. 'Transformers: Dark from the Moonཬ. 'The Tripཫ. 'Warriorཪ. 'Cave of Forgotten Dreamsཀྵ. 'The Iron Ladyཨ. 'We Purchased a Zooཧ. 'Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocolས. 'Horrible Bossesཥ. 'Contagionཤ. 'Winnie the Poohལ. 'Win Winཡ. 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spyར. 'Hannaའ. 'Extremely Noisy and extremely Closeཟ. 'The Interruptersཞ. 'Crazy, Stupid, Loveཝ. 'The Guardཛྷ. 'Captain America: The Very First Avengerཛ. 'The Ides of Marchཚ. 'Beginnersཙ. 'Martha Marcy May Marlene''A Harmful Methodབྷ. 'The Adventures of Tintinབ. 'Bill Cunningham NYཕ. 'We Have to Discuss Kevinཔ. 'Young Adultན. 'My Week With Marilynདྷ. 'Margin Callད. 'X-Males: Top Classཐ. 'Attack the Blockཏ. 'Shameཎ. 'Super 8ཌྷ. 'Melancholiaཌ. 'The Muppetsཋ. 'Rise from the Planet from the Apesཊ. 'Tree of Existenceཉ. 'Rango཈. 'The Helpཇ. 'Moneyballཆ. ཮/50Ə. 'DriveƎ. 'The Girl Using the Dragon Tattooƍ. 'Harry Potter and also the Deathly Hallows, Part IIƌ. 'Midnight in ParisƋ. 'BridesmaidsƊ. 'The DescendantsƉ. 'War Equineƈ. 'The ArtistƇ. 'Hugo' See All Moviefone Art galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Our TV Holiday Wish List Exactly Give Me An Idea?

Parks and Entertainment 'Tis the summer season for holiday miracles, why can't hopefully the identical for television? Santa, please give Cougar Town a premiere date. Hanukkah Harry, all we request is always that Steve Carell get honours recognition for his Office role. Harvest gods of Kwanzaa, let Castle and Beckett finally get together. And please, Winter Solstice Fairy, stop all the incest on tv! You would like: -For Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake to reprise "A History of Rap" with "A History of Pop." -For old Lily to come back on Modern Family. Nobody does a deadpan face a lot better than the Hiller twins. -For essentially the the ultimate 20 seconds of Dexter's sixth season being taken off your memory. -For Nicole Scherzinger being removed just like a judge round the X Factor and be transformed by Madonna (we could dream, right?) -For Your Office to complete. It is time. -For Ryan Murphy to think about a desire to have Glee again. We love to American Horror Story too, but it's pretty apparent among his TV babies continues to be neglected. -For Sammi and Ronnie to experience a shotgun wedding and quit Jersey Shoreline permanently. -For Parks and Entertainment to hold onto kill it each week. Never change, Pawnee! See the best Tv shows of 2011 -For your cable systems to unwind by helping cover their the incest (apart from Wager on Thrones' twincest, clearly) because we don't need that being mainstream. -For your ghost of Magazines Bennett to haunt Justified for seasons later on. Ditto for Gus on Breaking Bad. -Depending On How I Met Your Mother's wardrobe and hair departments to brighten and magnificence Cobie Smulders better. Girlfriend is searching tragic. -For everyone to know that Happy Being is, really, as being a contented ending. -For Your Vampire Diaries' Damon and Elena to finally surrender to each other. -For Chris Noth being series regular round the Good Wife. -For Boardwalk Empire not have access to destroyed in the drama's best character inside the season finale. (Guess this wish can't be realized though...) -For Steve Carell to win the SAG for playing Michael Scott since that's his last chance to gather an award for the role. What were the worst TV moments of 2011? -For everyone to recognize - and bow lower to - The Particular Regular folks of Atlanta's new star, and her formidable donkey booty, Phaedra Parks. (Nene, who?) -For everyone to recognize - and bow lower to - King Goffrey. Tyrion Shmyrion. Now it's time we acknowledge Wager on Thrones' real scene stealer... also, he'll behead you otherwise. -For Cougar Town to finally get yourself a premiere date together with a complete season. -For Howard Stern to produce America's Got Talent a watchable show. -For NBC's Smash to become hit. -For Castle and Beckett to merely sleep together already. -For your presidential debates to acquire even wackier, keeping Real-time, The Colbert Report, The Daily Show and Saturday Evening Live well-full of material. -For your planned prime-time return of Person to person use a worthy reprise of Edward R. Murrow's program. -For people to check out the cruel and sober drama Awake when NBC finally agendas it to make sure that it's not insta-canceled. -For Physician Who's next season to achieve soon! No less than set returning date for people Yanks! Who've been the breakout stars of 2011? -For Bravo to resume the little-seen Factor of beauty for just about any third season, as it is unlike other activities on tv, the idol idol judges still dazzle, which is the primary one reality show we don't feel gross watching. -For Downton Abbey to go to the American route if the involves production and deliver us 22 weekly episodes yearly. When we're advertising online: ditto Sherlock. -For Your Bachelor to cast a new person to star. -For your Pretty Little Liars to actually catch A and acquire vindicated. -With an angel later on toward finance Ebert Presents: Within the Movies, since Roger Ebert and also the wife are drained of money. -For Two Main Broke Women to keep its combination of edge and question while showing that the part of the one percent and someone within the ninety-nine percent can forge a rock-solid, loving and loyal friendship. People are our holiday wishes for TV. Exactly what are yours?

ABC News changes 'Picture'

Among ABC News prexy Ben Sherwood's top projects is going to fruition: The entire division is beginning a substantial rebranding initiative beginning Monday. What is the news division's motto is becoming "Start to see the Whole Picture," a slogan that seems tailor-made to invite audiences anxious for a lot of clearness through the 2012 election season -- and after, clearly. There's the brand new tagline additionally to a different leading picture from the net's entire on-air staff posed together in the yearbook-style photo, with Barbara Walters within the forefront, in red-colored-colored, flanked by Katie Couric and Diane Sawyer.The completely new campaign will stress ABC News' capacity to create tales about far-reaching occasions strongly related American audiences, and puts major concentrate on the Alphabet's roster of personas.ABC's prepaid calling card remains the claim "More Us citizens obtain news from ABC News" since no less than 1988 (it's been around this type of very long time, reps for your network couldn't remember getting been without one), and so the change is major. Sherwood told journos in October the "more Us citizensInch statement was literally true, now more than ever before before, because the organization became a member of with Yahoo to provide wider distribution due to its content.Throughout that deal, too, ABC suggested its bench of anchors and correspondents. Sherwood, who grew to become an associate from the internet just at least a year ago, has focued on talent moves within the newbie at the office, sometimes compromising exclusivity to nab or possess a major newsperson. Katie Couric grew to become an associate from the Alphabet after her departure from CBS, and may report for ABC News as she produces her new syndie yakker for ABC/Disney Domestic TV. And basically the other day, ABC and CNN talked about an unequalled deal to discuss Christiane Amanpour, to whom ABC's typically domestic-politics-heavy "NowInch made an appearance an uncomfortable fit ("NowInch saw models situated both in Libya and Egypt this year). Amanpour might have several special deals yearly on ABC and may report for CNN.Since the campaign arrives through 2012, it'll stress that versatility whilst the division's achieve develops via Yahoo. The promotions look on all ABC News broadcasts to begin with, and may land on ABC News Radio, on abcnews.com and also on Yahoo! in 2012. Contact Mike Thielman at mike.thielman@variety.com

Cablevision's Rutledge resigns

Cablevision COO Tom Rutledge resigned from his publish after 10 years while using New You are able to, N.Y.-based MSO. Conditions of his departure were not apparent but he launched a disagreement with the organization searching back fondly on his years at Cablevision. "I am pleased with our record of success, along with the strong leadership team that is still in place to continue the job,In . mentioned Rutledge in the statement. Rutledge hasn't indicated what his next move, if any, might be. He's a cable-industry veteran of 34 years, credited with just as one innovator for Cablevision. Cablevision Boss James Dolan wanted him well. "Tom Rutledge has carried out an important role in driving and shaping Cablevision's success throughout the final decade, utilizing an uncommon combination of technological vision and operational excellence that has shipped results. We are enormously grateful for his time here." Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Demi Lovato & Selena Gomez To Ring In MTV Year

First Released: December 12, 2011 9:59 AM EST Credit: Getty Images NY, N.Y. -- Caption Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez laugh up in the 2011 Teen Choice Honours held in the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, Calif. on August 7, 2011 Hey Attacking Young Boys Selena Gomez already has plans for brand new Years Eve. Gomez is going to be ringing within the Year in NY Citys Occasions Square with fellow star Demi Lovato for MTVs live special. MTV stated Monday that both of them are because of perform, together with singer Jason Derulo and emcees J Cole and Mac Burns. The nights festivities is going to be located by Lovato and Tyler Posey of MTVs Teen Wolf. The show will air from MTVs Occasions Square galleries. Fans can bid to participate the crowd. Proceeds goes to FWD, to assist using the crisis in East Africa. The show will air live at 11 p.m. EST. Copyright 2011 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

American Horror Story Exclusive Sneak Peek: Find Out What the House Really Wants

Sarah Paulson Only two episodes of American Horror Story to go! It's time to find out what Murder House is really after. Billie Dean, who last week gave Constance the impression that Tate and Vivien's growing bundle of evil might be the Antichrist, senses that the house has an agenda of its own - over and above the desires of all the dead people dwelling in it. American Horror Story's Taissa Farmiga dishes on Violet's fate and what's next "The force here in this house is larger than the many individual traumas, and it has a need," she says. "It wants to break through." Check out TVGuide.com's exclusive sneak peek at this week's new episode, "Birth," to find out what else the house wants - and which dead spirit Billie doesn't want around! "Birth" airs Wednesday at 10/9c on FX. What do you think Vivien will give birth to? Why does Billie Dean get disturbed by this one specific spirit but has no problem with Violet? Could Billie Dean be a fake? Or could Violet be trapped in a different way than the other house ghosts? Tell us your theories in the comments below.

The 9 Most Scathing Critical Responses to New Year's Eve

We may remember this as the week David Fincher and Scott Rudin went to war on movie critics, but think of it this way: If critics couldn’t get an early look at Garry Marshall’s New Year’s Eve, then how would any of us ever know what a soul-rending atrocity it is? I mean, even Pete Hammond hated this movie! He was in some fine company, too: 9. · “Lately Garry Marshall has shown a certain genius for turning miserable holidays into terrible movies. With Valentine’s Day he showed how that celebration of masochism can be a vehicle for smarmy sentiments, musty jokes, and rickety contrivances. Here the eponymous feast of forced fun takes a beating, not to mention some Oscar winners who might add firing their agents to their list of resolutions.” — Peter Keough, Boston Phoenix 8. · “Put together [with Valentine’s Day], these movies represent the most expensive and arguably worst-written Love Boat sweeps month ever created.” — Alonso Duralde, The Wrap 7. · “Other filmmakers might have too much respect for Michelle Pfeiffer […] to ask her to deliver a line like ‘I’m pathetic, dude’ to rocking teen heartthrob Zac Efron. Not Marshall. It’s safe to say that no idea was nixed on the set of New Year’s Eve for being too cheesy or sentimental; if anything, ideas were nixed for not being sentimental or cheesy enough.” — Nathan Rabin, AV Club 6. · “These characters are so nominal that when, say, Lea Michele gets stuck in an elevator with Ashton Kutcher, that’s exactly how you think of the set-up, and when the doors finally open you half expect them to scurry off to the sets of Glee and Two and a Half Men, where they may be contractually fined for their tardiness.” — Alison Willmore, Movieline 5. · “If I say I don’t much care for New Year’s Eve, I risk sounding like a curmudgeon. But I have zero reservations about telling you how much I loathed New Year’s Eve, a soul-sucking monument to Hollywood greed and saccharine holiday culture.” — Sara Stewart, NY Post 4. · “I’m not even going to begin to summarize the paltry series of subplots the all-star cast is trapped in. I like you too much.” — Roger Ebert, RogerEbert.com 3. · “Like the stroke of midnight, New Year’s Eve disappears almost instantly, leaving little behind but limp streamers and the sense that, surely, there was a better party going on somewhere else.” — Moira Macdonald, Seattle Times 2. · “Offering around a dozen barely there, aggressively agreeable mini-stories spliced together and spit out with lawnmower-style eloquence, the film is pushed to punishing lengths by the engorged cast list, which prevents any individual plot from deepening beyond single-sentence character descriptions and dilemmas. The overall effect is like being crushed under an avalanche of throw pillows.” — Andrew Barker, Variety 1. · “It is so bad that if Chechnya President Ramzan Kadyrov ever sees it, he will make a statement that begins ‘Had I known about this film at the time…’” — Peter Sobczynski, eFilmCritic [Reviews via Rotten Tomatoes]

Cheers & Jeers: American Horror Story Denis the Menace

Denis OHare, American Horror Story Cheers to Denis O'Hare for his scorching turn on American Horror Story. Want more Cheers & Jeers? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now! True Blood's ex-vampire king has scared up another juicy role as vengeful burn victim Larry Harvey on FX's certifiably insane shocker. In this week's episode, we learned the true origins of Larry's scars - bitter stepson Tate (Evan Peters) set him ablaze. Larry also falsely confessed to killing the boy-toy of ex-wife Constance (Jessica Lange), who murdered her previous husband (Eric Close) and his mistress. Confused yet? Somehow, Tony winner O'Hare grounds AHS' outlandish plot twists in a genuinely emotional reality. In the process, he joins Boardwalk Empire's Jack Huston and Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito as one of TV's most three-dimensional two-faced killers. Just don't get on their bad sides! What did you think of last night's American Horror Story? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Bradley Cooper Certifies 'Hangover 3,' Confesses Ryan Gosling Is Much More sexy

Everyone's favorite blackout crew is coming back -- probably. Inside an interview with Graham Norton, 'Hangover' star Bradley Cooper (type of) confirmed that 'Hangover III' will begin filming next fall, and (possibly) be occur La. "Personally, if only to complete it. I am hoping we'll start shooting in September. I realize Todd Philips is concentrating on the script" mentioned the recently crowned Hottest Guy Alive. Speaking about which, there is a bit of the backlash over Bradley being granted probably the most sexy title. Many felt Ryan Gosling was more deserving than Cooper, but Bradley doesn't mind -- he even confesses that Gosling is much more sexy. A paparazzi photo of Gosling "literally seems like he's in the photo shoot, like he just originated from the runway ... After which it there's ones of me, which i literally appear such as the neighbor who never arrives of his house," confesses Cooper. For an additional 'Hangover' follow-up, don't get worried: if there is a 'Hangover III,' it will not "stick to the structure" in the latter, meaning Philips will have to develop not-recycled jokes this time around around around. [via Vulture] [Photo: GF/bauergriffinonline.com] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Zoe Kravitz Up For 1000 A.E.

She's in talks for Will Smith's latestIt's been a while since we now have heard much about development on M Evening Shyamalan's latest project, the need Cruz-starring sci-fi 1000 A.E. (it's apparently getting a numeral title now). But fresh word arises from the heat Vision blog, which reviews that Zoe Kravitz and Sophie Okonedo are usually now noisy . predicts join the film. More particulars also provide progressively been leaking out in regards to the plot, that's occur the following where Earth has become an inhospitable nightmare and mankind has handled to maneuver on. The primary focus is on Will Cruz just like a heroic type and also the boy (carried out by real-existence sprog Jaden), who's considered a bit of the failure. However, if the pair crash gets to the destroyed planet, Will's character in badly hurt which is around Jaden to prove his mettle and help his father.Kravitz, who last came out in X-Males: Top Quality is circling the role of Smith's other child. Hotel Rwanda's Okonedo, that's been trading more hours round the small screen in comparison to large one recently, would play Smith's wife. Neither actress features a offer place yet.Shyamalan has been doing the script with Book Of Eli author Gary Whitta and Syriana's Stephen Gaghan, striving to start shooting early next season. The brand new the new sony is presently planning to obtain the film in cinemas with this summer time 2013.

Nigel Lythgoe Weighs In On Howard Sterns Possible Americas Got Talent Move

First Published: December 1, 2011 11:03 AM EST Credit: Getty Images LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Nigel Lythgoe attends the after party for Les Pauls 95th Birthday at Iridium Jazz Club in NY City on June 9, 2010 As an executive producer of American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, Nigel Lythgoe knows a thing or two about reality TV competitions and the outspoken Brit says hes not sure Howard Stern is the right fit for the vacant judges seat left by Piers Morgan at Americas Got Talent. Its going to be very interesting. Piers is obviously very successful in other areas now [he] doesnt want anything to get in the way of that, Nigel told Access Hollywood at the BAFTA Awards in Los Angeles on Wednesday, when asked about Piers exit from the NBC hit. Stern, I dont know. I dont know what hes going to be like as a judge. Nigel said that while the shock jock has a gift for speaking his mind, his actual knowledge of what it takes to be a successful entertainer may not be extensive enough for the job. I think hell be honest, Nigel said. But what he actually knows about show business and talent and acts, I dont know. As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, last week, Simon Cowell AGTs executive producer told Access hes a fan of Stern, but that signing the SiriusXM radio host was dependent on a host of factors. I like him, Simon said. Theres a lot of people who make decisions on this stuff. Moneys got to work, schedules [have] got to work. There might be a few twists and turns still. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Kristin Cavallari Is Engaged... Again!

Kristin Cavallari Kristin Cavallari might have experienced a damaged engagement captured, but all is mended. The first kind Hillsides star and her boyfriend Jay Cutler got re-engaged over the past weekend. On Wednesday, Cavallari tweeted this news, "This time around it's official... Jay and that i are engaged again :)" Report: Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler finish their engagement The truth TV star, who also taken part on Dwts, and Chicago Bears quarterback were formerly engaged, but he known as if off in This summer. Do you consider they'll place it out this time around?

Downgrade sinks Netflix stock

Netflix stock happened Tuesday following a downgrade by S&P, as the company's chief financial officer David Wells defended its strategy on all fronts -- foreign expansion, a number of nonexclusive content deals and last week's proceed to raise $400 million inside a stock and debt purchase to cushion its balance sheet. Wells told traders in the Credit Suisse Technology Conference that Netflix is trying to "bring the company back brick by brick" after several flubs this season triggered a customer revolt. "I believe this can be a lengthy-term factor that we must accept. It will require some time for this to return," he stated. The once high-flying shares closed lower 3.4%, or $2.38, at $67.57 after Standard & Poor's late Monday cut its rating around the company's debt to BB- from BB, stating investing on content and worldwide expansion which will still erode profits. Netflix has stated it needs red-colored ink in 2012 on new worldwide services within the U.K. and Ireland. The company also thinks it might take more than anticipated for domestic customer growth to resume. Netflix's meteoric growth condemned to some halt last quarter. It ended September with 23.79 million U.S. subs, lower from 24.59 million the prior quarter. The organization effectively elevated the cost of their original DVD service and attempted, then canceled plans, to rebrand it. Wells reiterated the business's conjecture that internet customer additions will turn positive for that month of December. Experts estimate Netflix will expend about $1 billion on content deals because of its streaming service this year and find out that rising to $1.9 billion the coming year. Netflix does not disclose individuals amounts but has stated it needs investing to almost double. Wells clarified the "nearly" means the organization is searching in an increase around 78%. He stated there's money put aside for renewal and "chance buys." No more than 15% from the finances are reserved for exclusive or original programming -- a conscious decision by company executives. "Exclusivity matters if you need to be classified and for the time being there's nobody within our direct space, so you need to convey more...much less exclusivity and much more content," Wells stated. For worldwide, Wells acknowledged the U.K. marketplace is highly competitive, a downside, but stated that's offset because it's softer sailing because of the greater amount of device transmission. "We do not have to perform the marketing and high lifting of showing to individualsInch how streaming works, he stated. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Report: Lindsay Lohan Ahead Of Schedule On Morgue Duty Obligation

First Published: November 26, 2011 5:30 PM EST Credit: Getty Premium LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Lindsay Lohan arrives for her probation violation hearing at the Airport Courthouse in Los Angeles on November 2, 2011 Has the tide turned for Lindsay Lohan? The actress, who was recently admonished in court for her failure to complete judge-mandated community service, is actually ahead of schedule for her most recent assignment, according to a new report. With three weeks to spare until her December 14 deadline, Lindsay has reportedly completed 10 of her 12 court-ordered morgue duty shifts, according to TMZ. Not only is she on track schedule-wise, law enforcement sources reportedly told the website that Lindsay has a good reputation around the morgue, and shes polite, hard-working and never complains about the work. AH Nation Poll: Will Lindsay stay on track? Click HERE to vote! As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Lindsay spent less than five hours in the Century Regional Detention facility in Lynwood, Calif., earlier this month, after being ordered to serve a 30-day jail sentence for violating probation after the actress was booted from a community service assignment at the Downtown Womens Center in Los Angeles. In addition to the jail sentence, Superior Court Judge Stephanie Sautner ordered Lindsay to undergo psychotherapy sessions and serve 423 hours at the county morgue by March 29, 2012. The judge also said Lindsay can no longer leave the country and must obtain the permission of her new probation officer to travel outside California. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Is This a Review of 'Breaking Dawn' or 'The Descendants' (and 24 Other Urgent Questions)

In theaters now is a movie that fans have long awaited. Lines have already formed around the block to watch the latest escapades of Edward and Bella George Clooney. 'Breaking Dawn' 'The Descendants' is a story of marriage and betrayal, culminating with a baby being eaten out of the womb a terrible boating accident. There will obviously be no Oscar nominations for this movie, but how will the average audience react down at your local cinepex? As a service, we answer 25 question about 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1' 'The Descendants.' Q: How many times do we see Taylor Lautner shirtless in 'Breaking Dawn'? A: Actually ... there's been a last second change of plans. We are instead discussing the new George Clooney movie, 'The Descendants.' Q: Wait, why aren't you answering questions about 'Breaking Dawn'? A: After watching all four Twilight movies in one day and writing four separate liveblogs of each, for the life of me, I just can't discuss those movies anymore. Q: Your intro paragraph is very confusing. A: I had already written the intro for 'Breaking Dawn' and was too lazy to change it. Q: But all of my questions are questions about 'Breaking Dawn.' You can't just change this all at the last second. A: Look, just ask the questions that you have and tweak them for 'The Descendants.' Trust me, it will be fine. Q: Um, OK ... So, how many times do we see George Clooney shirtless in 'The Descendants'? A: Zero. Q: Is there an annoying voice over by Kristen Stewart George Clooney that starts 'Breaking Dawn' 'The Descendants,' but quickly disappears. A: Yes. Q: How beautiful is George Clooney's wedding in 'The Descendants'? A: George Clooney plays Matt King, a man who has been married quite some time, so we don't see his wedding on screen. Q: Is 'The Descendants' still set in the depressing town of Forks, Washington? A: 'The Descendants' takes place in Hawaii. And, strangely enough, Hawaii comes off as very depressing. Q: Because of all of the vampires? A: No, it's just that I've never seen a movie in which Hawaii looks so depressing and run down. Q: Does George Clooney transform his wife into a vampire, as was the plan in the previous 'Descendants' movie. A: There is no previous 'Descendants' movie. Also, it's unknown if George Clooney has the power to transform someone into a vampire. Regardless, it's probably too late because his wife is in a coma. Q: Do George Clooney and his wife have a beautiful honeymoon together? A: Even before his wife suffered an injury in a terrible boating accident, causing her coma, the honeymoon was definitely over. As it turns out, Matt King's wife has been cheating on him. Q: With Jacob? A: No, the other man's name is Brian Speer, played by Matthew Lillard. Q: And Brian Speer is a werewolf? A: No, Brian Speer is a real estate agent. Q: Is there a dramatic showdown between the two? A: Yes. Q: During the showdown, does Brian Speer change into his alternative form of a ... real estate agent? A: I won't spoil the moment, but Brian Speers must use many guises to conceal what he did from his wife (Judy Greer). Q: Are you on Team Matt King or Team Brian Speer? A: What kind of a question is that? Seriously, are you an adult? Q: Did George Clooney struggle over the fact that he secretly murdered serial killers in the 1920s for their blood? A: If he is, it's not shown on screen. Though, he does struggle over the selling of a large piece of Hawaiian land -- land that has been in his family for generations -- to a corporate developer. Q: Is 'The Descendants' a dark movie? A: Considering the subject matter, it's actually a lot lighter than what was initially expected. Q: How is Anna Kendrick in 'The Descendants?' A: You're thinking of when Kendrick starred with George Clooney in 'Up in the Air.' Q: Was it difficult to watch the gory scene in which Edward George Clooney chews out his infant daughter? A: "Gory" is a strong word. And Matt King's youngest daughter, Scottie, isn't a baby anymore -- but she sure acts like it at times. After cruelly teasing another girl at school, Scottie does get a good chewing out by her father. Q: Did the ending of 'The Descendants' leave you anticipating the next movie? A: From my understanding, there are no plans for a sequel to 'The Descendants.' Q: At any point did you consider killing yourself during 'The Descendants'? A: Not at all. The movie is quite good, actually. Q: How many questions were you into this piece before you realized that you should have just went ahead and written about 'Breaking Dawn?' A: Seven. Q: Does Matt King's father-in-law still look like Jimmy Fallon with a mustache? A: George Clooney's father-in-law looks a lot like Robert Forester. Q: Will Taylor Lautner George Clooney be nominated for a Razzie Oscar? A: Yes. You can contact Mike Ryan directly on Twitter Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Inside the 'Immortals' Premiere: Director Tarsem Laments '300' Critiques

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty ImagesTarsem Singh It absolutely was too chilly for togas, but Relativity put a Greek-designed party for your premiere of the epic fantasy Immortals.our editor recommendsHenry Cavill Can get Angry In the New 'Immortals Clip (Video)Relativity to promote Its Approaching Movies Like 'Immortals' on Spotify'Immortals' Director Tarsem Singh to obtain Perfume Film Prize'Immortals' Trailer: Henry Cavill Rallies Humans in Combat Greek Gods (Video) See Henry Cavill inside the 'Immortals' Teaser TrailerRelativity to cope with U.S. Distribution, Marketing for 'Immortals' Locked in the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Accept a celebration on top of the nearby parking structure, the celebs showed up in this area:Holly Cavill, Mickey Rourke, Freida Pinto, Luke Evans and Isabel Lucas were among people who held court not definately not hearty Greek food together with a photograph station whose high-finish props vied with Cavill for your evening's most broadly used attraction. PHOTOS: 'Immortals' Premiere Red-colored-colored Carpet Arrivals Watching everything unfold was Ryan Kavanaugh, whose Relativity bankrolled the lavish telling of Theseus' battles getting a vicious king. Relativity recently switched in the studio co-financier to producer and distributor. Immortals marks a completely new high for that organization because of the scope and budget. "It's a large tentpole movie, but you have to show we could open a tentpole movie," Kavanaugh mentioned inside the party. The movie's money is apparently inside the $90 million range, and also the organization, due to foreign pre-sales, isn't round the hook for the entire project. "Because of the means by which our structure is defined, we do not have to hit a home-work on every movie making it, and we'll 't be ready where one movie might take us lower," mentioned Kavanaugh. The film remains in contrast inside the geek community to 300, Zack Snyder's Foreign exchange-heavy 2006 hit adaptation in the Frank Burns graphic novel, as well as the marketing material has stressed exactly the same producers are behind both. VIDEO: 'Immortals': Stephen Dorff States He's the Han Solo in the Greek God Tale Nevertheless the movie's director, Tarsem Singh, isn't happy the 2 are increasingly being stacked facing each other, nor was he happy 300 was on stated round the one-sheets. "I'd a sizable fight in the beginning, which i desired to disregard it. Very couple of people can look in the event you say 'From the director in the Fall,'" he mentioned, mentioning to his last film, released in 2006 and which made only $3.6 000 0000 worldwide. Singh states art galleries are generating comic strip films (he doesn't contact them comic films) and mentioned he wanted to produce a painting strip film. "It is not consistent with the Greek occasions however thought it may be interesting in how one out of the Renaissance would fresh fresh paint the Greeks," he mentioned. "And so the composition is extremely old-fashioned nevertheless the action is extremely contemporary." He appreciated his pitch including what "Caravaggio meets the school of Fight Club." Clearly, one reason lots of are speaking in regards to the movie is Cavill, the British actor who plays Theseus and who's presently shooting the completely new Superman movie, Guy of Steel. VIDEO: 'Immortals' Producer: Tarsem Singh Must realize 'Collaborating' Singh mentioned he cast Cavill before there's a script (in those days, the level of smoothness of Theseus was imagined because the boy from the king rather than the boy from the peasant lady) battling pressure to cast a known star. "Once we started shooting, people started saying all this A Star Arrives garbage" Singh mentioned. Cavill, for his part, deflected fans' Superman questions but told THR that particular reason he loved the film was its theme of having a legacy. "This can be a regular message inside a ancient historic tale," he mentioned. "Existence am short and many types of you possessed to create [yourself] truly immortal was your progeny. Which is one thing that has been a effective theme personally anyway because I'm in the number of six males." Email: Borys.Package@thr.com Twitter: @Borys_Package Relativity Media Ryan Kavanaugh Henry Cavill Tarsem Singh Immortals

New funds prop up P&A

The independent sector is at long last finding help to pay for the marketing expenses of theatrical releases. On Friday, Endgame Entertainment unveiled a prints and advertising fund worth $400 million-$500 million for the release of films such as helmer Rian Johnson's "Looper." Meanwhile, Patrician Asset Management just secured its first investment from a non-U.S. institutional investor for its diversified film financing fund. Endgame Releasing, which is the new P&A fund, contributes a foundation of equity augmented by a revolving senior debt facility from Comerica and Union Bank -- two mainstays of lending to the independent sector -- and also mezzanine debt from London-based Octopus Investments. "There is flexibility built into this structure," said Endgame Entertainment president Douglas Hansen. Endgame Releasing will focus on theatrical releases reaching at least 1,800 domestic screens by paying their $20 million-plus theatrical marketing campaigns. The wide-release is also pursued by established P&A financiers Clarius Capital and Qualia Capital. "It's safer for us to spend $30 million than $20 million," said William Sadleir of Clarius. "That may seem counterintuitive. So many producers say, 'How cheaply can I get this film out there?' but then the film fails." Amir Malin, managing partner at diversified media financier Qualia Capital, which provided P&A for Sony Pictures' "Planet 51," said, "The volume of submissions is up but the commercial viability is down. Most of the submissions we are seeing don't merit a viable commercial release." At Patrician Asset Management, Hollywood marketing executive and senior portfolio manager David Forbes said that P&A works best when there's a slate of films, so risk isn't concentrated in one or just a few movies. P&A, though needed, is generally hard to find because it is structured as the last money put in and first money paid from theatrical rentals, video and perhaps other ancillary revenue from the same film. The erosion of video revenue upended P&A recoupment calculations. "To borrow money today, you have to have a very strong foreign sales component and ancillaries in place (video and TV deals) to show the revenue coming back, even if the film gets only limited exposure in the U.S.," said Mark Borde, who is co-president of Freestyle Releasing, which provides theatrical distribution for films that supply marketing costs. While the theatrical pipeline is less clogged with fewer releases, effectively marketing smaller titles remains an expensive challenge. "There's certainly a need for P&A funding," said Clark Hallren, managing partner at Clear Scope Partners, a Rizvi Traverse media financer assembling a P&A fund. Small independents looking for one-picture P&A deals are often left to solicit wealthy individuals. "There's not a lot of P&A money out there for indie films," said John Flock, CEO of W2 Media. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Ardor in the courtroom: Behind the curtain using the Good Wife's Hot Couple

In ways an appreciation affair that kicks into high gear having a steamy embrace within an elevator is predestined to possess its share of good and the bad. And affirmed, as exterior demands begin to near the coast around the Good Wife's Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies) and can Gardner (Josh Charles), their clandestine courtship is within for any very bumpy ride. After two seasons of anticipation, Willicia supporters - instead of individuals who continue rooting for any reunion of Alicia and her estranged philandering politician husband Peter Florrick (Chris Noth) - are finally being compensated for his or her persistence having a passionate payback every week. The once dutiful spouse at the middle of the drama continues to be changed right into a lady who giggles(!) and states yes to lunch lust together with her fellow lawyer - there is however still plenty working from the fledgling couple. "What we should like so greatly about Will and Alicia is the fact that you will find a lot of causes of the pair of them to not be together, yet psychologically, it feels so right," states executive producer Michelle King, who together with husband Robert accounts for the sophisticated CBS drama that gained nine Emmy nominations this season - together with a best-actress win for Margulies. Among individuals reasons? First of all, Will is Alicia's boss at Lockhart & Gardner - and so far as the general public knows, she's living underneath the same roof because the effective, recently reelected Prepare County State's Attorney. "You want to explore the implications of sleeping with someone you train with - particularly if that individual is the supervisor," states Robert King. "About this show, that impacts the equilibrium of everyone around them. It does not simply have a personal component additionally, it includes a political one." Quite simply: Signal the covert research, machinations, manipulations and fights that are presently The Great Wife's key points. "Will and Alicia's relationship works - when they are in their own individual little bubble," states Margulies having a laugh. That bubble is showing signs and symptoms of bursting - thanks in no small part towards the recent discovery of the romance by no-nonsense firm partner Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski). "Diane is in a condition of extreme uneasiness about what's going on,Inch states Baranski. "She'll need to act decisively, which will have a huge effect on personal associations." From Diane's perspective, Alicia has become a liability - and frankly, she's got a place. As a result of Alicia kicking Peter towards the curb, Lockhart & Gardner - presently under analysis through the now-squeaky-clean S.A.'s office - is much more vulnerable than ever before. Peter has lengthy harbored accusations about Alicia's feelings on her former flame, and also the ongoing RICO (racketeering) situation including Will's gambling past gives him plenty to sink his teeth into. As the would-be future governor can chalk in the campaign towards the quest for justice, "Peter continues to be human, and there is a small sense he's adjusting things to really make it tougher for Lockhart & Gardner," states Robert King. "Those who are attempting to be ethical sometimes get what they need done anyway." Will made his accusations about Peter's possible ulterior motives obvious within the November 6 episode, throughout a loaded confrontation that suggested in the clash that might be in the future. "It had been an excellent mano a mano scene," states Charles. "That which was so interesting is the fact that Will assumed that Peter is aware of the affair, but he really does not." Make that yet: With Peter's meddling mother, Jackie (Mary Janet Peil), spying around Alicia's apartment, that may rapidly change. Because the task of keeping their status around the DL gets to be more difficult through the moment - and also the effects keep mounting up - within the November 13 episode, Will and Alicia will have to broach the large question: Could it be all worthwhile? And, possibly more essential, if the reply is yes, will they have what must be done to really make it? "Once the relationship wasn't possible, it had been super easy to allow them to think, 'Alicia's the main one,A or 'Will may be the one,'" states Michelle King. "Now, they are confronted with a minute of truth: 'We could theoretically get this to our future.'" For established qualified bachelor Will, going the length would require conquering some serious Peter Pan habits. "Will is trying to puzzle out whether he is able to make room for commitment in the existence," describes Robert King. Alicia is within no hurry to experience house again either, he states: "She is incorporated in the adolescence of the new relationship." Plus there is the problem of her teenage children, Zach (Graham Phillips) and Sophistication (Makenzie Vega), who up to this time happen to be stored at nighttime regarding their mother's extracurricular activities. "The 2nd Will will get in to the kids' world, this relationship becomes harmful to her," states Margulies. (They were given a little taste of this already, whenever a nervous Will went into Zach in the office.) "Whenever we open that door, all hell will break loose." For additional around the Good Wife, get this week's problem of TV Guide Magazine, on newsstands Thursday, November 3! Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Finetune Your Audition Technique at Actorfest LA!

Finetune Your Audition Technique at Actorfest LA! October 30, 2011 Learn audition tips within the Casting Director of "Good Will Hunting," "Shakespeare for one another,Inch "The Cider Your Laws and regulations," "Pineapple Express," "Winter's Bone," "Sex as well as the City," and "The Assistance.InchAmongst the important thing things casting company company directors and company company directors look for in stars may be the capacity to consider direction making appropriate changes. Choose participants will probably be selected to determine copy making changes to get the best casting director Kerry Barden.To link up with this particular dynamic workshop, visit actorfestla2011.eventbrite.com.Kerry Barden remains casting for 19 years. He's cast over 200 films, television shows, and plays and contains offices in New You'll be able to and La. His film credits include "Boys Dont Cry," "Good Will Hunting," "Shakespeare for one another,Inch "American Psycho," "I Shot Andy Warhol," "The Cider Your Laws and regulations," "Disloyal," "Monster's Ball," "Pineapple Express," "The Client,Inch "Conviction," "Winter's Bone," "Conan the Barbarian," "Dolphin Tale, "The Help,In . "Machine Gun Preacher." He won a 2011 Artios Award within the Casting Society of America for "Winter's Bone." He was nominated for Emmy Honours for "Sex as well as the City" and "The Bronx Is Burning." He's also produced four films, like the award-winning "Conversations Together With Other Women," starring Helena Bonham Carter and Aaron Eckhart. He's excited revisit Actorfest this year. 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! Finetune Your Audition Technique at Actorfest LA! October 30, 2011 Learn audition tips within the Casting Director of "Good Will Hunting," "Shakespeare in Love," "The Cider Your Laws and regulations," "Pineapple Express," "Winter's Bone," "Sex as well as the City," and "The Help.InchAmong the important thing things casting company company directors and company company directors look for in stars may be the capacity to consider direction making appropriate changes. Choose participants will probably be selected to determine copy making changes to get the best casting director Kerry Barden.To link up with this particular dynamic workshop, visit actorfestla2011.eventbrite.com.Kerry Barden remains casting for 19 years. He's cast over 200 films, television shows, and plays and contains offices in NY and La. His film credits include "Boys Dont Cry," "Good Will Hunting," "Shakespeare for one another,Inch "American Psycho," "I Shot Andy Warhol," "The Cider Your Laws and regulations," "Disloyal," "Monster's Ball," "Pineapple Express," "The Client,Inch "Conviction," "Winter's Bone," "Conan the Barbarian," "Dolphin Tale, "The Help,In . "Machine Gun Preacher." He won a 2011 Artios Award within the Casting Society of America for "Winter's Bone." He was nominated for Emmy Honours for "Sex as well as the City" and "The Bronx Is Burning." He's also produced four films, like the award-winning "Conversations Together With Other Women," starring Helena Bonham Carter and Aaron Eckhart. He's excited revisit Actorfest this year. 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!

Audition for NBC, Disney, mun2, Telemundo and much more at Actorfest LA on November. fifth

Are you currently registered for Actorfest LA yet? The yearly event offers Training courses with Top Industry Professionals, Meet & Drops with Leading Casting Company directors, plus an variety of Audition Possibilities with the likes of Disney, NBC, Telemundo, mun2 plus much more! Below is an introduction to the casting possibilities at Actorfest LA, which happens on Saturday, November fifth in downtown La. To learn more, visit world wide web.ActorfestLA.com. To join up for Training courses, Free Casting Calls reely Meet & Drops, visit actorfestla2011.eventbrite.com. REGISTER NOW! Wally DISNEY PARKS & RESORTS Wally Disney Parks and Resorts is going to be holding auditions at Actorfest L.A.Have the expertise of an eternity with Wally Disney Parks and Resorts. We're continuously seeking Ballroom dancers and Character Look-alikes to do in meet-and-greets, parades and stage shows at Disneyland Resort in California, Wally Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, as well as the Disney Cruise Line with itineraries to exotic locales for example Europe, Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, and also the Caribbean.Seeking:Males (5'9" - 6'2"): and Women (5'0" - 5'8"): to portray popular lead figures made famous within the following Disney features: Aladdin, Alice's adventures in wonderland, Beauty and also the Animal, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Pirates from the Caribbean, Sleeping Beauty, Snow Whitened and also the Seven Dwarfs, Twisted, The Small Mermaid, Mess Bell, The Princess and also the FrogDancers: males (5'1" 6'2") and women (4'8" 5'8"), dancer/entertainers who move well, to look within our Mainstage musical theatre productions, Disney Cruise Line, as well as in Disneyland Resort Parades. Some entertainers can look as Disney Costumed Figures and appear-alikes for Meet and greets aboard ships yet others will come out into ensemble dancer roles. Candidates is going to be measured in the audition. Note: All Candidates should be 18 years or older.To learn more and to enroll in an audition place, go to the Wally Disney Parks & Resorts table within the Actorfest Exhibit Hall.Auditions is going to be held at Back Stage's Actorfest LA on November. 5 at 11 a.m. (sign-in 10:30 a.m.) and 4 p.m. (sign-in 3:30 p.m.) for Figures, and a pair of p.m. (sign-in 1:30 p.m.) for Ballroom dancers at California Market Center, 110 E. ninth St. (between Primary and La Sts.) in Downtown La.Provide pix & rsums. Ballroom dancers should put on appropriate dance attire and be ready to become familiar with a dance combination. With respect to the location, Individual Employment Contracts range long from six several weeks to 1 year. Benefits can include per diem, housing, medical/dental coverage, vacation/sick days, complimentary park entrances, worker discount rates and much more. There's no guarantee that everybody is going to be seen early attendance is strongly suggested.General admittance to Actorfest is free of charge. Be advised that no actor is guaranteed a job inside a future production.NBC, TELEMUNDO AND MUN2 NBC, Telemundo and mun2 is going to be holding auditions made to add diversity for their growing talent pool.There's No Guarantee That Everybody Is Going To Be Seen Early Attendance Is Strongly Suggested.What:NBC is seeking union talent (SAG or AFTRA people only) Males and Women, who are able to play age range 18 to 45.Telemundo is seeking The spanish language-Speaking and Bilingual stars Males and Women, any age union and non-union talent welcome.mun2 is seeking The spanish language-Speaking, British-speaking and Bilingual stars Males and Women, any age union and non-union talent welcome.When:Saturday November. 5, 2011Starting at 10:00 a.m. and ongoing until 1:30 p.m. Callbacks is going to be locked in the mid-day. Audition wait time might be several hrs.Where:California Market Center, 110 East Ninth St., (between. Primary and La Sts.) in Downtown La--- All talent under 18 years Should be supported by a grownup.---Things To Prepare:-- Bring multiple copies of the picture & rsum, affixed together must include contact details.-- If you're known as back, you'll be given a scene to organize and browse.Things To Put on:-- Dress casualWhat To Anticipate:-- Audition time slots is going to be provided upon register. Should you miss your time and effort slot you won't be viewed.-- The audition itself shouldn't keep going longer than 1 2 minutes.-- A restricted number of individuals is going to be informed at their audition they have a callback.Important Information:-- There's no guarantee that everybody is going to be seen early attendance is strongly suggested.-- Subscribe to an audition time slot as in the morning as you possibly can after coming at Actorfest.-- General admittance to Actorfest is free of charge.-- There's no guarantee to be cast or known as back.-- Headshots might be continued apply for possible future casting.-- We're not accepting any DVD's, CD's or Demo Tapes. Products left might be thrown away.-- Be advised that no actor is guaranteed a job inside a future production.CASTING DIRECTOR MEET & DROPS The Meet & Drops at Actorfest offer the chance to possess a 1-2 minute one-on-one ending up in a properly-know casting director, and fall off a duplicate of the headshot and resume.This can be a great chance to satisfy an educated casting director, request questions you've been wanting to know solutions to, and obtain critical feedback in your pix & rsum presentation.Here are names of confirmed casting company directors taking part in Actorfest LA Meet & Drops:Kerry Barden, CSA: Casting Director/Partner, Barden/Schnee Casting with offices in NY and LA. Casts mostly movies. Credits include: "The Assistance,Inch "Machine Gun Preacher," "Winter's Bone," and "Conviction."Mark Teschner, CSA: Four-time Emmy Award-winning casting director for "General Hospital."Matthew Craig, CSA: Casting Director/Partner, Craig Eco-friendly-Keyes Casting. Casts movies. Works together with Nick Cassavetes, credits include "My Sister's Keeper," "Alpha Dog," and also the approaching "Yellow."Dorian Frankel, CSA: Casting Director. Casts mostly for television. Credits include: "Parks and Entertainment," "Work,Inch and "Curb Your Enthusiasm."Craig Campobasso, CSA: Casting Director. Casts for movies. Credits include: "Pizza with Bullets," "An Ideal Host," and also the approaching "Zoysia Bill" and "For Each Other and Dying."Chadwick Struck: Casting Director and Producer of indie Movies. Credits include: "A Eco-friendly Story," "The Drunk," and "Rockbarnes."Michael Testa: Casting Director/Partner, Shaner/Testa Casting. Casts mostly for television. Credits include: "Cold Situation," "Ringer," and "Chase."Caroline Liem, CSA: Casting Director for television and movies. Credits include: "Due To Jimmy Kimmel Live," "Beverly Hillsides Chihuahua 3," "Quiet Witness," and "X2."Chris Game: Casting Director, Theater Director, Teacher. With fifteen years of expertise in the market, Chris has cast numerous national commercial campaigns, for Harley-Davidson, Swiffer, Spend, and Hamburger King.Killian McHugh: Commercial Casting Director and Teacher. Works together with Alyson Horn Casting.Fern Champion: Casting Director. Casts mostly movies. Credits include: "Pet Cemetary," "The Mask" and lately "Beyond" and also the TV small-series "The Hatfields & McCoys."Russell Boast: Casting Director, Pagano/Manwiller Casting. Credits include: "Franklin and Party" and "Whitened Irish Consumers." Russell also produces and directs theater in L.A.Meet & Drop periods are for sale to all participants who've registered for Actorfest. PIX & RSUM DROP BOXES Plenty of casting company directors may have drop boxes setup at Actorfest which you can use to decrease off your pix & rsums free of charge. Back Stage will make certain the boxes are shipped straight to the casting directors' offices so they'll are able to visit your info.So make certain to create multiple copies of the headshots and resumes (affixed together) to Actorfest. And make certain to decrease off your pix & rsums within the boxes early, since the boxes is going to be quickly packed up prior to the finish during the day.

Netflix Accounted For One-Third of Downstream Internet Traffic in September (Report)

Netflix may have lost 800,000 customers in the most recent quarter, but it's still a major online player, constituting 32.7 percent of North America's peak evening downstream traffic.our editor recommendsReed Hastings Loses $300 Million in Netflix CollapseNetflix's Stock and Subscriber Drops: What the Media Is Saying According to a new study by Sandvine Intelligent Broadband Networks and first reported by Mashable, 60 percent of all evening peak period downstream Internet traffic consists of real time entertainment applications, such as Netflix and Hulu. Of that 60 percent, Netflix accounted for over half. PHOTOS: Netflix's 10 Most Rented Movies of All Time The study surveyed 200 Internet service providers in 80 countries for their traffic during September 2011. The study also cautioned that Netflix may have already hit its peak that month and with so many cancellations, it would not reach that percentage of the market in North American again. The streaming video company has had a rough quarter, with its announced price hikes and plans to split the company being met with resounding jeers and stock dropping 37 percent from its peak. The study also revealed that 55 percent of traffic in North America is going not to PCs, but to game consoles such as the X-Box, set-top boxes, smart TVs and mobile devices. Of all peak hours mobile network traffic, the kind used by smart phones, real time entertainment was again the largest traffic driver, with 33.8 percent of downstream traffic, followed by web browsing with 27.5 percent. Related Topics Netflix

Johnny Depp's Dr. Seuss Biopic Features Animated Characters?

Apparently Dr. Seuss won't be the only colorful character in Johnny Depp's upcoming biopic about the children's book author. Some of his beloved characters might be making an appearance in the film as well. In an interview with Larry King, Depp said that the biographical movie will likely feature a combination of live action and animation. "It's something we're developing with Seuss' widow, [Theodor] Geisel's widow," he said. "It's a very exciting possibility, because it's a combination of live-action and ... the characters will certainly have a role." Check out the rest of today's casting news after the jump! Lily Collins Attached To "The English Teacher" Artina Films announced in a press release today that Lily Collins has come on board their upcoming indie comedy "The English Teacher." She will be joining Julianne Moore, Greg Kinnear, Nathan Lane and Michael Angarano. Collins will play a popular high school student who comes into conflict with Linda, a high school English teacher who convinces a former student to show his un-produced play at their school. "The English Teacher" is being directed by Craig Zisk. John Cusack And Malin Akerman Head To "The Numbers Station" The Hollywood Reporter has learned that John Cusack and Malin Akerman are both set to star in the upcoming thriller, "The Numbers Station." Cusack will play a disgraced black ops agent who is charged with protecting Malin Akerman, a CIA code operator. Danish director Kasper Barfoed will direct the project. It is set to start principal photography in mid-November. Jason Sudeikis Joins The "Dog Fight" More than 10 months after Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis's political comedy was announced, it finally landed itself a title and a new cast member. Risky Business is reporting that Jason Sudeikis has come on board the flick, which is now called "Dog House." The Jay Roach-directed comedy follows Ferrell and Galifianakis as rival politicians in South Carolina. Filming is set to start in November for an August 10, 2012 release date. Michelle Monaghan Heads To "Fort Bliss" Michelle Monaghan is the first actress to come on board Claudia Myers' upcoming indie drama "Fort Bliss," Variety reports. The "Machine Gun Preacher" star will play a veteran of the war in Afghanistan who is sent home and struggles to reconnect with her 5-year-old son. The film will go in front of the camera next June in New Mexico. Tell us your thoughts on today's Casting Call in the comments section below or on Twitter!

Phoenix Hospital To Title Room After Bret Michaels

First Released: October 24, 2011 7:40 PM EDT Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Access Hollywood Live: Bret Michaels On His Engagement & Package Hoovers Pelvic Thrust HugPHOENIX, Ariz. -- A Phoenix hospital is inserting just a little Poison into families awaiting sick family members, because of a donation from eighties hair band singer Bret Michaels. The Poison frontman intends to announce Thursday that he's giving Televisions and seem systems for any waiting room in the St. Josephs Barrow Nerve Institute, where he was treated in April 2010 for any brain hemorrhage. The gear allows families to unwind and pay attention to music. In exchange, the waiting room is going to be named after Michaels. He seemed to be treated in the hospital captured for any procedure to repair an opening in the heart. Doctors discovered the opening once they treated him for that brain hemorrhage. Michaels states inside a statement the room is going to be warm and stylish. Copyright 2011 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Friday Box Office: Paranormal Activity 3 Shocks this area Office To Existence

Yesteryear month’s been slow in the cineplex, however, you can thank Paranormal Activity 3 for giving the folks what they need: graininess! The 2nd follow up trounces my way through its path now, especially other beginners such as the Three Musketeers and Johnny British Reborn. The tally follows. 1. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3: $26,235,000 2. FOOTLOOSE: $3,475,000 ($23,488,031) 3. REAL STEEL: $3,108,000 ($59,015,640) 4. The 3 MUSKETEERS: $2,900,000 5. THE IDES OF MARCH: $1,530,000 ($25,789,326) Also of note: Johnny British Reborn arrived at $1.14 million at #8, however it’s poised to create $100 million overseas. Who likes you the U.S. any longer? I’m regarding this. Friday Box Office [Box Office Mojo]

Vivian Kerr...Got the Part

Vivian Kerr...Got the Part Role: Mary Warren in 'The Crucible' By Melinda Loewenstein October 22, 2011 Vivian Kerr For actor Vivian Kerr, one casting notice on Back Stage's Facebook page set up numerous occasions that incorporated booking employment, being requested to participate a theater company, and producing a 2011 Ovation Award nomination.Within The month of the month of january, Kerr saw a casting notice for Theatre Banshee's output of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" round the Back Stage Facebook page. She was immediately interested because she'd always loved the play combined with been hearing the best-selling theater company. So she e-mailed her submission but got approached for just about any general audition, where she completed a monologue. If the came time to complete the audition form, she was interested only becoming Mary Warren, but she didn't desire to put that round the form. She states, "It's funny because In my opinion Abigail might be the part that lots of women are drawn to, however always just loved Mary Warren."Leslie Baldwin, coartistic director of Theatre Banshee, thought Vivian was an ideal Mary Warren. According to Baldwin, the theater normally doesn't generate stars to determine for callbacks when the organization has the ability to fill the role from the inside. Baldwin states, "Starting this audition, I'd have wager that individuals may have filled [the role], but Vivian knocked it in the ballpark, as the saying goes.Inch The organization people loved coping with Kerr a great deal that whenever the show was over, she was requested to participate. Kerr wasn't searching to become listed on, but, she states, "I merely loved individuals a great deal and how they approached their work that we just required to say yes. It really feels as if a really nice artistic home."Kerr was attracted towards the story of "The Crucible" as well as the issues of conscience Burns handles in several of his plays. The show will be a great experience on her behalf she loved some time and thought that went into mounting the expansion, which she thinks is rare for just about any 99-Chair theater. Nevertheless the testing process was challenging for Kerr because she didn't desire to permit the cast lower. She states director Sean Branney aided a good deal by greatly getting belief within the stars: "He allowed us to really follow our instincts and gave us plenty of room to check things. He didn't impose he let us find most of the impeding naturally. I truly appreciate the fact for that finish in the testing process when things weren't going the most effective, he was very demanding. Like he wouldn't enable the play being anything under it might be.InchThe effort paid out off. Baldwin states, "Vivian's capacity to create large but psychologically filled options right from the start was impressive. Her undertake Mary Warren demonstrated a sense of innocence, a sense of self-righteousness, together with an ailment of self-conflict in equal measure. We'd shades of this in the beginning, including her character's capacity to elicit pity and empathy despite her terrible disloyality of truth and conscience. Ultimately, the emotional depth that Vivian could search shown awe inspiringand is probably the reasons, I imagine, she's nominated for your Ovation Award." Kerr can be a part of SAG, AFTRA, and Equity. Her website is internet.viviankerr.com.Has Back Stage aided you obtain cast formerly year? We'd like to tell your story. Keep up with the weekly column by getting in touch with casting@backstage.com for NY or bswcasting@backstage.com for La with "I Obtained the Part" inside the subject line. Vivian Kerr...Got the Part Role: Mary Warren in 'The Crucible' By Melinda Loewenstein October 22, 2011 Vivian Kerr For actor Vivian Kerr, one casting notice on Back Stage's Facebook page set up numerous occasions that incorporated booking employment, being requested to participate a theater company, and producing a 2011 Ovation Award nomination.Within The month of the month of january, Kerr saw a casting notice for Theatre Banshee's output of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" round the Back Stage Facebook page. She was immediately interested because she'd always loved the play combined with been hearing the best-selling theater company. So she e-mailed her submission but got approached for just about any general audition, where she completed a monologue. If the came time to complete the audition form, she was interested only becoming Mary Warren, but she didn't desire to put that round the form. She states, "It's funny because In my opinion Abigail might be the part that lots of women are drawn to, however always just loved Mary Warren."Leslie Baldwin, coartistic director of Theatre Banshee, thought Vivian was an ideal Mary Warren. According to Baldwin, the theater normally doesn't generate stars to determine for callbacks when the organization has the ability to fill the role from the inside. Baldwin states, "Beginning this audition, I'd have wager that individuals may have filled [the role], but Vivian knocked it in the ballpark, as the saying goes.Inch The business people loved coping with Kerr a great deal that whenever the show was over, she was requested to participate. Kerr wasn't searching to participate, but, she states, "I merely loved individuals a great deal and how they approached their work that we just required to say yes. It really feels as if a really nice artistic home."Kerr was attracted towards the story of "The Crucible" as well as the issues of conscience Burns handles in several of his plays. The show will be a great experience on her behalf she loved some time and thought that went into mounting the expansion, which she thinks is rare for just about any 99-Chair theater. Nevertheless the testing process was challenging for Kerr because she didn't desire to permit the cast lower. She states director Sean Branney aided a good deal by greatly getting belief within the stars: "He allowed us to really follow our instincts and gave us plenty of room to check things. He didn't impose he let us find most of the impeding naturally. I truly appreciate the fact for that finish in the testing process when things weren't going the most effective, he was very demanding. Like he wouldn't enable the play being anything under it might be.InchThe effort paid out off. Baldwin states, "Vivian's capacity to create large but psychologically filled options right from the start was impressive. Her undertake Mary Warren demonstrated a sense of innocence, a sense of self-righteousness, together with an ailment of self-conflict in equal measure. We'd shades of this in the beginning, including her character's capacity to elicit pity and empathy despite her terrible disloyality of truth and conscience. Ultimately, the emotional depth that Vivian could search shown awe inspiringand is probably the reasons, I imagine, she's nominated for your Ovation Award." Kerr can be a part of SAG, AFTRA, and Equity. Her website is internet.viviankerr.com.Has Back Stage aided you obtain cast formerly year? We want to see your story. Keep up with the weekly column by getting in touch with casting@backstage.com for NY or bswcasting@backstage.com for La with "I Obtained the Part" inside the subject line.

Sino VOD bandwagon

"Mr. Popper's Penguins" is among several films that last century Fox offer on VOD in China beginning the next month. McCabeWith companies searching to build up it-on-demand market in China, they're starting to lock lower handles Hollywood, with last century Fox the newest in the majors to produce its homevideo game game titles available in the region.Monk Home Theatre has inked a deal with Pleasure.cn to provide new releases and library fare for the website's pay-per-view service Hollywood Theater. Site launched in 2008.New films might be seen for five yuan (about 80), while older photos might be seen for 3 yuan (50).The price can happen low, nevertheless it shown necessary in the country recognized for rampant piracy. "If you want to get rid of all obstacles to behave legitimate, fighting piracy with an above average cost point might be pretty effective," mentioned Jamie McCabe, executive V . p . or worldwide PPV, VOD and electronic sell through for last century Fox Home Theatre.Initial slate of Fox game game titles to go to survive Pleasure.cn the next month as new releases include "Black Swan," "127 Several hours," "Large Mommas: Like Father, Like Boy," "Cedar plank plank Rapids," "Diary from the Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules," "Gulliver's Travels," "Monte Carlo," "Mr. Popper's Penguins," "Water for Tigers" and "Mutually Advantageous.InchYou'll also provide about 100 game game titles provided by the Fox library. Pleasure.cn also provides films in the new the new sony and Disney.Fox becomes the next studio every year to lock lower VOD pacts in China, hoping to get the 1.3 billion population there just like a major potential revenue source for PPV gold gold coin.To date, the art galleries happen to be worried about their films being unlicensed in the region, which has lost them 100s of millions per title formerly. Nevertheless the VOD options have pledged to thwart piracy with anti-piracy technology to have the ability to land more content.Fox already brokered a deal with Chinese movie service Sohu Video to license 400 films over the following three years. The brand new the new sony stood a deal with VOD provider Anyplex to provide films with the on-demand service through Internet connected integrated digital TV (iDTV) together with a collection-top boxes. It's stood a VOD presence in China since 2005.And Warner Bros., in June, inked a deal with pay-TV service YOU If Needed to provide PPV game game titles, beginning while using "Harry Potter" franchise, through cable and IPTV services in China. "You will discover a lot of companies that are inside the VOD business in China," mentioned McCabe, who recently met with 16 in the firms throughout a vacation to the country. "We preferred to make sure we reward people that are doing the very best factor and possess a great service," McCabe mentioned. Pleasure.cn "checked most of the boxes."Including applying anti-piracy techniques.Piracy once went rampant in Korea, however, if legitimate services launched to take advantage from the high-speed internet available there, the country increased being "our third or fourth finest market in the world,In . McCabe mentioned. "With ease, you are able to say, 'Let's quit while focusing our forces elsewhere,' but if you will discover good services, good content plus an attractive cost," clients might have up. Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

Gadhafi's Dying Predicted By 80s Sitcom (Video)

ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images Everyone should have paid out closer concentrate on one-season showSecond Chance if the broadcast through the 1987-1988 season.our editor recommendsCNN, MSNBC, Fox Air Nasty Cell Phone Video of Dead GadhafiMoammar Gadhafi's Dying: What Hollywood States Apparently the show frequently see into the future. STORY: CNN, MSNBC, Fox Air Nasty Cell Phone Video of Dead Gadhafi The sitcom, which was Matthew Perry's first foray into television, featured a now slightly-eerie caricature of Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi, who was simply taken and destroyed in Sirte, Libya, it absolutely was introduced Thursday. Second Chance, which was cancelled for only one season's run, opened up up in Saint Peter's Office round the then-future day's This summer time 29, 2011. Figures' lives were judged to discover whether or not they would paradise or hell. STORY: Systems Hedge Gadhafi Coverage as Rebels Take Credit for Killing Him Gadhafi, was the second being judged, was told he was "quite dead, completely dead" just before attempting to kill St. Peter getting a piece of equipment gun, just before the Saint retorted "you will not ever usually takes an account.In . He wound up being shipped to hell, where he was sentenced to spent eternity wired just like a human blast, approaching every two minutes. So, to conclude. Second Chances, single-season show created later, predicted that Gadhafi would die This summer time 29, 2011. These were given your entire day wrong, nevertheless the year is on. Uncover the shocking truth below. Matthew Perry Moammar Gadhafi

Bill Clinton, Hollywood Heavyweights Star in Funny or Die Video

Funny or Die never seems to own trouble acquiring a-list stars to appear inside their low-budget web projects. Nevertheless it may have surpassed itself having its latest video, that's filled with a couple of from the finest names in Hollywood, alongside a classic U.S. leader, surprisingly.our editor recommendsHollywood Falls Back deeply deeply in love with Bill Clinton (Analysis)Bill Clinton Attends Premiere of 'The Way,' Cheers Film and Related Foundation (Video)Bill Clinton Honors Edie Wasserman, Lew Wasserman's WifeLady Gaga Drops F-Blast at Bill Clinton Concert (Video)Stevie Question Starts Bill Clinton Birthday Concert (Video) It opened up Saturday on two giant screens within the Hollywood Bowl within a concert enjoying useful benefits the William Jefferson Clinton Foundation, and Funny or Die released it on the web evening time Tuesday. PHOTO: Best Presidents in Film and tv The premise has Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Matt Damon, Sean Penn, Kristen Wiig, Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen creating the Clinton Foundation's Celebrity Division. Kevin Spacey might participate that team. Christin Trogan, who produced it, mentioned each star devoted about two several hours for the project which it absolutely was shot over five days lately. Even though it appears a lot of the stars will be in the identical room concurrently, that was only the situation with Stiller, Danson and Steenburgen. "It absolutely was extended days for your crew, certainly, creating that continuity which world where they're together, right lower for the littlest things, like where a bagel was placed," Trogan mentioned. PHOTOS: Stars Who've Carried out People in politics Clinton was shot at his Foundation office in NY, where he's proven reprimanding Spacey for commandeering his desk, though Spacey's finish in the conversation was shot in California. Black appeared to stay in California because the relaxation in the cast reaches NY. 5-minute video is called Clinton Foundation: Celebrity Brainstorm. The sketch was put together by Funny or Die staff author Alex Fernie, even though stars ad-libbed occasionally while others brought ideas and dialogue. If there has been any stars who declined the opportunity to look inside the video, Funny or Die isn't saying. PHOTOS: Leader George W. Rose rose bush on 9/11 "It absolutely was among people things where, once we were staring at the bits, we'd others in your thoughts, which we've got really lucky that they're able to be a lot of it,In . Trogan mentioned. "It absolutely was much like another pressure was blessing this video and enabling it to obtain together." Clinton Foundation: Celebrity Brainstorm from Leader Bill Clinton Related Subjects Jack Black Kevin Spacey Kristen Wiig Mary Steenburgen Matt Damon Sean Penn Ted Danson Bill Clinton Funny or Die Ben Stiller

U sets prod'n pact with P Passe, Johnson

dePasseJonesUniversal Pictures have signed a 3-year production pact with Suzanne p Passe and Madison Johnson as well as their P Passe Johnson Entertainment banner. P Passe and Johnson are presently creating a wide slate of fabric, together with a pic turning around Dr. Martin Luther King's existence, along with Steven Spielberg at DreamWorks. "Suzanne and Madison are trailblazing producers who've great respect in multiple divisions from the entertainment industry," stated Universal chairman Adam Fogelson and co-chairman Donna Langley. "We're fortunate to utilize such respected partners and anticipate their approaching projects using the studio." P Passe is better known among the professional producers around the TV miniseries "Lonesome Dove." Johnson was Boss and founding father of the media and IP certification company IPM. "We're excited and honored to achieve the chance to operate carefully using the hugely gifted team of professionals at Universal to create films in a number of genres," stated p Passe and Johnson inside a statement. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

The Avengers Trailer Has Been Downloaded 10 Million Times

This pat in the back just in from Marvel Studios: The first trailer for The Avengers was “downloaded over 10 million times in its first 24 hours” from iTunes alone upon its debut this week. 10 million downloads. In a day. That’s got to also be the record for the most people listening to Nine Inch Nails (whose musical stylings played under shots of ScarJo pondering the tightness of her Black Widow costume, etc.) at the same time. Congrats! Now, to convert those 10 million trailer-watchers into opening day ticket-buyers… [Press release]

AOL CEO Pitches Yahoo Deal to Investors (Report)

NY - AOL chairman and CEO Tim Armstrong has in the past couple of weeks pitched the idea of a sale to Yahoo to top shareholders, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing sources. His pitch highlighted that a combination of the two struggling online companies could yield up to $1.5 billion in cost savings from overlapping data centers and news sites, the report cited an unnamed investor as saying. Armstrong, a former Google top executive, could use a deal to bow out of AOL gracefully - or look to run a combined company, Reuters said. "As far as Armstrong's desire for an exit, he doesn't want to be doing what he is doing 18 months from now. He wants to be out," Reuters quoted a source familiar with Armstrong's thinking as saying. "He's an ambitious sort of guy and AOL is such an afterthought. But he would definitely put his hat in the ring to run a combined Yahoo/AOL." An AOL spokeswoman had no comment on the Reuters report. An AOL-Yahoo combination has been suggested in the past without ever leading to a deal. However, Yahoo has been exploring strategic alternatives, including a potential sale or merger, which could give any deal talk traction. AOL's stock has dropped more than 40 percent since it was separated from Time Warner in 2009. Recent weakness was driven by AOL's quarterly earnings report in August that included management commentary that disappointed investors. After the results, some investors said their patience with Armstrong's turnaround strategy was wearing thin. The news of Armstrong's Yahoo pitch came a day after a regulatory filing showed that a big institutional investor in AOL has slashed its stake in the company. Just like Yahoo, AOL recently unveiled a push into professional online video with big-name partners. AOL's stock on Wednesday closed down slightly at $13.15, giving the company a market value of $1.4 billion. Yahoo shares also closed down slightly at $15.77, giving the firm a market capitalization of $19.9 billion. Reuters said investor sources liked the idea of a merger, but said only time will tell if AOL can pull it off. It highlighted that there is overlap between Yahoo and AOL investors. Yahoo itself recently pulled out of the auction for online video joint venture Hulu. Related Topics Yahoo AOL

Linda Lavin on Career and CD: 'Work Brings Work'

NY (AP) Linda Lavin was in two well-received productions last season that are on Broadway this fall: "Follies" at the Kennedy Center and "Other Desert Cities" at Lincoln Center.Which one is she doing in NY? Neither.Lavin instead took a strong part in Nicky Silver's new play "The Lyons," which opens off-Broadway this week at the Vineyard Theatre."There're absolutely no regrets. This is a great part. I don't know when I've been this satisfied with one role," Lavin says over a breakfast of yogurt and fresh fruit. "I've never gotten final closure like I do with this character."Lavin, who is about to turn 74, is these days basking in a burst of renewed attention, decades after the Golden Globe- and Tony Award-winning actress put on a paper hat to play a waitress in Mel's Diner on the long-running TV sit-com "Alice" (1976-1985)."That's just the most amazing thing for me. I'm being invited to all these parties at this stage in my life and my career," she says. "I'm feeling very, very lucky."Besides the Stephen Sondheim musical and Jon Baitz's play about a dysfunctional family wrestling with a deep secret, Lavin has finished a movie the upcoming "Wanderlust" with Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd and next month releases her first CD, "Possibilities."In the dark comedy "The Lyons," Lavin plays mother of a family grappling with the impending death of its patriarch. It's a central role one not offered by "Follies" or "Other Desert Cities" and deeply moved Lavin."I love a short run and I love being in on something at the beginning. So this offer, when it came, was a perfect time," she says. "Nicky's play offered more meat on the bones and it was something I absolutely had to do."Decision made, she had to walk away from "Follies," in which she was singing the iconic song "Broadway Baby," and from Baitz's play, in which she played a lefty alcoholic. Her part in the Sondheim musical was given to Jayne Houdyshell and Judith Light took her part in the play for Broadway.Lavin says Light is a wonderful actress who will do "great justice" to the role she left. As for "Follies," Lavin calls it like doing a beloved rock show. "It's 'The Rocky Horror Show' of Broadway," she says. "The shows are much bigger than my participation."Mark Brokaw, who directs Lavin in "The Lyons," is happy with the actress' choice. "It's a fantastic role with great range and we're so happy to have her because she is a serious actress with fantastic comic chops."When the discussion veers to her new album, Lavin brightens even more. Backed by a jazz band, she sings 12 favorite songs, including "Two for the Road," ''It Might As Well Be Spring" and "You've Got Possibilities.""Look at me," she says, beaming. "I'm like a child about it."With Lavin's twist on standards, the CD boasts two notable additions liner notes by Hal Prince, who she calls her first mentor, and drumming by Steve Bakunas, who happens to be Lavin's husband.Prince gave Lavin her first big break while directing the Broadway musical "It's a Bird ... It's a Plane ... It's Superman." She went on to earn a Tony nomination in Neil Simon's "Last of the Red Hot Lovers" in 1969, and the Tony for another Simon play in 1987, "Broadway Bound." In between, she starred in "Alice," singing the theme song and becoming an icon for working moms.She and Bakunas, an artist, musician and her third husband, have been together for 13 years and make their home in Willmington, N.C., where they converted an old automotive garage into the 50-seat Red Barn Studio Theatre. It opened in 2007 and their productions include "Doubt" by John Patrick Shanley, "Glengarry Glen Ross" by David Mamet, "Rabbit Hole" by David Lindsay-Abaire and "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife" by Charles Busch, in which Lavin also starred on Broadway.Lavin in recent years has been at Lincoln Center in Paul Rudnick's comedy "The New Century" and earned a Tony nomination last year for her role in Donald Margulies' "Collected Stories." She has also been refining her concert show "Songs & Confessions of a One-Time Waitress."Lavin says she's finally re-emerging after struggling with too few roles offered to women over 40. She quotes a verse from Sondheim: "First you're another sloe-eyed vamp/Then someone's mother/Then you're camp."She hasn't gotten to camp, but she has played Jennifer Lopez's grandmother in "The Back-Up Plan." When she's asked for guidance from up-and-coming actresses, Lavin stresses one thing."I won't give advice I don't believe in it. I believe in experience and sharing that," she says. "I say that what happened for me was that work brings work. As long as it wasn't morally reprehensible to me, I did it."Now she's in the enviable position of having to turn down work."I think it's really, really good fortune and the fact that there are writers out there who know the value of women and what women have to say," she says. "I don't know how long it will last, but I'm happy to eat it up while it's here."Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

'Muppets' Movie Soundtrack Features Feist, Flight from the Conchords, Andrew Bird

Bret McKenzie of Flight from the Conchords has four original tunes within the Disney film The Muppets, featuring special looks by Feist, Joanna Newsom and Nathan Pacheco. Wally Disney Records will release the soundtrack November. 21.our editor recommends'Green Lantern's' Ryan Reynolds Will get Punked Through the Muppets (Video)'Muppets': Full Trailer from the Jason Segel-Can Be Film Surfaces (Video)Andrew Bird: Fever Year: Film Review McKenzie has written "Existence's a contented Song," sang by Jason Segel, Can Be and new Muppet Walter after which like a full cast finale "Let's Discuss Me," which Chris Cooper sings "Guy or Muppet," a duet between Segel and Walter and "Me Party," a collaboration between Adams and Miss Piggy. McKenzie may be the film's music supervisor. PHOTOS: Past Grunge in Pictures Feist and Mickey Rooney add vocals to "Existence's A Contented Song," Newsom is guest singer on Jim Henson's "The Muppet Show Theme" and Pacheco, Disney Group artist, seems on "Let's Discuss Me." Jeannie Lurie, Aris Archontis and Chen Neeman authored the film's other original track, "Pictures during my Mind," which Kermit and also the Muppets sing. Muppets figures cover Nirvana's "Has The Aroma Of Teen Spirit," Cee Lo Eco-friendly's "Forget You" and provide a brand new version from the Muppet classic "Rainbow Connection." The soundtrack also features 15 interstitials of film dialogue. Christophe Beck did the score for that film that opens November. 23. PHOTOS: Top Ten Greatest Compensated Artists Within the film, Walter, the planet's greatest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Segel) and Gary's girlfriend Mary (Can Be) take presctiption visit to La once they uncover the program of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for that oil. Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets for any telethon to boost $ten million in order to save the theater. Track Listing for "The Muppets": "The Muppet Show Theme" - The Muppets "Existence's a contented Song" - Jason Segel, Can Be and Walter "Pictures during my Mind" - Kermit and also the Muppets "Me and Julio Lower through the Schoolyard" - Paul Simon "Rainbow Connection" - The Moopets "We Built This City" - Starship "Me Party" - Can Be and Miss Piggy "Let's Discuss Me" - Chris Cooper "Guy or Muppet" - Jason Segel and Walter "Has The Aroma Of Teen Spirit" - The Muppets Barbershop Quartet "Forget You" - Camilla and also the Chickens "Rainbow Connection" - The Muppets "The Whizzing Caruso" - Andrew Bird "Existence's a contented Song" - Finale Entire Cast "Mahna Mahna" - Mahna Mahna and also the Two Snowths Related Subjects Can Be Jason Segel Flight from the Conchords The Muppets Andrew Bird