5 Reasons We Like The Peanuts Gang

Happy Year, Charlie Brown As Chuck and Co. gather to have their "Auld Lang Syne" on in Happy Year, Charlie Brown, tonight's adorable finish-of-the-year special from 1986, we want to consider a mug of kindness and count lower the reason why these old acquaintances should never be forgotten. 1. They rock the holiday season. The Emmy-winning It is a Charlie Brown Christmas has trained decades the real meaning of year, and when you haven't joked about "obtaining a rock" while trick-or-dealing with, it is possible you was raised living under one. 2. Snoopy! Since his debut on October 4, 1950, Daisy Hill Puppy Farm's top graduate has stolen our hearts like a The First World War flying ace, a writer and, obviously, Charlie Brown's four-legged closest friend. No surprise the boy and the dog required no. 8 just right TV Guide Magazine's listing of the 50 Finest Cartoon Figures ever. 3. From Scrubs to Robot Chicken to Saturday Evening Live to Due To Jimmy Kimmel Live, they've inspired a number of TV's sharpest spoofs. Our fave? The Simpsons' place-on parody of It is the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. 4. They are total fashion symbols. Chuck's zigzag. Lucy's little blue dress. Peppermint Patty's sandals. Project Runway could be lucky to attain looks that timeless. And do not even get us began on the dancing abilities! 5. They have remained gold. Debuting in 1947 as Li'l Folks within the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the children have continued to be a wonderful reflection from the innocence, optimism and sometimes melancholy charm of creator Charles Schulz. Guess you can say happiness is getting buddies such as these. Happy Year, Charlie Brown airs tonight at 8/7c on ABC. Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

TV Ratings: 'Person of Interest' Grabs Largest Audience Since Debut, 'Prime Suspect' Hits Series Low

This article appeared in the Dec. 23 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.our editor recommendsOscar Dog Showdown: Who's Cutest? 'The Artist' Tops Golden Globe Nominations 'Hugo' and 'The Artist' Top the Broadcast Film Critics' List of Nominations With 11 EachYoung Adult: Film Review A round of a-paws, please! These four-legged thespians may be ineligible for an Academy Award, but their performances in the Oscar contenders of the season are stealing the show. The season's awards contenders feature numerous animal stars, from the horses of War Horse to the feline star of Puss in Boots. But these four dogs have gone above and beyond with their on-screen performances this year. PHOTOS: Oscar Dog Showdown: Who's Cutest? Uggie, 9 | The Artist His barks might all be silent, but the energetic Jack Russell, seen here playing with a toy Oscar, is one of the big stars of Michel Hazanavicius' tribute to the days before talkies. A seasoned performer -- his specialty is riding a skateboard -- Uggie also appeared this year in Water for Elephants. Says trainer Omar von Muller, who rescued him when he was headed for the pound: "He was a very hyper puppy, but he's now one of the best-trained dogs in the industry. Just look at the scene where he rescues Jean Dujardin from a burning building without missing a cue." Cosmo, 9 | Beginners This all-white long-hair Jack Russell, who previously appeared in Hotel for Dogs and Paul Blart: Mall Cop, is trained by Mathilde de Cagney, who knows a star when she sees one: She also trained the late Moose, who played the long-running role of Eddie on Frasier. "The hard thing in training a dog for a movie isA round of a-paws, please! These four-legged thespians may be ineligible for an Academy Award, but their performances in the Oscar contenders of the season are stealing the show. making his behavior look natural," says de Cagney. But that proved no problem for Cosmo, who not only tags along loyally beside Ewan McGregor but also has dialogue of his own thanks to director Mike Mills' clever subtitles. STORY: Golden Globe Awards Nominations Complete List Blackie, 3, Hugo He was one of three Dobermans in Hugo that portrayed the fearsome Maximilian, who patrolled the Parisian railway station alongside Sacha Baron Cohen's Inspector. Because Martin Scorsese shot in 3D, often panning 360 degrees, de Cagney, also his trainer, was sometimes costumed as a character in scenes so she could work with the dogs without destroying the illusion. Hummer, 4, Young Adult A compact Pomeranian, he is, by showbiz standards, a non-pro. Director Jason Reitman discovered the purse-sized pooch while Hummer was out on a walk on the streets of NY and convinced his owner to let him make his film debut opposite Charlize Theron. View more photos from THR's photoshoot with the top dogs of the awards season here. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Oscar Dog Showdown: Who's Cutest? Related Topics The Artist Beginners Young Adult Hugo

Digital tools add quality, cut back

'The Girl while using Dragon Tattoo'The fluid workflow of digital editing is creating a faster, cheaper and -- according to Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter, co-editors of "The Woman While using Dragon Tattoo," -- better approach to making movies.That which was once visual effects tasks, for instance compositing, is now handled inside the editing bay faster plus much more cheaply, as well as the shots goes in towards the cut.Digital tools also empower the editors to get their preferred aspects of multiple takes -- an actor's line reading through through in a single take, another actor's entrance from another -- and mix them. The finish result, hopefully, is more suitable to the take that happened at that time.InchWhenever we enter that final amount of detail, everything starts to sing," Baxter states. "There's some minute particulars that really help an editor give clearness that ultimately produces a far greater film."

The Dictator Teaser Trailer Lands

Sacha Baron Cohen in the helluva large beardThe first trailer for Sacha Baron Cohen's The Dictator has turned up, that is offensive. Precisely how you (possibly) appreciate it.Billed since the film adaptation of Iraqi romance novel "Zabibah as well as the King" by Bottom - yes, that Bottom - it differs greatly within the source text, representing Baron Cohen just like a foreign dictator who involves America to know a couple of things.Become familiar with a couple of things, and, um, sleep with Megan Fox in exchange for many precious jewels and zipline between structures for no pointless.As opposed to Bruno and Borat, it is not a mockumentary, but it is directed using it . guy: legendary Seinfeld author Ray Charles.For any clip itself, it's definitely not vintage Baron Cohen. The jokes feel somewhat tired, the rare rascism an impact too casual, an impact too rascist.Still, as he's playing dual roles for the reason that one, we're only seeing one for yellows in the gold gold coin at this time around, so possibly a few trailers in the future things can look quite different.Anyhow, take a look by yourself and let us read your comments. Does Sasha have another Borat-sized smash on his hands or possibly a another Ali GIndahouse?Inform us inside the comment box below.The Dictator, which stars Anna Faris and Mister Ben Kingsley, is going May 18, 2012.

Katie Couric, Boyfriend Split After 5 Years

Brooks Perlin and Katie Couric Katie Couric and her boyfriend of 5 years, entrepreneur Brooks Perlin, have split, People reviews.The breakup was "inevitable," a resource informs playboy, since the two were at different procedures in their careers. Poll: Which 2011 celebrity breakup shocked the most?Couric, 54, and Perlin, 37, met in a 2006 fundraising event for cancer research, and she or he was concerned about their 17-year age difference. Her husband, Jay Monahan, with whom she's two kids, died of colon cancer in 1998.Couric, who left the CBS Evening News in June, is focusing on her new syndicated ABC daytime show, Katie, that will come from September.

NBA Renews Three Big Ad Partnerships

NBC Saturday Night Live drew solid ratings this weekend with first-time host Katy Perry and musical guest Robyn.our editor recommends'Saturday Night Live': Katy Perry Hosts, Alec Baldwin Gets Last Laugh on American Airlines (Video)Alec Baldwin Mocks American Airlines Controversy on 'Saturday Night Live' (Video)Katy Perry Photos at Center of $3 Million Paparazzi Showdown Saturday night's episode of the NBC sketch-comedy show averaged a 4.8 rating in the metered-market households. That marks SNL's highest metered-market household rating since the Nov. 5 episode with host Charlie Day and musical guests Maroon 5. PHOTOS: Katy Perry and the Best (and Worst) Moments of AMAs 2011 In the 25 markets with Local People Meters, SNL averaged a 2.7 rating in the adults 18-49 demo, making it the No. 11 telecast of the night in the LPMs, topping all primetime programming on the broadcast networks. Perry appeared in at least nine sketches during the Saturday's show, portraying Christina Aguilera in a parody of New Year's Eve, recent musical guest Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine and a ballsy Pippa Middleton, among others. PHOTOS:54th Annual Grammy Nominees: Kanye West, Adele, Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Katy Perry Alec Baldwin also made a surprise appearance to spoof his recently being thrown off an American Airlines plane. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'SNL' Stars Salute Kennedy Center Honoree Will Ferrell Alec Baldwin Katy Perry TV Ratings Saturday Night Live

Judge Poised to Send Allegations Of Sexual Antics On 'House' Set to Jury (Exclusive)

When Amy Winehouse died of alcohol poisoning July 23, she left behind five Grammys and scores of tabloid headlines -- but little new music. While she had written an album's worth of ideas since her 2006 breakthrough, Back to Black, almost nothing had been recorded.our editor recommendsDollars After Death: 12 Albums That Got Big Posthumous Sales BoostsAmy Winehouse's Posthumous Album, 'Lioness: Hidden Treasures,' Debuts at Top of U.K. Charts PHOTOS: 12 Albums That Got Big Posthumous Sales Boosts On Dec. 6, Universal Republic released a posthumous album from the singer. Lioness: Hidden Treasures was made available last week in her native Britain via Island Records, topping the U.K. charts with 140,000 copies sold. A collection of covers and unreleased original tracks, producers Salaam Remi and Mark Ronson, Winehouse's frequent collaborators, compiled and completed the 12 songs, some of which existed as nothing more than a single vocal take. PHOTOS: Portraits of Amy Winehouse By Bryan Adams "My heart is sad but bursting with pride," Mitch Winehouse wrote on Twitter. Many artists experience their biggest sales after death. An example from the last decade: Ray Charles, whose 2004 album, Genius Loves Company, was released two months after he died, topped the charts and has since sold 3.2 million copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan. In addition to Charles, Winehouse is in the company of artists including Janis Joplin, Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash and Aaliyah. For a look at some of the highest earning posthumous releases, click through THR's photo gallery. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Dollars After Death: 12 Albums That Got Big Posthumous Sales Boosts Related Topics Amy Winehouse

Tom Cruise's Bollywood Dreams

Tom Cruise wants to be in a Bollywood film. (Yes, that sentence is as ridiculous to write as it is to read.) While attending a red-carpet screening of 'Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol,' in India, Cruise expressed his admiration for the popular Hindi film genre. "I love watching Hindi movies. There are many Hindi movies that come out every year but I do watch a few of them. [If offered a Bollywood film] I would never say no. I would love to do it," said Cruise. Later in the evening, the actor was treated to a dance performance by Bollywood choreographer Shiamak Davar's troupe. Although Cruise may have been playing up his Hindi movie dreams just for the night, he is set to star as Stacee Jaxx, the lead singer of an '80s rock band, in 2012's 'Rock of Ages.' Perhaps the singing-dancing Tom is here to stay? 'Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol' opens in North America on December 21. [via THR] [Photo: AP] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Mike Leigh To Preside Over Berlin Jury

Mike Leigh continues to be named leader from the jury for that 62nd Berlin Worldwide Film Festival. The British director’s films happen to be asked to Berlin in a variety of sections previously including 1984′s Meantime, 1998s short The Short And Curlies, 1991s Existence Is Nice and 2008s Happy-Go-Lucky that Sally Hawkins required the Silver Bear for the best Actress. Leighs latest film, Another Year, went competing in Cannes this year and was nominated to have an original script Oscar. Berlin runs from February 9-19, 2012.

Kourtney Kardashian Pregnant With Second Child

First Released: November 30, 2011 11:00 AM EST Credit: Getty Premium La, Calif. -- Caption Kourtney Kardashian sometimes appears around the group of NBCs Today show in NY City on October 6, 2011 The Kardashian clan in growing! Kourtney Kardashian, the oldest from the reality siblings, is pregnant together with her second child, based on E! News and Us Weekly. Scott and that i are extremely excited to announce that people expect our second child and therefore are thrilled to become growing the love within our family, the 32year-old mother told E! News inside a statement on Wednesday. Kourtney required getting pregnant roughly five days ago, based on Us Weekly, and awoke longtime love Scott Disick around 7 AM to talk about the exciting news. Now Im nine days along, Kourtney told the mag. Youre designed to wait 12 days to inform people, however i feel confident. While Mason the couples nearly 2-year-old boy came as a little of the surprise towards the handful of 5 years, Scott states their impending arrival wasnt completely unplanned. All this wasnt like we werent trying, he told the mag. We type of just stated, If it is intended to be, itll be. A repetition for Kourtney wasn't immediately readily available for discuss her pregnancy news when approached by Access Hollywood on Wednesday. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Piers Morgan, Wife Welcome a Daughter

Piers Morgan, Celia Walden It's a girl for Piers Morgan.The Piers Morgan Tonight host and also the wife, British author Celia Walden, have welcomed daughter Elise, he introduced Friday."The simple truth is. I've be considered a father for your fourth time, with a young girl referred to as Elise," Morgan tweeted. "She'sabsurdlybeautiful, and absolutely adorable."Piers Morgan expecting fourth childThis might be the very first child for your couple. Morgan has three sons, Spencer, 18, Stanley, 14, and Albert, 11, along with his ex-wife, Marion Shalloe.Morgan, 46, and Walden, 34, got married a year ago.

India's Zee TV to change Title for cleaning cleaning soap Opera 'Hitler Didi' After Anti-Defamation League Critique

NY - India's Zee TV mentioned Tuesday it could affect the title for cleaning cleaning soap opera Hitler Didi, roughly converted as Auntie Hitler, which in fact had attracted anger within the Anti-Defamation League. The ADL on Thursday had referred to as round the network "to eliminate the title Hitler within the program's title also to relabel the show getting a less offensive title." In line with the network's advertisements, the title Hitler means lead character, a young lady known to like a strict disciplinarian. "Let's preserve the title Hitler just like a villain of incomparable evil and not trivialize his legacy or perhaps the Holocaust getting a serial TV title," ADL written in the letter it mentioned it shipped to Punit Goenka, controlling director and Boss, additionally to Subhash Chandra, chairman of Zee Entertainment. "We deeply regret any distress this title may have triggered that is our intention to change the title immediately," Zee TV, a division of Zee Entertainment Companies, mentioned in the statement acquired with the Hollywood Reporter. "It absolutely was never our design to lead to any grief as well as for your we deeply apologize." The show opened up on November. 7 on Zee TV in India which is moved round the network's affiliate entrepreneurs in other nations, like the U.S., in line with the ADL. "The title Hitler doesn't belong inside the title from the cleaning cleaning soap opera, which we believe the producers from the program create a dreadful error in judgment that could just be healed getting a title change," Abraham Foxman, ADL national director together with a Holocaust survivor, had mentioned earlier inside the day. "Hitler was an anti-Semite, fascist dictator and mass killer responsible for the annihilation of European Jewry. That numerous cleaning cleaning soap opera fans in India are really hearing and speaking of a program while using title Hitler every single day is shocking. This is often a terrible trivialization from the title freighted while using taint in the Nazi Holocaust." Chandra reaches NY in recent days to just accept an award within the Worldwide Emmy Honours on Monday. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects

Revisit the JFK Assassination with a New Errol Morris Short

President John F. Kennedy was assassinated 48 years ago today in Dallas, Texas, prompting what would become the biggest single market in conspiracy theories until 9/11. Many of them came bundled in such staggeringly ambitious work as Oliver Stone’s JFK, Don DeLillo’s Libra, and Josiah “Tink” Thompson’s exhaustive Zapruder film study Six Seconds in Dallas — the latter of which filmmaker and Movieline favorite Errol Morris reconnects with today for an intriguing new short exploring the legend of that fateful day’s “Umbrella Man.” Let Morris explain: For years, I’ve wanted to make a movie about the John F. Kennedy assassination. Not because I thought I could prove that it was a conspiracy, or that I could prove it was a lone gunman, but because I believe that by looking at the assassination, we can learn a lot about the nature of investigation and evidence. Why, after 48 years, are people still quarreling and quibbling about this case? What is it about this case that has led not to a solution, but to the endless proliferation of possible solutions? […] Last year, I finally got to meet and interview Tink Thompson. I hope his interview can become the first part of an extended series on the Kennedy assassination. This film is but a small segment of my six-hour interview with Tink. Someone! Fire up a Kickstarter campaign for the rest of the series, already. · “The Umbrella Man” [NYT via @ebertchicago]

Oscars: John Grazer & Robert Lorenz Open Files On Clint Eastwoods J. Edgar

This really is really the 2nd production collaboration between Imagine Entertainment co-chairman BrianGrazer and Clint Eastwood’s Malpaso Productions partner Robert Lorenz. (The initial was 2008s The Changeling). J. Edgar was ornamented byintrigue and intensity within the startof the film, which was switched lower by Universal because the studio didn’t desire to make another period film.A Malibu meeting between Grazer and Eastwood paved the means by which for Warner Bros to produce this montha fascinating have a look at most likely probably the most complicated figures ever, his abuse of one's, as well as the demons that haunted him. Central for the movie might be the incredible pedigree ofclint just like a director Eastwood, as well as the effective performances by Leonardo Di Caprio,Armie Hammer, Naomi W, and Judi Dench. Before J. Edgar hit theaters, AwardsLine contributor Ari Karpel spokewith Grazer and Lorenz to talk about biopics in age dirty Oscarcampaigns, Clint Eastwoods difficult-to-classify politics, as well as the challenge ofmaking serious films inside an frequently frivolous age: AWARDSLINE: Tostart, tell me about how precisely this project found be, immediately. Grazer: I believed it may be interesting tomake a movie about Hoover because hes this kind of complex character.More youthful crowd, typically, originated from theFBI.He certainly sustained it. So, I pitched it to Universal and so they likedit.I met with author Dustin LanceBlack after which it pitched it to him.Hesaid hed been thinking about so on.He likes energy structures much the same way I likepower structures. So while wewere developing it, Id seen Leonardo a couple of occasions just delicately. He was conscious of i had been developing Hooverwith Lance Black.He made an appearance excited bythe idea of either reading through through it and perhaps even carrying it out.Item of software will come in and Universal made a decision to not doit.I suggested we make it for Make the most of forClint too for Make the most of themselves.Got married alreadyhad a great experience together on TheChangeling with Jennifer Aniston.He readit, loved it and quickly spoken to his partner there, Clint Eastwood. They mentioned were in. Then that got Leo tosay Ill take action. AWARDSLINE: The subject matter didn’t give anybody pause? Lorenz: Whatever work John and Lance had doneprior was working because the script showed up which both of us felt it absolutely was reallysmart and intriguing.Hoover, whomeveryones familiar with since the director in the FBI, may also be this characterthats ornamented in mystery because hes hiding secrets which he's thispersonal existence that everyone has queries about.It really made an appearance as being a great subject for amovie. Grazer: In my opinion that lots of the subjects withinthe movie are relevant today and so are a lot more relevant today somewhat.When Lancestarted writing it simply before Clint and Sucks participation, he did plenty of researchon it visited the FBI after which it as Make the most of and Clint increased being involved, we justcontinued to evaluate.That's where many of the story can get completed simply because they males are excellent.Clint and Make the most of are merely great researchers. In my opinion we developed a point tohave it's as accurate since it can be and prepare the aspects thatwouldnt overtake the central story. AWARDSLINE: Clearly,Lance who won an Oscar for his Milk script, can be a naturally political person and extremely progressive within the politics. Similarly, Clint is yet another naturallypolitical person, though more conservative.Could be that the kind of delicate dance for some reason using this project? Lorenz: Well, I dont think so.People make an effort to label him a conservative.But Im always amazed because when progressive afigure he's.In my opinion in the event you have a look at thesubject matter in picking a films throughout the final a long time you canreally realize that.I'm speaking about choosing to accomplish Flags within our Fathers and very sort ofglamorizing the Us citizens which war after which it countering by utilizing theJapanese perspective was a thing that for several veterans hardened them up tothink that Clint would attempt to tell their side in the story.They resent any need to do that. Grazer: In my opinion hes singularly been sosuccessful at carrying out these great American tragedies.I've no clue if either Make the most of or I have seenanyone else succeeding on his level doing films that are so desperately.He picks these very difficult and complexsubjects and finds techniques to produce natural movies which will make sense. AWARDsLINE: Ofcourse were within this polarized political culture, during the Oscar races.John, from your experience withA Beautiful Mind — which wasprobably most likely probably the most attacked movie if this involves the opposition — how can thatshape how you enter into developing a movie similar to this this is a likely Oscar contender? Grazer: Well, to start with, Make the most of which i canonly hope that it's considered using this type of potential.Thatd prosper.To date as ABeautiful Mind, In my opinion debate comes when you're getting attracted into therace.It wasn't really as controversialwhen we developed a Beautiful Mind as itwas when people started rivaling each other.Relating to this movie, Clint has handled such toughsubjects, therefore i thought he'd perform best with this particular not only becoming an artist butsomeone who always struggles and struggles and finds the truth insubjects.In my opinion people, his criticsand people who work within the business these type of believe if anyonesgoing to check a hard subject and take action with honesty its apt to be Clint. AWARDSLINE: Yousaid Universal didnt do initially. Why was that? Grazer: Once Clint mentioned hewas considering carrying it out, Universal may have began to the identical conclusion tomake it.However think they werent goingto showed up at this conclusion that quickly whereas, Clint make out the print and Make the most of read itand they'd a great deal of passion and emergency. Clints pretty busy constantly, so Make the most of andClint which i, to some degree, needed it to Warner Bros they were ready to makeit immediately. AWARDSLINE: Whatdid Universal have trouble with?Could it happen to be thetopic, your financial allowance or what? GRAZER: I've no clue.In my opinion its challenging dramas made rightnow, right, Make the most of? LORENZ: Yeah.Thats the identical factor Warner fought with.You will discover restrictions about it if this involves thebudget size.It absolutely was a harmful proposition the historic drama will make back a lot of cash unless of course obviously itturned out perfect, so it has. GRAZER: A movie similar to this, everybody takes alot less money and quite a few a more compact quantity of everything. Allow it to be inside a verysmart cost. [Editors note: They are saying J. Edgars production cost showed up just beneath $40 million].Somewhat, youre thinking I am hoping peoplesee it and revel in it or enjoy it the means by which we love to it. You are not thinking about it much the same way youthink from the event movie.You just cantframe it by doing this. AWARDSLINE: Now,certainly Clint’s clearly had incredible box office and Oscar success with MillionDollar Baby and Unforgiven.Itseems like his past few movies havent received the eye in the Academy thathis previous ones have.Im curious fromboth people the reasons you think that's. GRAZER: In my opinion a number of it might be the topic andthe theme.In my opinion that certain has people andits furthermore an excursion p pressure.So, I thinkwe might can. LORENZ: Weve been available every year with aproject.In my opinion enthusiasm goes backand forth.In my opinion the timing is rightto open this unique project.

Chicago shows penchant for tuners

Chicago isn't recognized for its musicals, though new infrastructure appearing, the winds of change are coming inside the Windy City.Gotham hits "August: Osage County," "A Reliable Rain" and "Destroyed" all started in Chi-town, seeming to find out a core from the trademark for completely new legit work emerging in the region: intense, serious and full of emotion. But feet-tapping tuners? Less.Yesteryear several several days , however, are actually especially robust for Chicagoland tuners, suggesting that musical increase in the city may be where play development involved 10 years roughly ago.New tuners have produced out a Windy City footprint well beyond the Nederlander Org's Broadway in Chicago commercial venues or perhaps the three-plus-year ongoing run of "Big Quartet," which is constantly re-cast and extend. Chicago Shakespeare leads the strategies by developing a growing infrastructure for completely new musicals inside the city, with two effective tuners on its boards: Gary Griffin ("The Color Crimson") directs a scaly-lower, strikingly emotional "Follies" and "Murder for just two,In . a completely new musical comedy romp roughly Agatha Christie and Charles Ludlam, while using two artists also delivering the piano accompaniment, has converted into a extended-lasting surprise hit round the theater's second stage, running since May. The show just acquired a Rob Award for completely new musical, talking about it getting another City revue."Musicals in Chicago have a very really wealthy history," states Ron Boynton, Chicago Shakespeare's creative producer, who adds musical theater in Chicago is at a resurgent condition that recalls the glory occasions of local orgs Candlelight Theater and Drury Lane Water Tower Place. "In my opinion there is a cycle, now it is really an exciting, prolific, bold time."Boynton chooses artists first after which it works together them to discover a project. Inside the summer season, the theater staged a completely new family musical undertake "Pinocchio" by "The Story of My Existence" designers Neil Bartram and John Hill. Formerly, Boynton had fostered the development of "Funk Up About Nuthin'," a Shakespeare adaptation with the Q Brothers and sisters -- Jeffrey (JQ) and Gregory (GQ) Qaiyum -- that opened up within the theater, and contains since been noticed in London, Edinburgh and Australia. The bond is ongoing, while using theater as well as the Q's concentrating on "Madsummer Night's Dream" together with an elegant-hop "Othello." Until Chicago Shakespeare ramped up its musical programming profile, the bigger suggests which were not Broadway tryouts or tours were staged mostly inside the and surrounding and surrounding suburbs.In August, the Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire, Ill., mounted the earth premiere of "For your Boys," good Bette Midler-James Caan film about USO artists. Next season it'll produce "Hero," a great ambitious comicbook author.The Marriott boasts one of the greatest subscription bases within the u . s . states, pushing 37,000, and signifies a distinctive corporate-possessed, for-profit regional model, wonderful costs met by ticket sales."That poses a sizable challenge to doing new work, that's greater than two occasions as pricey (as tours)," states professional director Terry James. Nonetheless its large base of clients provides sufficient to guard the theater to develop one or more new musical every few years. In probably the boldest progression of all, the Vital Theater in Aurora, about 50 miles west in the city, has began creating a unique season rather than based on tours. Run by artistic director Jim Corti (who spent couple of years playing Tateh in "Ragtime" on Broadway and grew to become among Chicago's leading director-choreographers), the Vital launched the programming initiative with "My Fair Lady," selling a good 18,000 tickets. The appropriate-opened up up "Ernest as well as the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" has offered 21,000. Both productions repetition solid tour-quality work.Corti, additionally to Boynton and James, all express hope that new productions within the Vital will heighten the ability for your top musical artists to make a living inside the city, which is not as simple for players dwelling in Gotham. The Marriott, for example, makes of a third of the casts from NY. Corti aims eventually to develop new work. "We've our eyes on like a pre-Broadway house," according to him. But for the moment, he or she must develop a crowd with familiar game game titles. "It's frightening as hell." Due to the expense as well as the extended timeline connected with developing new tuners, it's unlikely that Chicago's famous store theaters will get in round the act the way they have with nonmusical work. Nonetheless, Black Ensemble Theater inside the Uptown neighborhood in the city finds a effective niche with bio-musicals. Wager opens its new $20 Million cultural center a couple of days ago getting a remount of the 2000 show "The Jackie Wilson Story," which ongoing tour starring Chester Gregory II, plus a 2003 visit Harlem's Apollo Theater. The center could have a 299-chair mainstage, double capacity in the company's previous home.Suburban stores have, once again, been most likely towards musicals than people inside the city. Next Theater in Evanston created composer Josh Schmidt's "The Adding Machine" (which ongoing to see Off Broadway) and Authors Theater in Glencoe developed his follow-up, "A Minister's Wife," which was then staged at Lincoln subsequently subsequently Center.Authors, with houses that chair just 40 and 108, is certainly an unlikely place for musical development, but it's switched its size right into a benefit and dedicated to adaptations. "Every bit can get a unique personalized an eye on development," states connect artistic director Stuart Carden, who runs new work, "and that we are dedicated to seeing them through to production." The theater just held a extended workshop for just about any musical version in the Charles Mee play "Summer time season," which is in the office on Schmidt's adaptation in the Gogol short story "The Heavyweight coat."The first sort started within the Music Theater Company, a venture founded in 2008 and dedicated to musical development. The business designed a reasonable impression the city of Highland Park granted it utilizing a 92-chair space this season. It had formerly been occupied with the Apple Tree Theater, a musical company that went defunct this past year.There's not a far greater example that musical theater inside the Chicago area has made it its share of challenges, and surely appears round the upswing. n Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Londongrad Losing Rupert Wyatt

Warner Bros has lost some steam on Londongrad, the drama about about the mysterious death of former KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko, who was poisoned in 2006 with polonium-210. The studio put the picture into high gear because Rupert Wyatt wanted to direct it, and they were targeting Michael Fassbender to play Litvinenko. Now, it looks like Wyatt won’t be able to make it next. Fox has an option on him and the studio understandably wants to move fast on a sequel to Rise of the Planet of the Apes. So either the project will wait for him or the studio will get another director.

REVIEW: Ellen Barkin Snarls to Existence in Callous, Uncomfortable Another Happy Day

Typically within the movies, disorder is much better offered like a side dish as opposed to a primary course, highlighting what’s a real story of grieving and releasing, or transitional phase, or self-acceptance. Screaming, crying, acting out and mistreating other medication is harder to consider once they’re the main focus rather than symptomatic of something much deeper to become excavated and investigated. Within this light, Another Happy Day warrants kudos of some kind for strongly putting the dysfunctional character of their figures and also the ways they interact up in the forefront just like a two-hour group therapy session to nowhere. It’s like Rachel Marriage if every character were much like Hathaway As Catwoman’s broken, narcissistic Kym. It’s uncomfortable, shrill and tiring — everybody’s so busy airing their very own issues nobody has time to hear other people’s — however it’s an authentic stars’ film moored by good quality performances, together with a stand-out turn from Ellen Barkin as Lynn, the prodigal daughter who arrives the place to find her parents’ house in Maryland for that wedding of her earliest boy Dylan (Michael Nardelli). Lynn, we learn, includes a legitimate beef together with her family, though they've some together with her too. It needs time to work for that connections and histories from the ensemble cast of figures to create themselves obvious, not only due to how complicated they're but additionally because every individual only compulsively picks at their selected emotional scab. Lynn arrives carrying her two other sons by her nebbishy second husband, the chain-smoking, black-clad Elliot (Ezra Burns) and youthful Ben (Daniel Yelsky), that has Asperger’s. “The before you visited rehab, I stated you had been in Sweden,” she informs Elliot shortly before they arrive, the very first of numerous, many suggestions the title of the film is intended to be ironic. Her husband and her self-doing harm to college-aged daughter Alice (Kate Bosworth) are because of arrive the following day, but she wanted to obtain a jump around the familial drama and sure does, jumping in to the fray almost upon arrival. Ellen Burstyn plays Doris, Lynn’s psychologically withholding mother, and George Kennedy is Lynn’s father Joe, who’s ill and never always aware. Lynn’s cartoonishly catty siblings (Siobhan Fallon, Diana Scarwid) exist too, together with their very own partners and offspring. However the ones Lynn dreads seeing probably the most are her ex Paul (Thomas Haden Chapel) and the territorial grotesque of the new wife Patty (Demi Moore). Paul accustomed to beat Lynn when these were together, and exactly how everybody responded to her departing him and taking just one of the two children, Alice, together with her is cause of the main family schism. His behavior was terrible, unforgivable, but we develop some knowledge of it, if certainly nothing beats forgiveness — thin-skinned and self-pitying, Lynn is really a magnet for abuse, seeking it while desiring anyone to leap to her defense. Why else is she there, burrowing directly into the packed house filled with family she resents but wants approval from? “Why weren’t yourself on my side?” she bleats to her mother just like a senior high school kid who got left. It’s a marvel of the performance from Barkin, who requires a character who must have all easy sympathy on her behalf side and makes her challenging and weighty, a lady who warrants recompense but causes it to be a hardship on anybody to wish allow it to her. It’s unfortunate the film nonetheless loads things in her own favor by declining to sophistication her worst tormentors with similar complexity — Moore particularly is really a monster who might have self-tanner running through her veins rather than bloodstream. Another Happy Day may be the directorial debut of Mike Levinson, boy of Oscar-champion Craig Levinson (which needed to assist with getting within the impressive cast). The film, while scattered when it comes to look (the addition, for example, of grubby footage from Ben’s own little camera adds nothing), won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance this season, and it is well-written what sort of sandwich of sausage on sausage bread with sausage-flavored spread is tasty, without any padding or variety, missing right to the perceived good parts over and over inside a mind-numbing fashion. However the verbal sniping that comprises a lot of the conversation includes a snappy rat-tat-tat into it — “What don’t you realize, you solipsistic fuck?” — especially exactly what originates from Elliot, who’s clever, sardonic and it has a present for instantly focusing on people’s vulnerable spots. Burns, from the aristocratic face and louche air, has been doing well for themself playing broken sophisticated teens, in 2008’s Afterschool, here and shortly because the titular youthful sociopath in We have to Discuss Kevin. Another Happy Day discloses itself to become a film that starts individuals who put on their disorder around the outdoors versus individuals who lock up deep within or are simply stolidly insensitive — Dylan, the lone normal child, is bland and absolutely nothing to become respected. “Why could it be you haven't learned to simply keep quiet?” Doris asks Lynn in just a minute of rare, though unfriendly, openness. The film’s heart lies using the former, with Lynn and her mental health specialist’s nightmare of the brood, although it’s prepared to allow that everybody’s pretty awful. That good even-handedness doesn’t allow it to be any simpler to invest an entire film with one of these people, regardless of how nuanced the acting. Learn how to keep quiet, indeed. Follow Alison Willmore on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

'X Factor' grows digital domain

Producer-director Marc Scarpa runs they devoted to making a range of online content for Foxs The X Factor. Foxs The X Factor offers audiences live use of backstage cameras using a Verizon-backed application, a part of a more sophisticated digital strategy. The development truck parked just outdoors where "The X Factor" shoots on Stage 36 within the CBS Television City complex is stuffed with 20 people hunkered over monitors. But they have got nothing related to the live telecast.Like the unscripted Fox series includes a huge separate staff that actually works alongside the broadcast crew on TV's greatest digital extension to some primetime series since NBC set the brand new standard with "The Voice" captured.InchBy Factor" has effectively cultivated a fervent following on Facebook since its September launch, and also the show has since added a Verizon-backed Xtra Factor application that synchronizes a more sophisticated content companion to both Wednesday and Thursday telecasts. As the app's on iOs-powered products such as the iPad, the Android version is especially robust, giving audiences a chance to election five various ways and also to access backstage cameras.Audiences may also watch behind-the-moments footage using a live one-hour Pepsi-backed pre-reveal that precedes every Wednesday broadcast it's offered at TheXFactorUSA.com. Additionally to speaking heads gabbing concerning the approaching episode and interaction with fans via Skype, the pre-show uses cameras so near to the action that certain is even grown behind one just in case you need to call at your favorite participants fixing their lipstick or modifying their collars.This three-ring circus of social networking, second-screen application an internet-based pre-show is created feasible for several reasons. For just one, blue-nick brands like Pepsi and Verizon are footing the balance for that "X Factor" features."Sponsorship dollars enable this grand experiment," stated Don Wilcox, Vice president and g.m. of top quality entertainment at Fox.com. "This show particularly was an inflection point for digital visiting the forefront for a number of clients."Backed sparkThere are much more backed digital elements surrounding "X Factor," from the stand alone social networking at PepsiSoundOff.com presently dedicated to talking about the series to Pepsi Choice Performance, that will let audiences design an approaching on-air performance by polling their preferences for dance style, effects, wardrobe and props. The new sony Electronics is behind a "Factor" online-video series, "All Access Pass."The "X Factor" digital extravaganza is definitely an outgrowth from the super-sized vibe that Fox, FremantleMedia and Syco desired to provide every component of the show. Star and professional producer Simon Cowell managed to get known in the planning stages of "X Factor" the series needed a strong online presence.Cowell is stated to become particularly enthusiastic tracker of "X Factor" Internet activity, a lot to ensure that there is lots of speculation that his reconsideration of Lauren Amaro, a contestant who had been chosen out simply to be reinstated by him, was motivated through the video streams she racked on the series' YouTube funnel."Simon is attuned to real-time data," stated Owen Leimbach, an professional producer of "X Factor's" digital efforts. "If he might have everybody in the usa travelling with individuals dials from focus groups, he'd.InchLeimbach is by using The new sony Music Entertainment, that is joined with Cowell in the Syco shingle. Cowell introduced them directly into handle digital procedures together with Fox.Cowell's embrace from the digital extensions continues to be instrumental in knocking lower the standard obstacles which exist from a production's TV and digital models. The integration between your digital and telecast production teams is apparent both onscreen, where Cowell themself makes multiple plugs for that Xtra Factor application, and behind the curtain, in which the TV crew give their digital alternatives the lyrics for every song carried out to become submitted within the application just hrs prior to the show starts.The majority of the staff within the truck are centered on the pre-show, however in an adjoining section sits a five-member team from TV Plus, the 3rd-party developer running the application. They upload towards the application over 100 factoids, videos, polls, photo art galleries, tweet excerpts, fashion analysis per episode because it plays. Like a song works, the Xtra Factor application enables you to definitely purchase it or rate the performance across various metrics from song option to style."There is something about live when it comes to engagement using the application that you simply do not get having a website," stated Marc Scarpa, producer-director managing the pre-show and also the application for The new sony Music.However the website is lively on its own, particularly prior to the latest "X Factor" episode starts. The pre-show crew has access backstage to the stage where about this reporter's visit, one pre-show correspondent was waiting to ambush Antonio "L.A." Reid having a vinyl copy of the forgotten album he created like a person in forgotten 1980s R&B group the Deele, once the now-smooth-domed judge were built with a bouffant hairdo.The pre-show is located by Taryn Southern along with Philip Lomax, an old "X Factor" contestant removed in the series. To express they work from the cuff is putting it mildly.Half an hour before their show a week ago, among their visitors on that day is really a friend of Southern's, YouTube sensation Olga Kay. Kay transpires with point out that she understands how to juggle, which prompts a producer to interject. "Can you accomplish that on the program?Inch he asks.Around an hour later, she's skillfully throwing several apples up for that online audience.Fox pleasedFox is not delivering traffic amounts for that pre-show but is happy with the outcomes, based on a speaker.Twitter can also be deeply built-into the telecast, with frequent teases towards the accounts from the idol judges and participants. But Facebook also plays a vital role online logging in to the "X Factor" website is performed via Facebook, which grants or loans points for each interaction a person has with "X Factor" content. The website will quickly introduce a rewards catalog where points could be exchanged set for "X Factor"-top quality merchandise."X Factor" utilizes four staffers whose sole job is working social networking, disbursing a large number of content extra supplies through the week and reacting to each viewer inquiry concerning the series."X Factor" is a energy player in social networking since its beginning. In October, social-media tracker Trendrr thought it was was probably the most buzzed-about series within the broadcast category across a mix of Facebook, Twitter and appearance-in services like GetGlue. Another monitoring service, Bluefin Labs, discovered that measured across all TV series airing firstrun episodes season up to now, "X Factor" is second simply to another Fox series, "Glee."For the energy consumed online, it's questionable whether all individuals tweets have redounded towards the telecast. While "X Factor's" performance continues to be solid enough to possess already gained the series another season, it fell lacking sky-high anticipation. "The jury has gone out around the rankings bit of it" so far as if the digital activity boosts overall viewership, Wilcox conceded.Whether "Factor" will match the size of their current digital efforts next season has not yet been determined. But taken along with what "The Voice" has been doing and also the unparalleled digital depth Bravo is delivering to the present season of "Top Chef," the DNA of reality-TV franchises has been changed increasingly more with digital part from the overall experience. Time will inform whether or not they remain a fixture for primetime skeins or fade as rapidly because the latest Internet fad. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Angelina Jolie Sports Form-Fitting Red Dress In Tokyo

First Published: November 9, 2011 9:42 AM EST Credit: Getty Images TOKYO, Japan -- Caption Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie step out at the Moneyball Japan premiere at Tokyo International Forum in Tokyo on November 9, 2011 Angelina Jolie brought out the glam in Tokyo on Wednesday! The 36-year-old actress, who has been prone to simple black dresses lately, wowed the crowd in a form-fitting red cocktail dress and nude heels. Angelina stepped out for the Tokyo premiere of partner Brad Pitts Moneyball, which hits theaters in Japan on November 11. The couple and all six of their kids made a splash on Tuesday when they arrived at Tokyos Haneda International Airport, greeting hundreds of fans who had waited hours for their arrival. Just days prior, the massive family was on the other side of the globe in Budapest, where Brad continued to film his latest movie, World War Z, a zombie apocalypse thriller. Check out the chic family traveling in style, HERE! Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Lindsay Lohan Inspections In & From LA City Jail

First Released: November 7, 2011 8:58 AM EST Credit: Getty Images LYNWOOD, Calif. -- Caption Lindsay Lohan sits in the court throughout her probation breach hearing in the Airport terminal Courthouse in La on November 2, 2011Lindsay Lohan was launched from the La City jail early Monday, under five hrs after she showed up in the suburban womens lockup for everyone a 30-day sentence for breaking probation. The Mean Women actress was reserved in to the Century Regional Detention facility in Lynwood at 8:50 p.m. Sunday, with what was expected to become a short stay due to jail overcrowding. Deputy Tony Moore stated Lohan was launched early Monday, but didnt come with an exact time. News deck hands staking the jail stated she left at 1:40 a.m. inside a black Cadillac Escalade suv, which she is at her Venice home by 2 a.m. Lohan had until November. 9 to are accountable to the jail. Its Lohans fifth jail sentence since being arrested two times for drunken driving in 2007. On Wednesday, a judge purchased incarceration because Lohan lately violated court orders through getting kicked from the community service assignment in a womens shelter. The judge enforced an elaborate sentence, telling Lohan that they will need to perform all her community service in the county morgue or risk serving one more 270 days in jail. The sentence also requires Lohan to endure psychiatric therapy periods and appearance monthly at court proceedings between December and March. The judge also stated Lohan can no more leave the nation and requires the permission of her new no-nonsense probation officer to visit outdoors California. Jail overcrowding has brought to considerably reduced jail terms. In 2007, Lohan spent 84 minutes in the jail prior to being launched, and previously she's offered about 20 % of her sentence, that is roughly six days. Lohan will need to serve 423 hrs in the county morgue, where for pretty much two days she's been cleaning flooring, cleaning lavatories and washing dirty sheets. Copyright 2011 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

AFM: ARC And XLrator Buy United States Privileges To Thriller 96 Minutes

La (October xx, 2011) ARC Entertainment and XLrator Media have developed all United States privileges towards the urban thriller 96 MINUTES, which is launched theatrically early the coming year. Starring Brittany Snow (Hairspray), Evan Ross (ATL), Christian Serratos (Twilight series), J. Michael Trautmann and David Oyelowo (The Assistance, Rise from the Planet from the Apes), 96 MINUTES is told within an interlocking structure centering around four youthful lives which collide inside a shocking and terrifying moment by having an really uncertain outcome. With acclaimed performances with a multicultural cast, this highly complex moral tale touches around the issues of race, class, friendship and our connections towards the past. Inspired by true occasions, 96 MINUTES was written and directed by Aimee Lagos and created by Lee Clay, Justin Moore-Lewy, Charlie Mason and Paul Gilreath. The offer was discussed by Craig Gordon of XLrator Media and Ben Weiss of Paradigm. Content Film has got the worldwide privileges. Lagos is repped by Management 360 and WME. The film opened in the South By Southwest Film Festival where Ross won the Jury Award for Breakthrough Performance. It's since gone onto win Best Film, Best Director and finest Actress (Snow) in the Boston Film Festival and also the Audience Award for the best Feature in the Nh Worldwide Film Festival, amongst others. 96 MINUTES has riveted festival audiences wherever it's performed, and that we are thrilled to have the ability to expose it to individuals of any age, races and socioeconomic classes, who'll connect with its effective styles, stated Gordon. Aimee is really a greatly gifted filmmaker having a unique voice. I couldnt become more thrilled to become dealing with Craig Gordon and also the team at ARC and XLrator release a 96 MINUTES, stated Lagos. There is a unique and passionate knowledge of this film and it is audience. Their enthusiasm and commitment coupled with a really compelling marketing plan's something counseled me incredibly excited to take part in. Recent ARC Entertainment/XLrator Media releases include Ironclad, John Craftsmen The Ward, Bunraku and also the approaching rock n roll comedy Killing Bono and Sundance documentary Knuckle. ARC Entertainment and excellent Weekend are delivering The Greening of Whitney Brown on November 11.

A Look At Jurors In Case Of Jacksons Doctor

First Published: November 3, 2011 8:08 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images Caption Dr. Conrad Murray In Court: Day 23 - The Prosecution Makes Their Closing Arguments (November 3, 2011) LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Here are profiles of the seven men and five women serving on the jury in the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, who has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson. Hispanic man, 51, from Whittier. A U.S. Postal Service supervisor who oversees 30 people and has some college education. Believes celebrities bend the rules and feel they can act as they please. Considers himself a fan of Jacksons music. First-time juror. Has five children, five grandchildren. White woman, 57, born in Spain, lives in Alhambra. Account manager who supervises others and has some college. Watches CSI and followed the O.J. Simpson case on TV. Has been on five juries and was once a forewoman. All those juries reached verdicts. Believes celebrities feel they can act as they please. Not a fan of Jackson. Divorced, with two children, two grandchildren. White man, 45, management consultant from West Los Angeles with an MBA. Was a classical musician. Watches Law and Order, follows radio and TV news, visits a few Internet sites and has seen This Is It but is not a Jackson fan. Was on two previous juries that reached verdicts. Wife is a pediatric nurse. Two children. White man, 32, actor and part-time bookseller from Eagle Rock. Some college. Studied philosophy and theater. Watched the O.J. Simpson trial in school as an educational experience. Believes celebrities get away with crimes because of their status. Was a Jackson fan as a child and owns the Bad, 'Thriller and Dangerous albums. Thinks Jackson was probably a good person. Was juror on a civil trial. White woman, 48, paralegal from Temple City. High school graduate. Watched the Casey Anthony case occasionally. Feels celebrities get off because the system cant afford security for them in jail. Not a Jackson fan. First-time juror. Married with two grown children. Hispanic male, 39, from Tujunga. Bachelors degree in sociology. Works in product management. Listens to Howard Stern. Believes celebrities use status to get what they want. A Jackson fan who saw last few minutes of This Is It on TV. Served on one civil jury. Married with two children. Hispanic woman, 54, from San Gabriel Valley. High school graduate and office manager at husbands moving van business. Said the Casey Anthony case showed a jury that saw evidence differently than the public majority. Was juror on two civil cases that ended with verdicts. Watches Fox News, listens to talk radio. Not a Jackson fan but loved his music as a young girl. Has four grown children. Hispanic man, 52, from Lynwood. School bus driver with some college. One prior jury experience. Believes celebrities get away with crimes because of their status. Not a Jackson fan but thinks he was a good artist. Spouse is mail carrier. Four children and one stepchild. Black man, 54, from North Hollywood. TV technical director with associates degree in TV production. Watches Forensic Files and American Justice. Served on three juries. Was a Jackson Five fan as a kid, now more of a Jay-Z fan. Says celebrities dont excite him and hes only interested in justice. Single. No children. White woman, 43. Born in England, lives in Monrovia. Bachelors degree in biochemistry and medical laboratory sciences. Works in international medical marketing. Watches NCIS. Served on jury in England. Not a Jackson fan but bought the Thriller CD. Thinks celebrities sometimes bend the rules. Married with two young children. Hispanic woman, 36, from Whittier. Workers compensation service representative. Some college. Followed the Casey Anthony case because it involved a child. Wounded in a drive-by shooting in 1993. Once served on jury that reached a verdict. Single with two children, lives with boyfriend who has three kids. White male, 54, from Altadena. College professor who was a supervising animator creating characters for motion pictures at Disney and elsewhere. Had brief interactions with Jackson at Disney when the star was making Captain EO film. Thinks Jackson was gifted performer. No prior jury service. Followed the O.J. Simpson case, asks Who didnt? Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Apocalyptic thriller 'The Day' sells to U.K., France

Posted: Wed., Nov. 2, 2011, 1:20pm PTBy DIANA LODDERHOSE LONDON Entertainment One has snapped up rights to Doug Aarniokoski's post-apocalyptic thriller "The Day" for Blighty, France, Scandinavia and South Africa. Pic, which is being shopped internationally by Content Film Intl. and is having its market preem at the American Film Market, was also acquired by Nettai Museum for Japan. Luke Passmore penned the story in which an open war against humanity rages and five survivors are lost and on the run. Pic stars Shawn Ashmore, Ashley Bell, Michael Eklund, Cory Hardrict, Dominic Monaghan and Shannyn Sossamon. Guy A. Danella produces while Aarniokoski, Michael Finley, Tim James, Antonina Armato and Ross M. Dinerstein exec produce. Splendid has already bought the pic for German-speaking territories in Europe and Benelux. Content is repping international rights while Kevin Iwashina of Preferred Content is handling North American rights. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

The Moviefone 2011 Holiday Movie Preview

With October but a distant memory and Thanksgiving coming, selection time than now to start planning the following 30-odd excursions for the cinema? That may help you because mission, your friendly Moviefone editors have come up with an inventory of all the must-see releases striking screens this holidays. From Bella and Edward to Tintin and Snowy to Mikael and Lisbeth, we've got you covered. Ahead, see the Moviefone 2011 Holiday Movie Preview. Moviefone 2011 Holiday Movie Preview 'Tower Heist''A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas''J. Edgar''Jack & Jill''Immortals''Happy Foot Two''Breaking Beginning Part 1''The Descendants''Arthur Christmas''Hugo''The Muppets''The Artist''My Week With Marilyn''A Dangerous Method''Shame''New Year's Eve''The Sitter''Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy''W.E.''Young Adult''We Need to Discuss Kevin''Alvin as well as the Chipmunks 3''Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title Title of Shadows''Carnage''The Iron Lady''Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol''The Adventures of Tintin''The Girl While using Dragon Tattoo''We Bought a Zoo''In the Land of Blood stream and Honey''War Equine''Extremely Noisy and very Close' See All Moviefone Galleries » [Top Photo: Summit Entertainment] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Showtime Lays Off 7 In Affiliate Sales

Showtime has laid off 7 employees in affiliate sales. The most prominent among them is Anne Droste, SVP and General Manager of the Western Zone. The trimming surprised some as Showtime is doing very well financially and has been adding subscribers. The move was part of a consolidation effort, a Showtime spokesperson said. “We announced a restructuring of our marketing and sales groups a few months ago and this is part of that process,” the spokesperson said. As part of the restructuring of Showtime’s marketing operations following the departure of marketing head Len Fogge, the affiliate marketing division was moved under the purview of EVP affiliate sales Tom Christie whose department had to absorb a number of employees from different areas in the last few months. Additionally, Showtime has most of its affiliate deals locked in for the foreseeable future.

Kelly Clarkson on Making Peace With Her Label, New Album: 'It's About Putting All That Crap in the Back'

Harper Smith When Kelly Clarkson held a for-fans-only show at L.A.s famed Troubadour (capacity: 500) on Oct. 19, a moment stood out. It wasn't during the chorus of "Since U Been Gone," which was, as always, met with a room full of frenetically bobbing heads, nor was it in the outro to "Mr. Know It All," her latest addictive single that had the crowd echoing every line. Rather, it preceded the fan's choice song of the night: "Sober" off ofMy December.our editor recommendsKelly Clarkson's 'VH1 Unplugged' Will Debut Online First in NovemberAdam Lambert Enlists Nile Rodgers for New Album (Video)'The X Factor' Vs. 'American Idol:' Who's Leading the Battle for Talent Show Supremacy (Analysis) Surveying the sweat-soaked scene while facing the very devotees who have been with her from the start, Clarkson took it all in, smiled, and practically yelped with joy and self-satisfaction, in spite of the song's somber tone (and, as she admitted later on, sobriety was not in the cards). "It's so funny, anytime you give them a choice, my die-hard fans always pick something from My December," Clarkson says the following morning, still nursing a mild hangover. "But that song, it means a lot to me." As it should. It was that song from that album which pitted Clarkson against then RCA Music Group head Clive Davis and the entire major label system, a, er, sobering experience no doubt. At issue: the singer's desire, perhaps even intrinsic need, to write her own material and not to feel like a pawn in the pop game. A ballsy move for any artist but especially so for an American Idol winner. VIDEO: Kelly Clarkson's 'Mr. Know It All' Premieres She's put it all behind her now, as Clarkson's new album Stronger (out October 25) drives home with uber-confident declarations such as "What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)" and "I Forgive You." The video for "Mr. Know It all" also spells it out: showing a no-BS Clarkson standing if front of her "Wall of Doubt" -- real headlines from articles printed throughout her career -- and declaring, "You don't know a thing about me." "Everybody has that wall, not just famous people," she says. "It's about putting all that crap in the back and being, like, 'Yep, we're done with that.' And the symbolism is, this is all just silly. It's music, that's it. We're not curing cancer, I'm not changing the world, it's fun." You could say Clarkson is having the time of her professional life these days. Some nine years after winning the very first Idol crown, she's come to a place of peace, both with her label, the people around her and with herself. It made the recording of her fifth full-lengthStronger, as she describes it, "smooth and easy -- my label loves the album. The stars kind of aligned on this one. I'm on cloud nine at the moment." Q&A:RCA Records' Peter Edge and Tom Corson on Why the Label Downsized and its Place in Sony's Big Picture In contrast, she says all four of her previous albums were "a struggle." So what was the difference this time around? "I think it's because everybody knows each other better," she reasons. "Everyone's on the same team, no one's fighting with anybody... Also as you get more experience under your belt, now when I walk into a studio, I don't have to describe what I want to do. Greg [Kurstin] didn't have to guess, he's seen me live, he's heard my previous records. When you have something to go off of, it gets easier." Indeed, back when Clarkson lacked experience, like when she began working on her debut album back in 2002, it took some convincing to sell her on the song that would be her breakout hit, "Since U Been Gone." "It didn't sound like how it sounds now," she recounts. "It didn't have any lyrics and the melody really wasn't finalized. The track was done on a computer, there was no band on it. My record label was freaking out about it and I was, like, why? But they were right... Once that song was recorded, it was like, 'Oh, this is a no-brainer. This is a great song.' It's one of those songs that doesn't come along too often." Clarkson will have a chance to showcase many of her biggest hits when she tapes an episode of VH1 Unplugged this week. To prepare for the performance, which will double as her intimate NY show, she and her band have been practicing at every opportunity. "We have literally been rehearsing in hotel lobbies and ballrooms, because our schedule is so packed, we're trying to fit it in anywhere we can," she says. "But we love breaking it down, and I haven't seen an Unplugged since Nirvana did it years ago, so I'm very excited to be asked to be on it." One song that's sure to make the set list? Carrie Underwood's "I Know You Won't," which was a highlight of the Troubadour concert, a sort of practice run for the VH1 version, Clarkson reveals. VIDEO: Carrie Underwood Gives Album Update at iHeartRadio Music Fest So now that she's covered an Idol, is it time to duet with a fellow alum? Maybe... Adam Lambert? "I'd love to do something with him," says Clarkson excitedly. "He's like a male Pink, I love his voice." The two certainly have vocals prowess in common, they're on the same label and both are among Idol's most successful graduates. But where Lambert's commercial launch took freedom of expression to the extreme (who can forget his tongue-wagging performance at the 2009 American Music Awards?), it's been a tougher climb for Clarkson, despite album sales of 9 million in the U.S. alone. "From the beginning, it's been really hard just to be me," she says. Even today, while still on cloud nine, says Clarkson, "Everything's going so well both personally and work-wise, I'm just waiting for that big kick in the butt." Twitter: @shirleyhalperin Adam Lambert Carrie Underwood Kelly Clarkson American Idol

James Murdoch faces threat to BSkyB role

MurdochLONDON -- James Murdoch's position at News Corp. and as chairman of U.K. paybox BSkyB is looking increasingly precarious. Murdoch last Friday survived an attempt by angry stockholders at a Los Angeles meeting of News Corp.'s investors to remove him as a director, when almost 35% of them voted against his re-election to the board. But there is certain to be renewed calls for Murdoch, who is News Corp.'s deputy COO, to stand down as chairman of BSkyB at the satcaster's annual general meeting, due to be held in London Nov. 29. If a majority of BSkyB's independent shareholders vote against him, this would put the independent non-executives on BSkyB's board "in a tricky position," according to the BBC's business editor Robert Peston. Peston quoted "a source close to the board," who thought that in those circumstances they would almost certainly feel obliged to ask Murdoch to ankle. On Nov. 10 Murdoch will face a second interrogation by MPs at Britain's House of Commons over the phone-hacking and police corruption scandal at the News of the World. Murdoch has always insisted that he was ignorant of the fact that intercepting voice messages was widespread at the U.K. tabloid when he authorised a payment of 700,000 ($1.1 million) to soccer official Gordon Taylor in April 2008 after Taylor's phone was hacked. But his version of events has been challenged by ex-News of the World editor Colin Myler and News International lawyer Tom Crone. Michael Wolff, who wrote a biography of Rupert Murdoch, "The Man Who Owns the News," told U.K. newspaper the Guardian that it was now inevitable that James Murdoch would leave. "James will probably go by himself, that's what everybody will be waiting for. "I wonder too if Lachlan (Murdoch) will step off the board. But could this drag on for another year? Yes." Wolff added that the size of the vote at Oct. 21's stockholder meeting against James had created "a very difficult family moment." Peston agreed that James Murdoch's credibility was heavily compromised. He said: "He wants to be seen as a talented business person in his own right, rather than the heir of one of the world's most powerful media tycoons. "James Murdoch's reputation has been hurt by having been in charge of News Corp.'s U.K. operations during the years when it failed to disclose the scale of phone hacking and wrongdoing at the News of the World." On Monday, James Murdoch did receive some words of support -- from ex-News International topper Les Hinton, Rupert Murdoch's right-hand man for around half a century. Hinton was asked by British MPs, via a video link from NY, if James Murdoch should take responsibility for what had occurred on his watch. "I see no reason why James Murdoch should resign," said Hinton, who himself resigned from News Corp. in July. Hinton again insisted to the pols that he was completely in the dark about acts of criminality at the News of the World when he was in charge of News International. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Google Considers Yahoo Bid

NY - Google has joined the lineup of companies exploring a potential bid for Yahoo, the Wall Street Journal reported. The online giant, led by CEO Larry Page, has talked to at least two private equity firms about possibly helping them finance a deal to acquire Yahoo's core business, according to the paper. Google is mainly interested in selling advertising across Yahoo's sites and bringing its social networking service Google+ to Yahoo's nearly 700 million monthly unique visitors, the Journal said, citing people familiar with the company's thinking. Yahoo also has deals with content companies, such as a recent agreement with ABC News, which could allow Google to strengthen its content relationships, the paper added. Any deal tying Google and Yahoo, which are two of the world's biggest Internet companies, would be sure to attract antitrust scrutiny, which could explain why it is looking for private equity partners to lead the charge. However, Google's interest could also partly be an attempt to bid up prices in an auction. Yahoo's board last month got rid of CEO Carol Bartz and started exploring strategic alternatives. Among other possible Yahoo bidders are Jack Ma, CEO of Alibaba Group, a China-based Internet firm, in which Yahoo owns a stake of about 40 percent, and Microsoft, which is looking at extending loans to potential deal partners Silver Lake Partners, a private equity firm, and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, according to the Journal. Yahoo management during a quarterly earnings call the other week provided no timeline for a decision about the company's future. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Topics Google Carol Bartz Yahoo

Early One Morning ((P bon matin))

A L'ensemble des Films du Losange, Need Prods. in coproduction with France 2 Cinema, Rhone-Alpes Cinema, RTBF, Belgacom, using the participation of Canal Plus, Cinecinema, France Televisions, La Region Rhone-Alpes, CNC, along with the support from the Region Ile p France, Center du Cinema et p l'Audiovisuel p la Communaute Francaise p Belgique et des Teledistributeurs Wallons, in colaboration with Cinemage 5. (Worldwide sales: L'ensemble des Films du Losange, Paris.) Created by Margaret Menegoz, Regine Vial. Co-producer, Denis Delcampe. Directed by Jean-Marc Moutout. Script, Jean-Marc Moutout, Olivier Gorce, Sophie Fillieres.With: Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Valerie Dreville, Xavier Beauvois, Yannick Renier, Laurent Delbecque, Aladin Reibel, Francois Chattot, Nelly Antignac, Pierre Aussedat, Rob Amoussou, Frederic Leidgens, Richard Sammut, Marion Denys, Jean-Francois Pages.The backstory that partially discloses why a good investment banker all of a sudden kills several co-workers is unfurled in elliptical Gallic drama "Early One Morning," helmer Jean-Marc Moutout's latest take a look at contempo professionals in crisis. As with his earlier "Strive, Play Hard," Moutout fires up the cost of capitalism with the prism of people dealing with intense career demands. Jean-Pierre Darroussin's moving yet subtle lead perf reps the pic's greatest bonus, however the story's downbeat trajectory and excessively fragmentary storytelling might explain why it's had merely a smallish release in Gaul, generating a decent but modest $717,000 approximately since March. 5. Per the helmer within the pic's production notes, the script he co-authored with Olivier Gorce and Sophie Fillieres was inspired with a real-existence report concerning a fiftysomething banker in Europe who all of a sudden walked into his office one Monday morning and shot a couple of his more youthful superiors dead. Pic does not carry any "according to true occasions" tag, but rather invents its very own version of methods someone so apparently respectable might crack and turn to such violence. Protag here's Paul Wertret (Darroussin), first seen brushing his teeth, kissing his sleeping wife, Francoise (Valerie Dreville), goodbye, and leaving for make use of a loaded gun in the brief-case. In the glassy modern offices of BICF, his (imaginary) bank within an un named city, Paul shoots two males who have been, we learn later, his boss, Alain Fisher (thesp-helmer Xavier Beauvois), and more youthful manager, Fabrice Van Listeich (Yannick Renier). Paul then silently would go to sit lower at their own desk together with his gun while his remaining co-workers scatter in stress. After that, asynchronous flashbacks from Paul's existence go a way -- but, apparently deliberately, not completely -- toward explaining how he got until now. The short response is he increased to hate aggressive, tricky Alain and weaselly, backstabbing Fabrice once they sidelined Paul in the bank, and used research he did to warrant reducing a friend he loved, Clarisse (Nelly Antignac), once the world economic crisis forced the financial institution to create cuts. The greater complete answer lies much deeper, partially in the once-rocky marriage with Francoise, and partially in the own feeling of guilt for getting once been just like callous to achieve success regardless of the cost. Moments showing Paul speaking to some counselor (Frederic Leidgens) some several weeks prior to the killing uncover a guy who excessively compartmentalizes his existence and it is arrogantly certain of their own judgment yet estranged from their own feelings. In a nutshell, he was an ideal banker, and also the system that made him has become breaking him. Inside a typically humanist move that's designed to show Paul's moral complexity, Moutout creates inside a sketchy subplot about how exactly he and Francoise required a gap year to complete volunteer operate in Mali and today sponsor a Malian teen, Youssef (Rob Amoussou) who's comparable age his or her own boy, Benoit (Laurent Delbecque). However the strand is not quite satisfyingly meshed in to the primary story, and ultimately, there is the sense the viewer discovers many of the particulars but could never quite begin to see the problem. That perfectly may be intentional, an effort to suggest through jagged editing and oblique storytelling the way we can figure all this out about one man's existence but know him so very little. However, the ultimate effect is quite distancing, leaving "Early One Morning" feeling a little psychologically inert. Darroussin's contained, being applied perf rectifies this somewhat, but it is less than enough.Camera (color, widescreen), Pierric Gantelmi d'Ille editor, Marie Da Costa production designer, Jerome Pouvaret costume designer, Marie Da Costa seem (Dolby Digital), Francois Guillaume supervisory seem editor, Julie Brenta. Examined at London Film Festival (French Revolutions), March. 18, 2011. (Also in Busan Film Festival -- World Cinema.) Running time: 93 MIN. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

John Calley Remembered at Sony Memorial

What could be a more fitting place for a memorial for someone who ran three studios than a soundstage?our editor recommendsJohn Calley Dies at 81John Calley Memorialized By 'Leaving Las Vegas' Director Mike Figgis (Exclusive)John Calley Remembered by Candice BergenL.A. Film Critics honor John CalleyRelated Topics•Obituaries Sony's Stage 27, which once served as Munchkinland in the production of The Wizard of Oz, was the location for the John Calley memorial. He's died Sept. 13 at age 81. During his four-decade career, he'd run Warner Bros., UA and Sony. The stage's walls were covered in black drapes with stripes of 25-foot-high blue canvas and the floor covered with a dark blue, synthetic turf. At the building's east end was a brightly lit, elevated podium with three massive video screens behind it. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Notable Deaths The late-afternoon event drew roughly 350 friends, family and co-workers who included Robert Towne, Paul Masursky, James L. Brooks, Brian Glazer, Tony Bill, Bryan Lourd, David Foster, Pierce Brosnan, Stan Freberg and Annette Bening. The memorial began with remarks from Sony co-chair Amy Pascal, who said, "If John was what studio heads are like, then we must be a classy bunch. But the truth is, there was no one like John Calley." She noted that her former boss had a certain amount of "Hollywood cynicism, but he never let it get the better of him." She mentioned a long list of Calley's likes and dislikes with top position going to "the bright yellow Rolls Royce always parked in front of Bijan. He'd yelled at it as he drove by." STORY: Spotlight: John Calley Pascal introduced a video tribute reel with speakers including Norman Jewison, Michael Barker, Seth Greenland, Neil Winter, Maria Bello, Tom Bernard, Sid Ganis, Yair Landau (who said Calley was "not in it for his ego, but he wanted to succeed"), Akiva Goldsman and Natalie Portman, who said Calley's advice to her was "don't go after the money. It leads to loneliness. Do it for the love and a great life." There was also a clip of Calley giving this advice to filmmakers: "If you use your gut, and it's a good one, you'll do very well." Sony chairman Howard Stringer began by saying he wondered what Calley would say if he knew the film clips at his memorial were out of sync. What the honoree would say, he decided, was "So was I most of the time." STORY: Studio Legends: Sony After noting that Calley ran the studio with "the maximum of taste and the minimum of tyranny," he told the story first printed in the NYer of how Calley had once tried to hire someone to help him run Warner Bros. When the potential jobholder asked what his title would be, Calley offered him a title higher than the one he had. He said he could be worldwide head of production. When asked what his own title would be, Calley said, "I could be the assistant to the worldwide head of production." The potential employee asked to think about it over the weekend, then turned down the job "because he couldn't find the catch." It was a great story, except it was the same one Mike Nichols asked Warren Beatty to read when it was time for him to read the director's prepared remarks. It put Beatty in an interesting position. He just went forward with telling the same story twice, but gave it an actor's elocution. STORY: John Calley Remembered: Hollywood Pays Tribute to the Late Studio Executive Screenwriter Buck Henry spoke of having a percentage of 1972's What's Up Doc?, which Calley told him to hold onto as it looked like the film would be a hit. Soon after, Calley went to Warners and then told him he should sell his What's Up share to the studio. Henry asked why he'd told him not to sell and Calley said that was before I became an executive at Warners. The writer told him he was keeping the shares because "he preferred the advice of Calley the friend." Mel Brooks spoke about a conversation he'd had with Calley over making Blazing Saddles and a scene where an old lady was beaten up -- "really, really beaten up" -- made him nervous. Calley told him to go for it. "If you go up to the bell," he said, "ring it." EXCLUSIVE: Sir Howard Stringer Remembers John Calley Dana Delany talked about how much Calley loved women and how much they loved him because "he accepted you for what you are. He didn't want you to change." She said their last conversation was him asking "will we love each other always?" Related Topics Annette Bening Howard Stringer John Calley Mel Brooks Warren Beatty Obituaries Sony Amy Pascal

Tech roundup

Digital production and visual effects studio Big Block signed an exclusive deal with Alex Topaller and Dan Shapiro, the directorial and design duo known as Aggressive. Aggressive is now represented under the Big Block banner for direction and design for commercials, advertising and broadcast design. The collaboration has already yielded branded content that was unveiled at the Oracle OpenWorld technology conference in San Francisco. East Coast-based Aggressive will be a creative complement to Big Block's focus on digital production for commercials, features and TV. Company designed and directed graphics and vfx-driven broadcast and web content for P&G Anna Sui Cosmetics, Toyota and RalphLauren. * * * Woods TV, part of Paris- and L.A.-based Woods Media Group, has purchased a Quantel Enterprise sQ system together with QTube global workflow technology. The system will be the backbone of the production and program adaptation company's new HD, file-based facility as the company moves its Europe HQ to Boulogne Billancourt near Paris. Company has also appointed Elodie Brulere Powers as VP, global operations, in the L.A. office. Meanwhile, Hollywood-based digital intermediate facility Light Iron has purchased has purchased a third Pablo 4K system to boost its collaborative digital workflow and a Pablo PA to add more productivity and flexibility to its DI pipeline. * * * In a bid to further serve the growing Bollywood film community, post tools and digital workflow provider Assimilate has expanded to India, extending its dealer network and training centers. The new unit is led by Prasenjit Sengupta, who joined recently as director of sales for India. Assimilate also recruited Arun Kumar, who will provide training and tech support services. The expansion is in response to demand for the company's $18,000 Scratch Six digital cinema and broadcast finishing tools for Red and other digital workflows, and its $5,000 Scratch Lab digital system for review, versioning, color correction, conform and deliverables of dailies created during production or the VFX process Contact Peter Caranicas at peter.caranicas@variety.com

Exclusive: New John Carter image

Look at this brand-new exclusive image from forthcoming Disney epic John Carter.Good books by Tarzan's Edgar Grain Burroughs, it's directed by Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo) and notifies the story of yank Civil War soldier John Carter (Taylor Kitsch) strangely gone to live in Mars and reluctant charged with becoming the planet's saviour by utilizing great eco-friendly warrior Tars Tarkas (William Dafoe) and wonderful princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). New footage proven at D23 lately shown Carter finding his new surroundings plus an capacity to leap great distances, while meeting a number of Martians great and small."It's a period film from the period we don't know anything about," states Stanton, which has Harry Potter-sized desires a possible franchise of Burrough's "pulp Shakespeare" epic.Though no matter the size, Stanton's adamant an individuals element is important, with JC "Fighting a thing that happened to him formerly. In my opinion making him more real" according to him. "Everybody has ghosts that people are chasing after after."

Human Centipede II to acquire Uk cinema release?

"The job was passed with no cuts made," states the ruling for your Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) round the British Board of Film Classification website.We i i never thought we'd hear people words about of a film which has been while using the phrase "Banned inside the Uk" to promote itself along with other nations.It's only when you gaze slightly much much deeper you realize it's under the whole Sequence, since the BBFC's remarks are the line: "Cut version. Pre-cut by company in line with DVD version."The version Bounty Films published on 6 June 2011 that was rated R went at 86 minutes and 50 seconds, because the cut which has been passed becoming an 18 Certificate for film and DVD now runs at 84 minutes and 19 seconds.That's two minutes and 31 seconds the comfort around the world is 'enjoying' and we're not!Nicely i suppose, no less than we now have still got utilization of an individuals Centipede game. All the challenges of classic Centipede while using added fun of human ass-to-mouth action!

American Horror Story On Solid Start

Ryan Murphy and Kaira Falcuk’s new Foreign exchange drama series American Horror Story launched with 3.2 million audiences and two million grownups 18-49 at 10 PM last evening. It matched up in the premiere demo rating of Murphy’s previous Foreign exchange series, the hit Puppy puppy nip/Tuck, and was up 33% within the series debut of Foreign exchange’s current flagship drama Sons of Anarchy (1.5 million). It's running behind the all-time Foreign exchange champion — the series premiere of Foreign exchange’s signature cop drama The Shield, which collared 3.2 million audiences in 18-49 — but that could change, according to Foreign exchange leader and gm John Landgraf. Were really thrilled with the premiere ratings performance of yank Horror Story, he mentioned. We understand that when the Live+7 ratings can be found in, individuals from the 13 drama series Foreign exchange has opened up, AHS will rank no less than No. 2 all-in time grownups 18-49 behind The Shield, and there is possible that may be our finest ever. Landgraf also noted the spike in social media traffic triggered with the AHS premiere. Due to its premiere evening, including two encores, AHS averaged 5 million audiences, 3.2 million of those inside the grownups 18-49 demo.

Jon Hamm on Working With Partner Jennifer Westfeldt

Jon Hamm on Working With Partner Jennifer Westfeldt By Scott Feinberg October 5, 2011 Photo by Alexandra Wyman/Getty Images Jon Hamm and Jennifer Westfeldt Last month, I had the opportunity to meet up in Toronto with Jon Hamm, the actor best known for his starring role on AMC's hit television show "Mad Men," all four seasons of which have brought him Emmy nominations for best actor in a drama (but, inexplicably, no wins). Hamm, 40, was in town to attend the world premiere of "Friends with Kids," the feature directorial debut of his longtime partner Jennifer Westfeldt, at the Toronto International Film Festival. The indie romantic-dramedy, which Westfeldt also wrote and stars in, and which Hamm co-produced and plays a small but memorable part in, played like gangbusters at its world premiere, was acquired shortly thereafter by Lionsgate (the same studio that produces "Mad Men"), and will be released in theaters sometime next spring. During our time together, Hamm and I discussed that and much more.Some highlights of our conversation...On getting into acting: "I was always kind of outspoken, and rarely shy, and, from a very early age, was, sort of, on board with standing up in front of other people and making an idiot out of myself, so it wasn't too big of a leap to turn that into a possible vocational decision."On moving out west after college (for which he'd had a theater scholarship): "Coming from St. Louis, Missouri to Los Angeles, California is a significant paradigm shift, to say the least... I basically didn't work for three years -- I, sort of, auditioned for a lot of things, and went up to a certain point in the audition process, and then would, sort of, fail... but I was either naive enough, or confident enough, or dumb enough, or some combination of the three to not get too terrifically discouraged... I'd never really done anything else -- I'd taught school, and I always knew that that was, like, a fallback position if it ever got dire."On meeting Westfeldt: "Jen and I met in L.A. at a party -- a mutual friend's birthday party... completely random meeting... she was out here auditioning for a pilot or something... and I was, too... and she got an audition for Jake Kasdan's film "Zero Effect" [1998]... and wanted to read with somebody who was a guy, and she didn't really know any guys out here, so she called... and that was, kind of, how we first officially met, running scenes from "Zero Effect." Apparently I wasn't very good, 'cause she didn't get the part."On finally starting to 'make it': "I started working steadily just before 2000... I finally started working, and that's, you know, when I was able to, kind of, not wait tables every day or every other day, and was making enough money to actually pay my bills and not put them off -- that was a pretty good feeling. And I ended up getting a television show called "The Division" [on which he appeared from 2002-2004], which I worked on for three years, and that was a steady paycheck, which was the first time in my existence that that had really happened. And that was actually around the time of "Kissing Jessica Stein" [the popular 2001 romantic-comedy co-written by and starring Westfeldt and featuring Hamm in a small role]... and then, you know, you know, that show ended, and a pilot here and a thing there." On landing the role of Don Draper in "Mad Men" six years ago: "They certainly didn't 'go to me.' I had to audition for it many, many, many times... The network, the studio, and everybody else wanted a big star to hang it on, and Matt [Weiner]'s thought process, which I think is wise, was, you know, 'This guy is basically an enigma. I don't think we can have a person who comes in with a lot of star persona really effectively do it.' And it was to my great benefit, so I'm happy that he fought for me."On his willingness to play supporting roles in films (i.e. "The Day the Earth Stood Still," "The Town," "Bridesmaids," and "Friends with Kids") even after becoming a bona fide leading man on TV: "I like to work with people whose work I respect and whose work interests me in some way... it's nice to have the opportunity to do that, I think. Unfortunately, sometimes you can get a little pigeonholed into one thing, and, you know, banging on the same piano key, after a while, is a little repetitive and maybe not so interesting, so it's nice to be able to, kind of, switch it up."On the genesis of "Friends with Kids:" "We had, kind of, been talking about just the idea of what's happened to our, sort of, 'friend-base,' and we realized, 'Oh, they all had kids!' We went to, like, nine one-year-old birthday parties in one year and were like, 'Wow, man, we have a lot of friends with kids -- this is crazy!' And we watched them and watched how parenthood takes a toll... And then she basically decided to write it down."On the night they decided to make "Friends with Kids:" "We had a table read of it at our house with Adam [Scott]... Jason Segel... Paul F. Tompkins... a bunch of fun people came and read. We were like, 'Come on, you want to read this? We'd love to have you. We'll make some pasta. Free wine!' And it, kind of, played well."On the challenges of making "Friends with Kids:" "We shot this movie over 24 days in one of NY's worst winters in something like three or four decades, [which] presented production challenges, but... we got it done, somehow... and we're thrilled with the result."On the first question begged by "Friends with Kids:" Were he and Westfeldt friends first? "Oh, yeah, very much so. She was involved with somebody, and I may have been involved, as well. Yeah, we were friends for a long time before we officially started dating -- and we've never gotten out of the 'dating' thing. We're still in it."On the second question begged by "Friends with Kids:" Do they have kids? "We don't. It's always on the periphery of the discussion, but we do not have children. You know, it's a tricky balance to strike. And I have a tremendous amount of respect for my friends who do balance this particular career with raising a kid, 'cause it's a tricky environment to bring them into... So not for us just yet."On the third question begged by "Friends with Kids:" Was it ever considered that he, rather than Adam Scott, would play Westfeldt's romantic interest in the film? "No. You know, we see enough of each other during the day. That has its own set of landmines, and pitfalls, and whatnot, and our relationship is -- I don't think -- something we need to explore on screen."On season five of "Mad Men" (will air in 2012): "We just started, so we're at the bottom of a very steep, very long hill, and I'm looking forward to getting to the top of it... It's tremendously fun. I love it. It's a great job. You know, at my advanced age, it's a nice thing to be able to work on something that you really enjoy... It's impossible to quantify what the show has done for my career and, sort of, footprint in the industry... it's been, you know, huge, and I certainly wouldn't be having this conversation -- or any conversations -- without it." The Hollywood Reporter Jon Hamm on Working With Partner Jennifer Westfeldt By Scott Feinberg October 5, 2011 Jon Hamm and Jennifer Westfeldt PHOTO CREDIT Alexandra Wyman/Getty Images Last month, I had the opportunity to meet up in Toronto with Jon Hamm, the actor best known for his starring role on AMC's hit television show "Mad Men," all four seasons of which have brought him Emmy nominations for best actor in a drama (but, inexplicably, no wins). Hamm, 40, was in town to attend the world premiere of "Friends with Kids," the feature directorial debut of his longtime partner Jennifer Westfeldt, at the Toronto International Film Festival. The indie romantic-dramedy, which Westfeldt also wrote and stars in, and which Hamm co-produced and plays a small but memorable part in, played like gangbusters at its world premiere, was acquired shortly thereafter by Lionsgate (the same studio that produces "Mad Men"), and will be released in theaters sometime next spring. During our time together, Hamm and I discussed that and much more.Some highlights of our conversation...On getting into acting: "I was always kind of outspoken, and rarely shy, and, from a very early age, was, sort of, on board with standing up in front of other people and making an idiot out of myself, so it wasn't too big of a leap to turn that into a possible vocational decision."On moving out west after college (for which he'd had a theater scholarship): "Coming from St. Louis, Missouri to Los Angeles, California is a significant paradigm shift, to say the least... I basically didn't work for three years -- I, sort of, auditioned for a lot of things, and went up to a certain point in the audition process, and then would, sort of, fail... but I was either naive enough, or confident enough, or dumb enough, or some combination of the three to not get too terrifically discouraged... I'd never really done anything else -- I'd taught school, and I always knew that that was, like, a fallback position if it ever got dire."On meeting Westfeldt: "Jen and I met in L.A. at a party -- a mutual friend's birthday party... completely random meeting... she was out here auditioning for a pilot or something... and I was, too... and she got an audition for Jake Kasdan's film "Zero Effect" [1998]... and wanted to read with somebody who was a guy, and she didn't really know any guys out here, so she called... and that was, kind of, how we first officially met, running scenes from "Zero Effect." Apparently I wasn't very good, 'cause she didn't get the part."On finally starting to 'make it': "I started working steadily just before 2000... I finally started working, and that's, you know, when I was able to, kind of, not wait tables every day or every other day, and was making enough money to actually pay my bills and not put them off -- that was a pretty good feeling. And I ended up getting a television show called "The Division" [on which he appeared from 2002-2004], which I worked on for three years, and that was a steady paycheck, which was the first time in my existence that that had really happened. And that was actually around the time of "Kissing Jessica Stein" [the popular 2001 romantic-comedy co-written by and starring Westfeldt and featuring Hamm in a small role]... and then, you know, you know, that show ended, and a pilot here and a thing there." On landing the role of Don Draper in "Mad Men" six years ago: "They certainly didn't 'go to me.' I had to audition for it many, many, many times... The network, the studio, and everybody else wanted a big star to hang it on, and Matt [Weiner]'s thought process, which I think is wise, was, you know, 'This guy is basically an enigma. I don't think we can have a person who comes in with a lot of star persona really effectively do it.' And it was to my great benefit, so I'm happy that he fought for me."On his willingness to play supporting roles in films (i.e. "The Day the Earth Stood Still," "The Town," "Bridesmaids," and "Friends with Kids") even after becoming a bona fide leading man on TV: "I like to work with people whose work I respect and whose work interests me in some way... it's nice to have the opportunity to do that, I think. Unfortunately, sometimes you can get a little pigeonholed into one thing, and, you know, banging on the same piano key, after a while, is a little repetitive and maybe not so interesting, so it's nice to be able to, kind of, switch it up."On the genesis of "Friends with Kids:" "We had, kind of, been talking about just the idea of what's happened to our, sort of, 'friend-base,' and we realized, 'Oh, they all had kids!' We went to, like, nine one-year-old birthday parties in one year and were like, 'Wow, man, we have a lot of friends with kids -- this is crazy!' And we watched them and watched how parenthood takes a toll... And then she basically decided to write it down."On the night they decided to make "Friends with Kids:" "We had a table read of it at our house with Adam [Scott]... Jason Segel... Paul F. Tompkins... a bunch of fun people came and read. We were like, 'Come on, you want to read this? We'd love to have you. We'll make some pasta. Free wine!' And it, kind of, played well."On the challenges of making "Friends with Kids:" "We shot this movie over 24 days in one of NY's worst winters in something like three or four decades, [which] presented production challenges, but... we got it done, somehow... and we're thrilled with the result."On the first question begged by "Friends with Kids:" Were he and Westfeldt friends first? "Oh, yeah, very much so. She was involved with somebody, and I may have been involved, as well. Yeah, we were friends for a long time before we officially started dating -- and we've never gotten out of the 'dating' thing. We're still in it."On the second question begged by "Friends with Kids:" Do they have kids? "We don't. It's always on the periphery of the discussion, but we do not have children. You know, it's a tricky balance to strike. And I have a tremendous amount of respect for my friends who do balance this particular career with raising a kid, 'cause it's a tricky environment to bring them into... So not for us just yet."On the third question begged by "Friends with Kids:" Was it ever considered that he, rather than Adam Scott, would play Westfeldt's romantic interest in the film? "No. You know, we see enough of each other during the day. That has its own set of landmines, and pitfalls, and whatnot, and our relationship is -- I don't think -- something we need to explore on screen."On season five of "Mad Men" (will air in 2012): "We just started, so we're at the bottom of a very steep, very long hill, and I'm looking forward to getting to the top of it... It's tremendously fun. I love it. It's a great job. You know, at my advanced age, it's a nice thing to be able to work on something that you really enjoy... It's impossible to quantify what the show has done for my career and, sort of, footprint in the industry... it's been, you know, huge, and I certainly wouldn't be having this conversation -- or any conversations -- without it." The Hollywood Reporter